Bonbeach

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Bonbeach's population is estimated at around 7,098 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 243 people (3.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,855 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,080 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 79 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,535 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Bonbeach has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 86.0% 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb, with an expected increase of 1,162 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 16.1% over the 16 years.

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

Bonbeach has seen approximately 30 new homes approved annually, with a total of 154 homes approved between financial years FY-21 to FY-25, and 4 so far in FY-26. On average, 0.7 new residents have been added per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years. This indicates that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices and supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average construction value of new homes is $671,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties by developers. In FY-26, Bonbeach has recorded $4.8 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting its residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bonbeach has 18.0% less building activity per person and ranks at the 65th percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered. New developments consist of 40.0% detached dwellings and 60.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

Bonbeach has approximately 218 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is projected to grow by 1,144 residents by 2041. Building activity is currently keeping pace with growth projections, though increased competition among buyers may arise as the population expands.

Bonbeach has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include The Dell by Stockland, Bonbeach Station Precinct Redevelopment & Level Crossing Removal, Bonbeach Lifesaving Club Redevelopment, and Carrum Level Crossing Removal and Revitalisation.

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

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Employment performance in Bonbeach has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Bonbeach has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 6.1%, with relative stability over the past year according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of December 2025, 3800 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.3% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Bonbeach is lower at 67.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Census data shows that 32.7% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, accommodation & food services have lower representation at 3.9%, compared to the regional average of 6.4%. Limited local job opportunities are suggested by the resident-to-working population ratio. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.2% while labour force decreased by 0.8%, leading to a 0.9 percentage point unemployment rate drop. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with an unemployment rate rise of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bonbeach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, although this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Bonbeach had a median income among taxpayers of $64,450. The average income stood at $77,941 in this suburb. Nationally, these figures are high, with national averages being $57,688 and $75,164 respectively for Greater Melbourne. Using Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Bonbeach would be approximately $70,650 (median) and $85,439 (average) as of March 2026. In the 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 76th percentile ($975 weekly), while household income sits at the 51st percentile. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.0% of Bonbeach's community (2,200 individuals). This is consistent with broader trends across the area showing 32.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 49th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Bonbeach displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Bonbeach's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 38.9% houses and 61.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bonbeach was 30.8%, similar to Melbourne metro, with the rest being mortgaged (39.4%) or rented (29.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,139, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Bonbeach was $391, slightly higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bonbeach's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Bonbeach features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 63.7% of all households, including 26.4% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.3%, with lone person households making up 33.3% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Bonbeach shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 31.7%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 13.2% and certificates at 22.3%. Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.3% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bonbeach has 17 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by four different bus routes, together providing 1,709 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 270 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 88%, while train use stands at 7%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.1, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 32.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 244 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 100 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bonbeach's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Bonbeach residents show positive health outcomes, matching national benchmarks according to AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions.

Common health condition prevalence is low across younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at 58% (~4,087 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.5 and 8.3% respectively, while 67.7% of residents report being free from medical ailments compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. Seniors make up 19.5% (1,384 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Senior health outcomes are above average and align with national rankings for the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Bonbeach records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bonbeach, surveyed in June 2016, had above-average cultural diversity with 11.8% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 24.1% born overseas. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 44.5%. Judaism, at 0.5%, was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

In ancestry, Bonbeach had significantly higher proportions of English (29.2%), Australian (24.2%), and Irish (9.3%) residents than regional averages. Notably, Russian (1.0%), French (0.7%), and Welsh (0.7%) ethnic groups were also overrepresented compared to regional figures.

Bonbeach's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Bonbeach is 42 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 10.7% of Bonbeach's population, compared to a lower representation of the 25-34 cohort at 12.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicates an increase in the 15-24 age group from 8.2% to 9.5%, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 13.8% to 12.4%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest substantial demographic changes for Bonbeach, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 62% (adding 282 people), reaching a total of 737 from 454. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 55% of the total population growth, reflecting Bonbeach's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.