Bongaree

Population growth drivers in Bongaree 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, Bongaree's population is estimated at around 9,535 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,373 people (16.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,162 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,519 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 115 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,377 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bongaree's 16.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.9%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 79.0% 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Examining future population trends, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,724 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 17.9% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bongaree when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Bongaree has experienced approximately 44 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 222 homes. As of FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. On average, 5.2 people have moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $513,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In this financial year, $412,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bongaree has 14.0% less new development per person and places among the 41st percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. Recent construction comprises 92.0% detached dwellings and 8.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (64.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. With around 392 people per dwelling approval, Bongaree shows a developed market. Population forecasts indicate Bongaree will gain 1,708 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects that could affect this region: Bribie Island Retiree Resort (Sundale), Bongaree Village Shopping Centre Expansion, Bribie Pines Island Village, and Solana Bribie Island Lifestyle Resort. The following details those most relevant.

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The labour market performance in Bongaree lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Bongaree has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.8% as of December 2025.

Employment grew by an estimated 4.0% over the past year. There were 2,394 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.7% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was significantly lower at 28.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%. According to Census responses, 15.0% of residents worked from home.

Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment levels were notably high, at 1.4 times the regional average. Professional & technical services employed just 3.4% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 4.0%, with labour force growth of 3.8%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bongaree's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Bongaree had a median income among taxpayers of $37,595. The average income stood at $51,381, which is below the national average. In comparison, Greater Brisbane's average income was $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $41,321 (median) and $56,473 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Bongaree all fall between the 0th and 3rd percentiles nationally. Distribution data indicates that 39.1% of the population (3,728 individuals) fall within the $400 - 799 income range, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 33.3%. The concentration of 48.4% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges facing a significant portion of the community. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile.

Bongaree displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Bongaree, as per the latest Census, consisted of 63.8% houses and 36.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bongaree was at 59.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 14.4% and rented ones at 25.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,568, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Weekly rent in Bongaree was $300, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Bongaree's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,568 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 58.2% of all households, including 8.2% couples with children, 42.0% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 41.8%, with lone person households at 39.3% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Bongaree faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.6%, significantly lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 28.3%. Formal education enrollment stands at 14.9%, comprising 5.5% in secondary education, 5.1% in primary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Formal education enrollment stands at 14.9% of residents. This includes 5.5% in secondary education, 5.1% in primary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bongaree has 42 active public transport stops offering mixed bus services. These are covered by five routes, collectively facilitating 858 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically 197 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commute outward; cars remain dominant at 88%, with 5% walking. Average vehicle ownership is 0.8 per dwelling, below regional average. In 2021 Census data, 15.0% of residents worked from home, potentially reflecting COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 122 trips daily across all routes, approximately 20 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Bongaree is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Bongaree. AreaSearch's assessment found notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover was low at approximately 48% of the total population (~4,535 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis (16.9%) and mental health issues (8.9%). Conversely, 44.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age population faced notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area had 61.0% of residents aged 65 and over (5,816 people), higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors presented some challenges, generally in line with national rankings for the general population.

Bongaree ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bongaree's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 76.1% of its population born in Australia, 89.1% being citizens, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 62.0% of people in Bongaree, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were English (36.6%), Australian (24.5%), and Irish (10.2%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.9%, compared to the regional average of 7.4%. German ancestry was also higher than average at 5.0% versus 4.2%, while New Zealand ancestry was slightly lower at 0.8% compared to the region's 1.0%.

Bongaree ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Bongaree's median age is 68 years, significantly older than Greater Brisbane's 36 years and higher than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bongaree has a notably higher proportion of people aged 65-74 (27.9%) but fewer people aged 25-34 (2.1%). This concentration is well above the national average of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 20.7% to 24.9%, and the 85+ cohort increased from 7.0% to 8.2%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group declined from 3.5% to 2.1%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 7.9% to 6.8%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Bongaree's age structure. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to increase by 1,012 people (43%), from 2,374 to 3,387. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 55-64 age groups are expected to experience population declines.