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 around the suburb of Bondi, its population is estimated at around 10,998 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 587 people (5.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,411 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,966 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 53 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 12,788 persons per square kilometer, placing Bondi in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Bondi has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.2%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 78.0% 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 NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth of national areas is anticipated, with the suburb expected to expand by 324 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 2.8% in total over the 17 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. This totals an estimated 66 homes. So far in FY26, 14 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 3.3 people moving to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, supply is substantially lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $1,490,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. There have also been $3.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character. Relative to Greater Sydney, Bondi has significantly less development activity, which is 58.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 44.0% detached dwellings and 56.0% attached dwellings, indicating a trend toward denser development to provide accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests at Census, indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. At around 624 people per approval, Bondi shows a mature, established area. Looking ahead, Bondi is expected to grow by 306 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 35 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the 81 Anglesea Street Apartment Development, the Road Infrastructure Renewal Program from 2024 to 2025, the Pacific Ave project in Tamarama, and the Hall Street Development. The following list details those projects deemed most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Bondi exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Bondi has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. In September 2025, 7,451 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.6% below Greater Sydney's rate.

Workforce participation was higher at 80.1% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. 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 services (1.8 times the regional average), finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance (10.2%, below the regional average of 14.1%). The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.8% while unemployment remained essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bondi's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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 while the average income stands at $149,098. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $79,327 (median) and $162,308 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Bondi, between the 91st and 96th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment comprises 31.0% earning $4000+ weekly (3,409 residents), differing from regional patterns 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

Dwelling structure in Bondi, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, consisted of 6.6% houses and 93.5% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Sydney metropolitan area's dwelling structure of 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 metropolitan area's average of $2,427 and the national average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Bondi was recorded at $656, substantially higher than Sydney metro's $470 and Australia's national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 46.7%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households making up 14.2%. The median household size is 2.1 people, 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

Bondi's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 59.2% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. This high level of educational attainment positions Bondi favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 41.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%).

Vocational pathways account for 22.1% of qualifications among those aged 15+, 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 collectively facilitate 6,775 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 128 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most Bondi residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation for these outward-bound journeys, used by 51% of residents. Trains and buses follow at 16% and 14%, respectively.

The average vehicle ownership per dwelling in Bondi is 0.6, which falls below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a significant proportion of residents, specifically 60.7%, work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 967 trips made daily across all routes, translating 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

Bondi's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 86% of Bondi's total population (9,408 people) has private health cover, compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and the national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 6.0% and 6.0% of residents respectively. 79.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Bondi has 12.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,385 people), which is lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong and align 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 dominates religiously, at 32.4%. Judaism stands out at 15.0%, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 0.8%.

Top ancestral groups are English (23.1%), Other (17.6%), and Australian (14.2%). Spanish (2.1% vs regional 0.6%), Russian (2.2% vs 0.4%), and French (2.0% vs 0.5%) are overrepresented ethnically.

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

Bondi's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Bondi has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (32.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 7.6% to 10.2%, while the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 10.4% to 8.7%, and the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 7.2% to 6.1%. By 2041, Bondi's population is projected to undergo substantial demographic changes, with the 85+ cohort showing the strongest growth at 82%, adding 208 residents to reach a total of 461. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 79% of this population growth, indicating a trend towards an aging demographic. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 age group and the 5 to 14 age group.