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

The population of the suburb of Bongaree, based on ABS updates and AreaSearch validation, is estimated at 9,191 as of May 2026. This figure reflects a growth of 1,029 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,162. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population using the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 139 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,328 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bongaree's growth rate of 12.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (8.3%) and the national average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends suggest a growth of 965 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 10.5% over the 16-year period, which is just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Bongaree among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Bongaree shows approximately 44 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 222 homes. So far in FY-26, 21 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 8 people move to the area each year for each new dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding supply. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $513,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties.

In this financial year, $412,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, predominantly for residential projects. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bongaree has 15.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 40th percentile nationally, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice. Recent construction comprises 92.0% detached dwellings and 8.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character.

Population forecasts indicate Bongaree will gain approximately 965 residents by 2041 at current development rates, comfortably meeting demand with new housing supply.

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

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include Sundale's Bribie Island Retiree Resort, Bongaree Village Shopping Centre Expansion, Bribie Island Central, and Bribie Pines Island Village. The following details projects likely to have the most relevance.

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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.

Bongaree shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Bongaree has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 4.8%. In the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 5.7%.

As of December 2025, 2,593 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.1% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. The workforce participation rate in Bongaree is significantly lower at 31.4%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 15.0% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction employment levels are particularly high at 1.4 times the regional average. In contrast, professional & technical services employ only 3.4% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 5.7%, labour force grew by 5.4%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane where employment rose by 3.2%, labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment fell by 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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Bongaree had a median taxpayer income of $37,595 and an average of $51,381. These figures are below the national averages of $58,236 and $72,799 in Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $41,866 (median) and $57,218 (average). Census 2021 data indicates Bongaree's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 0th and 3rd percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 39.1% of Bongaree's population earns within the $400 - $799 range, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is most common at 33.3%. The concentration of 48.4% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges faced by a significant portion of the community. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Bongaree, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 63.8% houses and 36.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bongaree stood at 59.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 14.4% and rented dwellings at 25.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,568, below the Brisbane metro average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Bongaree was $300, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Bongaree's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 41.8%, with lone person households at 39.3% and group households comprising 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 has university qualification rates of 13.6%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (28.3%). Formal education enrollment stands at 14.9%, including secondary education (5.5%), primary education (5.1%), and tertiary education (1.5%).

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, served by five routes offering a total of 858 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop is 197 meters. Most residents commute outward using cars (88%), with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling. In 2021 Census data, 15.0% of residents worked from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency is 122 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 20 weekly trips per stop.

Service frequency averages 122 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 20 weekly trips per individual 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 shows high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 4,372 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (16.9%) and mental health issues (8.9%). About 44.4% of residents report being free from medical ailments, lower than the 69.2% reported across Greater Brisbane. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 59.8% (around 5,496 people), compared to 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly 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 had a cultural diversity level 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 representation was higher at 9.9%, German at 5.0%, and New Zealand at 0.8%.

Bongaree ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Bongaree's median age is 68 years, which is significantly older than Greater Brisbane's 36 years and higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bongaree has a notably over-represented cohort of 75-84 year-olds (24.6% locally) while those aged 25-34 are under-represented (2.3%). This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 20.7% to 24.6%, and the 85+ cohort increased from 7.0% to 8.1%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 3.5% to 2.3%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 16.0% to 14.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Bongaree's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand by 808 people (36%), from 2,260 to 3,069. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.