Bonnells Bay - Silverwater

Bonnells Bay - Silverwater lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bonnells Bay - Silverwater's population is around 10,162 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 471 people (4.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,691 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,140 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,000 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Bonnells Bay - Silverwater has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.6% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 48.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 4,029 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 39.4% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bonnells Bay - Silverwater when compared nationally

Bonnells Bay - Silverwater has recorded around 41 residential properties granted approval per year, with 209 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 13 so far in FY-26. With an average of 3.7 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $422,000—moderately above regional levels—indicating an emphasis on quality construction. Additionally, $831,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Bonnells Bay - Silverwater has significantly less development activity (52.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 91.0% detached dwellings and 9.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 342 people per approval, Bonnells Bay - Silverwater reflects a low density area.

Looking ahead, Bonnells Bay - Silverwater is expected to grow by 4,007 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Bonnells Bay - Silverwater has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 6 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Trinity Point Mixed Use Development, Fishery Point Road and Morisset Park Road Intersection Upgrade, Alliance Avenue and Wyee Road Intersection Upgrade, and Morisset Place Strategy, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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Bonnells Bay - Silverwater shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Bonnells Bay - Silverwater has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 5.2%. As of December 2025, 4,770 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.3% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 24.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.7% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force increase by 1.5% combined with employment decreasing by 0.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Bonnells Bay - Silverwater. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bonnells Bay - Silverwater's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Bonnells Bay - Silverwater SA2's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Bonnells Bay - Silverwater SA2's median income among taxpayers is $48,913 and the average income stands at $61,699, which compares to figures for Regional NSW's of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,247 (median) and $67,166 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Bonnells Bay - Silverwater, between the 30th and 35th percentiles. Income analysis reveals the largest segment comprises 33.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,363 residents), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 35th percentile.

Bonnells Bay - Silverwater is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Bonnells Bay - Silverwater, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.1% houses and 3.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Bonnells Bay - Silverwater was in line with that of Regional NSW, at 40.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.9%) or rented (25.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional NSW average at $1,783, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Bonnells Bay - Silverwater's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

Bonnells Bay - Silverwater has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 75.3% of all households, comprising 27.5% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 14.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.7%, with lone person households at 22.1% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Bonnells Bay - Silverwater fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.8%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (33.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 80 active transport stops operating within Bonnells Bay - Silverwater, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 31 individual routes, collectively providing 330 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 202 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. Some 24.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 47 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bonnells Bay - Silverwater is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Bonnells Bay - Silverwater faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~5,060 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW, while the national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.5 and 10.2% of residents, respectively, while 59.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 23.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,391 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Bonnells Bay - Silverwater is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Bonnells Bay - Silverwater is below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.5% of its population born in Australia, 92.5% being citizens, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Bonnells Bay - Silverwater is Christianity, which makes up 54.5% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Bonnells Bay - Silverwater are English, comprising 32.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 30.7% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is represented at 4.2% of Bonnells Bay - Silverwater (vs 4.6% regionally), Maltese at 0.5% (vs 0.4%) and Dutch at 1.3% (vs 1.0%).

Bonnells Bay - Silverwater's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 42 years, Bonnells Bay - Silverwater's median age is similar to the Regional NSW average of 43 while considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (12.7%), while the 45 - 54 group is comparatively smaller (9.9%) than in Regional NSW. In the period since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.7% to 12.3% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 11.1% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.2% to 9.9% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 13.4% to 12.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Bonnells Bay - Silverwater. The 35 to 44 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 49%, adding 613 residents to reach 1,869.