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

As of Feb 2026, AreaSearch estimates Bonbeach's population at around 7,070, a 3.1% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 6,855 people. This growth is inferred from an estimated resident population of 6,994 in Jun 2024 and 79 validated new addresses since the Census date. The suburb's population density is 2,525 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally. Over the past decade, Bonbeach has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.0% of overall population gains recently. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data.

For areas not covered, it employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Bonbeach is projected to have an above median population growth, expanding by 1,245 persons, a 16.5% increase over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Bonbeach averaged around 30 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 154 homes were approved, with a further 3 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 1.6 new residents arrived per new home over the past five financial years.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, maintaining stable market dynamics. The average construction value of new properties was $671,000, indicating a focus on premium segment development. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $4.8 million, reflecting Bonbeach's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bonbeach had 18.0% less building activity per person and ranked at the 64th percentile nationally among assessed areas.

New development consisted of 40.0% detached houses and 60.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend towards denser development offers accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. Bonbeach had around 221 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bonbeach is projected to gain 1,169 residents by 2041. Construction pace has been reasonable with projected growth, but increasing population may intensify competition among buyers.

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. These key projects include The Dell by Stockland, Bonbeach Station Precinct Redevelopment & Level Crossing Removal, Bonbeach Lifesaving Club Redevelopment, and Carrum Level Crossing Removal and Revitalisation. Details about these projects are provided below.

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

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

Bonbeach has an educated workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.0% as of AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data for the past year. Employment grew by an estimated 0.7%.

As of December 2025, 3,866 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.2% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 32.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. 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%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.7%, while labour force decreased by 0.4%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point drop in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising by 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 could increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for local population projections.

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

Bonbeach suburb has a median taxpayer income of $64,450 and an average income of $77,941, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $69,767 (median) and $84,371 (average), based on an 8.25% increase since financial year 2023. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 76th percentile with a weekly income of $975, while household income is at the 51st percentile. In Bonbeach, 31.0% of residents (2,191 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, consistent with metropolitan trends where 32.8% are 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 38.9% houses and 61.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bonbeach was 30.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.4% and rented ones at 29.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,139, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Bonbeach was $391, slightly above Melbourne metro's figure of $390. Nationally, Bonbeach's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,139 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $391 versus 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 account for 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 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, all serving buses. These stops are covered by four routes, offering a total of 1,709 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good, with residents typically living 270 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Bonbeach's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode at 88%, while trains account for 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below 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 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 relatively positive health outcomes, according to data analysed by AreaSearch.

Mortality rates and health conditions align largely with national benchmarks. Prevalence of common health issues is low across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 58% (~4,071 people) have private health cover, which is very high. 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. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. The area has 20.4% (1,442 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes are above average, aligning 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 has a higher-than-average cultural diversity, with 11.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 24.1% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bonbeach, accounting for 44.5%. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.5% versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (29.2%), Australian (24.2%), and Irish (9.3%), all higher than regional averages. Notably, Russian (1.0%) and French (0.7%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional figures of 0.4% each, while Welsh is also relatively high 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 average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 11.1% of the population in Bonbeach, compared to a lower percentage in Greater Melbourne. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up 12.1% of Bonbeach's population, which is less than Greater Melbourne's percentage. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.6% to 6.8% of Bonbeach's population, while the 25-34 age group has decreased from 13.8% to 12.1%. Population forecasts for Bonbeach in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 61%, reaching 776 people from the current figure of 480. Notably, the combined population of all age groups above 65 years will account for 56% of Bonbeach's total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.