Bonner

Population growth drivers in Bonner are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Bonner's population, as of Feb 2026, is approximately 7,358, marking an increase of 19 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7,339. This change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population data and address validation between the Census date and June 2024. The population density stands at 2,665 persons per square kilometer, placing Bonner in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, ending Feb 2026, Bonner has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%, outperforming its SA4 region. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.1% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. Future population trends indicate a decline in overall population by 239 persons to 2041, but specific age cohorts like the 55 to 64 age group are projected to grow by 159 people over this period.

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 has recorded approximately three residential properties granted approval per year on average. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 15 homes were approved, with zero approved so far in FY26. On average, 4.1 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these five financial years.

This indicates substantial supply lagging behind demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers target the premium market segment, as new dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $347,000. In FY26, commercial development approvals totaled $1.4 million, suggesting a predominantly residential focus in Bonner's property development. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Bonner shows significantly reduced construction levels, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining Bonner's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With approximately 5521 people per approval, Bonner shows a mature, established area. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures and benefiting potential buyers in the area.

Bonner has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified three projects that could impact the area's performance: Gungahlin Tennis Facility (Amaroo Tennis Centre), Gold Creek Homestead Precinct, Jacka Social Housing Apartments, and Amaroo School Senior Campus Expansion. These are key projects with potential significance.

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

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The employment environment in Bonner shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Bonner's workforce is highly educated with strong representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.4% as of September 2025. This figure represents a 2.0% increase in employment over the past year.

As of this date, 4,224 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 0.2% below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation was high at 80.7%, compared to the ACT's 72.5%. According to Census responses, a low 12.5% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical sectors.

Notably, transport, postal & warehousing employment levels are at 1.6 times the regional average. However, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 28.8% of Bonner's workforce compared to the ACT's 30.4%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, labour force grew by 0.9%, and unemployment fell by 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, ACT saw employment grow by 1.4%, labour force expand by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bonner's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Bonner SA2 had a median income of $69,060 and an average income of $78,319. This is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. By September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $75,455 (median) and $85,571 (average), based on a 9.26% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data ranks Bonner's household, family, and personal incomes between the 90th and 95th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 37.1% of locals (2,729 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, similar to the broader area at 34.3%. Notably, 45.7% earn above $3,000 weekly. 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Bonner's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.1% houses and 12.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bonner stood at 9.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 57.5% and rented ones at 33.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Bonner was $520, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Bonner's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 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 2.5.

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

Bonner's educational attainment exceeds national averages significantly. Among residents aged 15 and above, 44.5% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This includes 25.2% with bachelor degrees, 15.8% with postgraduate qualifications, and 3.5% with graduate diplomas. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 26.4% of residents holding them - 12.2% have advanced diplomas and 14.2% have certificates.

Educational participation is high, with 40.0% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.1% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bonner has nine active public transport stops operating within its boundaries, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 22 different routes that collectively facilitate 1,203 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in Bonner is rated as good, with residents typically located 256 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Car remains the primary mode of transportation at 88%, while bus use stands at 6%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.7, which exceeds the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 171 trips per day, equating to approximately 133 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bonner's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Bonner. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were assessed by AreaSearch to be low, particularly for younger cohorts with very low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover was found to be high at approximately 58% of the total population, which is around 4,267 people. This compares to a national average of 62.4%. The most common medical conditions in Bonner were asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.2% and 7.2% of residents respectively. A total of 79.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to the national average of 70.2%. Working-age residents in Bonner are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 5.6% of residents aged 65 and over, which is around 409 people, lower than the national average of 14.3%. Health outcomes among seniors in Bonner are above average but rank lower nationally compared to 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% of its population. Hinduism stands out with 13.3%, significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (23.6%), Australian (19.1%), and English (16.0%). Notably, Indian ancestry is overrepresented at 9.2% compared to the regional average of 3.3%, as are Croatian (1.2%) and Sri Lankan (0.9%) ancestries.

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

Bonner has a median age of 31, which is younger than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and significantly lower than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Bonner has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (18.8%), but fewer residents aged 65-74 (3.3%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 12.1%. Between 2021 and present, Bonner's median age has increased by 1.3 years from 30 to 31, indicating an aging population. Key demographic shifts include the growth of the 45-54 age group from 12.1% to 14.4%, and the increase of the 55-64 cohort from 4.7% to 6.1%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 15.7% to 13.4%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 20.7% to 18.8%. Population projections for Bonner by 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes, with the 55-64 cohort expected to grow by 23%, adding 104 residents to reach a total of 553. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 25-34 age cohorts.