Bondi

An assessment of population growth drivers in Bondi reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Bondi's population is estimated at around 11,002 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 591 people (5.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,411 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,001 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 12,793 persons per square kilometer, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. Bondi's growth of 5.7% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (5.6%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth of national areas is anticipated. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to expand by 297 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 2.7% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Bondi recorded around 13 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 69 homes. As of FY26, 17 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.2 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This supply lagging demand indicates heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $1,490,000, targeting the premium market segment. In FY26, there have been $3.7 million in commercial approvals, suggesting Bondi's residential character. Compared to Greater Sydney, Bondi has significantly less development activity (56.0% below regional average per person), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, building activity has accelerated recently. Nationally, Bondi reflects market maturity and possible development constraints, with new development consisting of 44.0% detached dwellings and 56.0% attached dwellings. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, despite continued strong demand for family homes (7.0% at Census).

Bondi shows a mature, established area with around 588 people per approval. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Bondi will grow by 296 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Bondi has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 35 projects that could affect the area. Notable projects include the 81 Anglesea Street Apartment Development, the Road Infrastructure Renewal Program from 2024 to 2025, the Pacific Ave development in Tamarama, and the Hall Street Development. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in Bondi demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Bondi has a highly educated workforce. The technology sector is notably represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.4% in the past year.

Employment growth over this period was estimated at 3.4%, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 7,559 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Bondi was 79.9%, higher than Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census responses, 60.7% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment is concentrated in professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance sectors. Professional & technical employment is particularly high at 1.8 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 10.2% versus the regional average of 14.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.4%, with labour force also increasing by 3.4% while unemployment remained essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bondi's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Bondi has exceptionally high incomes nationally. The median income is $72,871 and the average income stands at $149,098. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $80,391 (median) and $164,485 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Bondi rank highly nationally, between the 91st and 96th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 31.0% earning $4000+ weekly (3,410 residents), differing from patterns across the region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 30.9%. A significant 44.2% earn above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 20.8% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 86th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Bondi features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Bondi, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 6.6% houses and 93.5% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Sydney metro's dwelling structure which was 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bondi stood at 20.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (20.7%) or rented (58.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bondi was $3,033, significantly higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427 and the national average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure for Bondi was recorded at $656, substantially above Sydney metro's $470 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households comprise 53.3% of all households, including 18.8% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 5.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 46.7%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households comprising 14.2%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Bondi demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Bondi is significantly higher than national and state averages. As of the latest data, 59.2% of residents aged 15 years and over hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and New South Wales' 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 41.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.8%) and graduate diplomas (3%). Vocational pathways account for 22.1% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 10.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 6.8% in tertiary education, 6.1% in primary education, and 4.8% pursuing secondary education.

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

Bondi has 19 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 18 different routes that together facilitate 6,775 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 128 meters from the nearest stop. Most Bondi residents commute outward daily due to its predominantly residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation for 51% of residents, followed by trains at 16% and buses at 14%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.6, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 60.7% of Bondi residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 967 transport trips daily across all routes, which equates to approximately 356 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bondi's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

AreaSearch's assessment shows Bondi has excellent health outcomes. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Approximately 86% of Bondi residents have private health cover, compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent conditions are asthma (6.0%) and mental health issues (6.0%). 79.6% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Bondi has 12.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,342 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

Bondi's cultural diversity is notable, with 26.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 49.2% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 32.4%. However, Judaism is significantly overrepresented at 15.0%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (23.1%), Other (17.6%), and Australian (14.2%). Notably, Spanish (2.1% vs regional 0.6%), Russian (2.2% vs 0.4%), and French (2.0% vs 0.5%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in Bondi.

Bondi hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Bondi's median age is 33, which is lower than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Bondi has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (33.7%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.0%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of Bondi's population aged 15-24 has grown from 7.6% to 10.0%, while the 25-34 age group increased from 32.3% to 33.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has decreased from 10.4% to 8.8%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 7.2% to 6.0%. By 2041, Bondi's population is expected to undergo significant demographic changes. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 87%, adding 210 residents to reach a total of 453. This growth will contribute to an overall increase in the number of residents aged 65 and older, who are expected to represent 82% of Bondi's population growth. In contrast, the 5-14 and 55-64 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.