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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of Nov 2025, Bonbeach's estimated population is around 7,072. This reflects a growth of 217 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,855. This increase is inferred from an AreaSearch estimate of 6,994 residents in Jun 2024, based on ABS ERP data release and 79 validated new addresses since the Census date. Bonbeach's population density is 2,525 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally. Over the past decade, Bonbeach (SA2) has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends project an above median population growth, with Bonbeach statistical area (Lv2) expected to grow by 1,229 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 18.3% 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

Bonbeach has seen approximately 30 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis. From FY21 to FY25, around 152 homes were approved, with another 3 approved so far in FY26. Each year, about 1.7 new residents have been associated with each dwelling constructed during these years.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand market supporting stable conditions. Developers focus on the premium segment as new homes are built at an average expected construction cost of $671,000. In FY26, $4.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting Bonbeach's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bonbeach has 19.0% less building activity per person and ranks at the 63rd 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. The location has approximately 228 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bonbeach is forecasted to gain 1,294 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Bonbeach has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Five projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact 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.

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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 prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 6.5%.

Over the past year, it maintained relative employment stability. As of September 2025, 3,855 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate at 1.9% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%, and workforce participation on par with Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction stands out 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 area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population data versus 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. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne where employment rose by 3.0% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from VIC as of 25-Nov-25 shows employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%. Nationally, the employment growth was 0.14%, and the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts for Bonbeach, based on May-25 projections, suggest local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

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

Bonbeach suburb's income level is very high nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Bonbeach's median income among taxpayers is $64,450 and average income stands at $77,941. Greater Melbourne's figures are $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $69,767 (median) and $84,371 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 76th percentile ($975 weekly), while household income sits at the 51st percentile. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.0% of residents (2,192 people). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 49th percentile and area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Bonbeach displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Bonbeach's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 38.9% houses and 61.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 54.8% houses and 45.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bonbeach was at 30.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.4% and rented ones at 29.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,139, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Bonbeach was $391, compared to Melbourne metro's $410. Nationally, Bonbeach's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,139 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $391 than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 36.3%, with lone person households at 33.3% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4.

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 prevalent at 21.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.5% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 13.2% and certificates at 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 active public transport stops offering train and bus services. Four routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 1,709 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 270 meters.

Service frequency averages 244 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 100 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Bonbeach are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Bonbeach has below-average health outcomes compared to other areas.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent here across all age groups. Mental health issues affect 9.5% of residents and asthma impacts 8.3%. Approximately 4,072 people have private health cover, making up about 58% of the population. About two-thirds (67.7%) of Bonbeach residents report no medical ailments, compared to 70.4% across Greater Melbourne. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.6%, with health outcomes among this group performing above average in relation to 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 had above average cultural diversity, with 11.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 24.1% born overseas. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 44.5%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.5%, compared to 1.1% in Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.2%), Australian (24.2%), and Irish (9.3%). Russian, French, and Welsh showed notable divergences with higher representation than regional averages: Russian at 1.0%, French at 0.7%, and Welsh at 0.7%.

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 national average of 38 years. The age group of 65-74 years has a strong representation at 10.8% compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 8.9%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.6% to 6.4% of Bonbeach's population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 13.8% to 12.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Bonbeach. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 71%, adding 320 people, reaching a total of 773 from the previous figure of 452. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 54% of Bonbeach's total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.