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 7,070 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 215 people (3.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,855 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,994 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 79 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,525 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 1.2%, 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 a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, making adjustments 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb, with an expected expansion of 1,247 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Bonbeach recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Bonbeach averaged around 30 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 152 homes were approved, with another 3 so far in FY-26. On average, 1.7 new residents arrived per new home over the past five financial years.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, with stable market conditions. The average construction value of new properties is $671,000, indicating a focus on premium segment development. In FY-26, there have been $4.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bonbeach has 19.0% less building activity per person and ranks among the 63rd percentile nationally.

New development consists of 40.0% detached houses and 60.0% medium and high-density housing, offering accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With around 228 people per dwelling approval, Bonbeach is considered a low density area. Population forecasts indicate Bonbeach will gain 1,302 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Five projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: The Dell by Stockland, Bonbeach Station Precinct Redevelopment & Level Crossing Removal, Bonbeach Lifesaving Club Redevelopment, Carrum Level Crossing Removal and Revitalisation.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Bonbeach recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Bonbeach has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate stands at 6.6%, indicating relative stability over the past year according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, 3860 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.9% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation mirrors Greater Melbourne's figure of 71.0%. Census responses reveal that 32.7% of Bonbeach residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Notably, construction is particularly strong with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food services are under-represented at 3.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 6.4%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Bonbeach's labour force increased by 0.4%, while employment declined by 0.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Bonbeach. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch aggregated ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Bonbeach's median taxpayer income was $64,450 and average income was $77,941. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $69,767 (median) and $84,371 (average). Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 76th percentile ($975 weekly), with household income at the 51st percentile. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominating with 31.0% of residents (2,191 people). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 49th percentile. Bonbeach'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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 38.9% houses and 61.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bonbeach was at 30.8%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 39.4%, while rented dwellings were at 29.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bonbeach was $2,139, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Bonbeach was $391, slightly higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bonbeach's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,139 compared to the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Bonbeach also 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 make up the remaining 36.3%, with lone person households at 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, including advanced diplomas (13.2%) and certificates (22.3%). Educational participation is high, with 26.4% 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 operational public transport stops offering mixed bus services. These are covered by four routes, collectively facilitating 1,709 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good with residents typically situated 270 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Bonbeach residents commute outward using cars (88%), while 7% use trains. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below regional norms. In 2021 Census data, possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions, 32.7% of residents worked from home.

Service frequency across all routes averages 244 trips daily, equating to around 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, with mortality rates and health conditions aligning with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are low across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 58% (~4,071 people) have private health cover, the highest rate recorded. Mental health issues affect 9.5% of residents, while asthma impacts 8.3%. About 67.7% declare no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. The area has 20.1% (1,421 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes are above average, matching national rankings.

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's cultural diversity was above average, with 11.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 24.1% born overseas. Christianity dominated Bonbeach's religious landscape at 44.5%. Judaism, though small at 0.5%, was higher than Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

Ancestry-wise, English (29.2%) and Australian (24.2%) were prominent, significantly exceeding regional averages of 20.1% and 18.4% respectively. Irish ancestry stood at 9.3%. Notably, Russian (1.0%), French (0.7%), and Welsh (0.7%) ethnic groups were overrepresented compared to regional figures of 0.4%, 0.5%, and 0.4% respectively.

Bonbeach's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Bonbeach is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group makes up 10.9% of the population in Bonbeach, compared to a lower representation of the 25-34 cohort at 12.0%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.6% to 6.7% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 13.8% to 12.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Bonbeach. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 63%, reaching 774 people from the current figure of 473. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 53% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.