Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg's population is around 17,467 as of August 2025. This reflects an increase of 313 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 17,154 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,421 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 59 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,365 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.6%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration which contributed approximately 71.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected. The area is expected to grow by 3,544 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting an increase of 20.0% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg has averaged approximately 103 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics is reported on a financial year basis, with 517 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY-20 to FY-25, and an additional 10 approvals so far in FY-26. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed during these years has been around 1.0. This suggests that new construction is keeping pace with demand, providing more housing options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

The average value of new homes being built is $365,000, which is lower than regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices for buyers. There have been $6.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting the area's residential character. When compared to Greater Sydney and nationally, Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg shows relatively constrained buyer choice, with approximately 57% of construction activity per person and placing among the 35th percentile of areas assessed. This suggests market maturity and possible development constraints.

The majority of new building activity consists of detached dwellings (94.0%), with a smaller proportion being medium and high-density housing (6.0%). This preserves the area's suburban nature and attracts space-seeking buyers, with around 469 people per dwelling approval. Future projections indicate that Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg is expected to add approximately 3,498 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

"Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones are Canvas at Bonnyrigg (commencing June 2021), Bonnyrigg Estate Renewal - Humphries Precinct (due for completion in late 2022), Bonnyrigg High School Upgrade (scheduled for completion in mid-2023), and Parklane Residences Villawood (expected to be finished by early 2024). Below is a list of projects likely to be most relevant.".

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

Employment performance in Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Bonnyrigg Heights has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 5.3% as of June 2025, which is 1.1% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Employment growth in the area was estimated at 5.6% over the past year. There are 7,780 residents currently employed, with employment concentrations in manufacturing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. The area shows high specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 5.5% compared to the regional average of 11.5%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, indicated by a workforce participation rate of 44.5%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's 60.0%. In the 12 months prior to June 2025, employment increased by 5.6% while labour force grew by 4.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. State-level data for NSW as of Sep-25 shows employment contracted by 0.41%, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. Nationally, employment growth was 0.26% and the unemployment rate was 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bonnyrigg Heights' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.8% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg had a median income among taxpayers of $46,093 and an average income of $54,376. These figures are lower than national averages of $56,994 and $80,856 in Greater Sydney respectively. As of March 2025, estimated incomes based on Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $50,979 (median) and $60,140 (average). Census 2021 data indicates individual incomes are at the 4th percentile ($513 weekly), while household income is at the 40th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 31.3% of locals (5,467 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to the surrounding region where 30.9% occupy this category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 38th percentile.

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

Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg had 82.8% houses and 17.2% other dwellings as of the latest Census, compared to Sydney metro's 73.3% houses and 26.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg was 32.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.1% and rented ones at 34.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with the Sydney metro average, while the median weekly rent was $400, also matching the Sydney metro figure. Nationally, Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg's median mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375 with a weekly median rent of $400.

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

Family households represent 85.7% of all households, including 44.6% couples with children, 17.7% couples without children, and 21.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 14.3%, with lone person households at 13.3% and group households comprising 1.1%. The median household size is 3.3 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 3.2.

Educational outcomes in Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges with university qualification rates at 16.9%, significantly lower than the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (0.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 25.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 9.7% and certificates at 16.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.2% in secondary education, 9.8% in primary education, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education. There are six schools operating within Bonnyrigg Heights – Bonnyrigg, educating approximately 5,852 students. Bonnyrigg Heights – Bonnyrigg demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 995) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with four primary and two secondary schools serving distinct age groups. The area functions as an education hub with 33.5 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 17.4, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Bonnyrigg Heights-Bonnyrigg has 110 active public transport stops. These are serviced by 70 bus routes, providing a total of 4,085 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 135 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is 583 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg. Both young and old age cohorts exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population, which comprises ~8,244 people. This figure contrasts with the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are diabetes and arthritis, affecting 6.6 and 6.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 75.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, matching the percentage across Greater Sydney. The area has 17.6% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 3,065 people, which is lower than the 19.0% figure for Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors in Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg are above average and broadly align with the general population's health profile.

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

Bonnyrigg Heights, a suburb in Australia's Greater Sydney area, is known for its cultural diversity. According to the 2016 Census, 55.9% of its population was born overseas, with 73.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 49.1% of residents.

However, Buddhism is significantly higher in Bonnyrigg Heights compared to Greater Sydney, representing 26.9% versus the regional average of 21.7%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are 'Other' at 31.1%, Vietnamese at 20.2%, and Chinese at 12.0%. Notably, Serbian (4.0%) is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney's average of 1.8%. Spanish representation is similar regionally at 0.9% versus 1.0%, while Samoan stands out at 1.2% compared to the regional average of 1.0%.

Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg has a median age of 38 years, which is close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (15.8%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (11.6%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 75 to 84 grew from 3.7% to 5.4%, while those aged 15 to 24 increased from 14.6% to 15.8%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 decreased from 12.8% to 11.5%. By 2041, Bonnyrigg Heights - Bonnyrigg's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 114%, adding 1,068 people and reaching a total of 2,005 from the previous figure of 936. The population aged 65 and above will comprise 59% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 35 to 44 age group is expected to grow by just 1%, with an increase of only 18 residents.