Bonner
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Bonner are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Bonner's population is 7,358 as of Aug 2025. This shows an increase of 19 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,339. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,358 in June 2024 and one validated new address since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,665 persons per square kilometer, placing Bonner in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Bonner's population grew at a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%, outpacing its SA4 region. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections were adopted. Future population trends indicate a decline of 239 persons by 2041, but growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, particularly the 55 to 64 age group projected to grow by 159 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Bonner, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Bonner recorded approximately 3 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis: 15 homes over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with 0 so far in FY-26. An average of 4.1 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed yearly during these years, indicating demand significantly exceeded supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. Developers focused on the premium market, building homes at an average construction cost value of $453,000.

This financial year saw $1.4 million in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus compared to other areas like the Australian Capital Territory where construction is substantially higher. Bonner's limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 5521 people per approval, Bonner shows a mature, established area. Population is expected to remain stable or decline, reducing pressure on housing and potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Bonner should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Bonner has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly impacted by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified four projects that are expected to influence this particular area. Notable among these are the Gungahlin Tennis Facility (Amaroo Tennis Centre), Gungahlin Tennis Facility, Gold Creek Homestead Precinct, and Jacka Social Housing Apartments. The following list provides details on those projects deemed most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

The labour market in Bonner shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Bonner has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%.

The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 2.8% over the past year. As of June 2025, 4,294 residents are employed, with a workforce participation rate of 78.6%, higher than ACT's 69.6%. Key industries for Bonner residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. The area shows strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing (1.6 times the regional level).

However, public administration & safety is under-represented compared to ACT (28.8% vs 30.4%). Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, labour force grew by 1.6%, and unemployment fell by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, ACT saw employment grow by 1.9%. State-level data from Sep-25 shows ACT's employment contracted by 0.33% (losing 1,480 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bonner's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Bonner shows a median taxpayer income of $65,891 and an average of $75,396 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is higher than national averages, contrasting with ACT's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2022 to March 2025 (10.78%), estimated incomes would be approximately $72,994 (median) and $83,524 (average). Census 2021 data shows Bonner's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 90th and 95th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 37.1% of locals (2,729 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, similar to regional patterns at 34.3%. Bonner's affluence is evident with 45.7% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and services. High housing costs consume 16.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 94th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Bonner is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Bonner, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.1% houses and 12.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's 66.3% houses and 33.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bonner was at 9.2%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (57.5%) or rented (33.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bonner was $2,167, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,123. Median weekly rent in Bonner was recorded at $520, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $462. Nationally, Bonner's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Bonner features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 86.5% of all households, including 55.7% couples with children, 17.9% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 13.5%, with lone person households at 11.2% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 3.4 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.9.

Educational achievement in Bonner places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

In Bonner, 44.5% of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, exceeding the Australian average of 30.4%. The area's highest educational achievement is bachelor degrees at 25.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 26.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (14.2%). Educational participation is high, with 40.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 16.1% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education. Neville Bonner Primary School serves the local community, with an enrollment of 651 students as of a certain date. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. As of a specific year, there are 8.8 school places per 100 residents in Bonner, which is below the regional average of 14.7. Some students may attend schools in adjacent areas due to this discrepancy.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows 12 active stops operating within Bonner, consisting of buses. These stops are served by 4 distinct routes, offering a total of 354 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated good, with residents typically located 252 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 50 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bonner's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Bonner.

Both younger and older age groups have low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is high at approximately 57% of the total population, which totals around 4,201 people. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.2% and 7.2% of residents respectively. A majority, 79.1%, report having no medical ailments, compared to 76.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. Bonner has a lower percentage of seniors aged 65 and over at 5.3% (389 people), versus 8.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in the broader population.

Bonner is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Bonner's population shows high cultural diversity, with 41.7% born overseas and 46.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bonner, accounting for 36.8%. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, comprising 13.3% of Bonner's population versus 9.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (23.6%), Australian (19.1%), and English (16.0%). Notably, Indian (9.2%) and Sri Lankan (0.9%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 6.4% and 0.6%, respectively.

Bonner hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Bonner's median age is 31, which is younger than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Bonner has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 (19.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (3.2%). This concentration of 5-14 residents is well above the national figure of 12.2%. Between 2021 and present, Bonner's median age has increased by 1 year from 30 to 31, reflecting an aging population. Key changes during this period include the growth of the 45 to 54 age group from 12.1% to 14.1%, and the increase of the 15 to 24 cohort from 12.1% to 13.1%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 15.7% to 13.9%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 20.7% to 19.3%. Population forecasts for Bonner in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the strongest projected growth being the 55 to 64 cohort at 34%, adding 139 residents to reach 553. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 cohorts.