Bongaree

Bongaree lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the population of Bongaree is estimated at around 8,780 people. This figure reflects an increase of 618 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,162 people in the suburb. The latest estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of resident population data, based on the ERP release by ABS in June 2024 and additional new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,268 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Bongaree has shown resilient growth patterns with an annual compound growth rate of 2.5%, outpacing the SA3 area's growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the suburb.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, above median population growth is expected for the suburb. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Bongaree is expected to expand by 1,706 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 21.1% 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 for Bongaree shows an average of 47 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 237 homes. In FY-26, so far, there have been 5 approvals. Over these five years, an average of 4.9 new residents per year has arrived per dwelling constructed.

Demand exceeds supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value for new dwellings is $513,000. This financial year, there have been $3.1 million in commercial development approvals recorded, indicating limited focus on commercial development compared to residential.

When comparing Bongaree's development levels per person with Greater Brisbane, they are similar, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. New developments consist of 96% detached dwellings and 4% attached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited for buyers seeking space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests at Census (64%), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 410 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Population forecasts indicate Bongaree will gain 1,854 residents by 2041 according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Development is keeping 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.

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 Bongaree remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Bongaree's workforce comprises an equal mix of white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 5.0%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.1%.

Employment grew by 11.7% over the past year. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly specialized with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services are underrepresented at 3.4%, compared to the regional average of 8.9%.

The area's residential nature limits local job opportunities, indicated by a lower workforce participation rate (27.0% vs Greater Brisbane's 64.5%). Employment increased by 11.7% while labour force grew by 8.0% over the year to June 2025, reducing unemployment by 3.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bongaree's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant population ratios.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data shows Bongaree had a median taxpayer income of $37,595 and an average of $51,381 in financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages of $55,645 and $70,520 for Greater Brisbane respectively. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $42,855 and average $58,569 based on Wage Price Index growth. The 2021 Census data indicates Bongaree incomes fall between the 0th and 3rd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows 39.1% of locals (3,432 people) earn $400 - $799 weekly, unlike metropolitan trends where 33.3% earn $1,500 - $2,999. The prevalence of lower-income residents (48.4% earning under $800/week) suggests constrained household budgets across much of the locality. 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

Bongaree's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 63.8% houses and 36.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 78.8% houses and 21.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bongaree was 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 $1,647. Median weekly rent in Bongaree was $300, compared to Brisbane metro's $350. Nationally, Bongaree's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,568 versus Australia's 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% that are couples with children, 42.0% that are couples without children, and 7.3% that are 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% of the total. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.1.

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 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%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (28.3%). Formal education enrollment stands at 14.9%, comprising secondary (5.5%), primary (5.1%), and tertiary (1.5%) education.

The area has two schools serving 1,559 students: Bribie Island State School and Bribie Island State High School. These institutions function as an education hub with 17.8 school places per 100 residents, higher than the regional average of 7.3.

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

Transport analysis indicates 42 active stops operating in Bongaree, serving a mix of bus routes. These are covered by five individual routes, offering 858 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average situated 197 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 122 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 20 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Bongaree is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Bongaree faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~4,176 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 16.9% of residents) and mental health issues (8.9%). Conversely, 44.4% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than the Greater Brisbane figure of 52.7%. Bongaree has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 58.4% (~5,127 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 44.7%. Health outcomes among seniors largely align with those of 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, as per the census conducted on 27 June 2016, had a cultural diversity index of below average. The population born in Australia constituted 76.1%, with 89.1% being citizens and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 62.0% of the population, compared to 56.3% across Greater Brisbane.

Regarding ancestry, the top groups were English (36.6%), Australian (24.5%), and Irish (10.2%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher than average at 9.9%, while German stood at 5.0%, and New Zealand at 0.8%.

Bongaree ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Bongaree's median age is 67 years, notably exceeding Greater Brisbane's 36 years and well above Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 65-74 years are particularly prominent, comprising 27.2% of the population, compared to 9.4% nationally. This group is larger than the 25-34 year-old cohort (2.2%), which is smaller than in Greater Brisbane. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 20.7% to 23.7%, while the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 5.2% to 3.9%. The 25 to 34 year-old cohort has also decreased, from 3.5% to 2.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bongaree's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to rise by 1,100 people (53%), from 2,080 to 3,181 individuals. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 55 to 64 age cohorts.