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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Bongaree is around 9,535. This figure reflects an increase of 1,373 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,162. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 9,519 following examination of the ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024), along with an additional 115 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,377 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bongaree's population growth of 16.8% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the SA3 area (8.9%) and the national average, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence 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. According to demographic trends and aggregated SA2-level projections, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb of Bongaree, expected to grow by 1,741 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 11.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Bongaree recorded approximately 45 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 225 homes. As of FY-26, 16 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, demand averaged 5.1 new residents per home built, significantly outpacing supply and potentially putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $513,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $412,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bongaree has 13.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 45th 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.

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 367 people per dwelling approval, Bongaree shows a developed market. Population forecasts indicate Bongaree will gain 1,139 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified four projects that are expected to impact the area. These include Sundale's Bribie Island Retiree Resort, the expansion of Bongaree Village Shopping Centre, Bribie Pines Island Village, and Solana Bribie Island Lifestyle Resort. The following list provides details on those projects deemed most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Bongaree remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Bongaree has a balanced workforce encompassing white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area. The unemployment rate was 4.9% as of an unspecified past year.

Employment growth over that year was estimated at 8.8%. As of September 2025, 2,425 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is 0.9% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Bongaree lagged significantly at 29.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 15.0% of residents worked from home.

The dominant employment sectors among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment levels were particularly notable, at 1.4 times the regional average. In contrast, professional & technical services employed only 3.4% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in an unspecified date, employment increased by 8.8% while the labour force grew by 5.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 2.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8%, the labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points. 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 Bongaree's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Bongaree suburb had a median taxpayer income of $37,595 and an average income of $51,381. These figures are below the national averages of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively for Greater Brisbane. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Bongaree would be approximately $41,321 and $56,473 respectively. Census data from 2021 shows that income levels in Bongaree fall within the 0th-3rd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution data indicates that 39.1% of Bongaree's population (3,728 individuals) earn between $400-$799 weekly, contrasting with the surrounding region where the leading income bracket is $1,500-$2,999 at 33.3%. The high concentration of residents in sub-$800 weekly brackets suggests economic challenges for a significant portion of Bongaree's 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 per the latest Census, consisted of 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 ones at 25.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,568, below Brisbane metro's 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, 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 make up the remaining 41.8%, with lone person households at 39.3% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. 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 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 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 operational public transport stops, serving a mix of bus routes. These are covered by five individual routes, offering a total of 858 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 197 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. As a residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 88%, with 5% opting to walk. On average, there are 0.8 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 122 trips daily, equating to roughly 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

Bongaree faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~4,535 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 55.8% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (16.9%) and mental health issues (8.9%). Conversely, 44.4% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, lower than Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Bongaree has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 59.8%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings.

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

Bongaree's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 76.1% born in Australia, 89.1% being citizens, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 62.0%, 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 (9.9%) and German (5.0%) ancestry were overrepresented in Bongaree compared to regional averages of 7.4% and 4.2%, respectively. New Zealand ancestry was underrepresented 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 median age of 36 years and higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bongaree has a notably over-represented cohort of residents aged 75-84 (24.6%), while those aged 25-34 are under-represented (1.9%). This concentration of residents in the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.1%. According to the Census conducted on 28 August 2021, the percentage of Bongaree's population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 20.7% to 24.6%, while the percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 has declined from 3.5% to 1.9%. Additionally, the percentage of residents aged 5 to 14 has dropped from 5.2% to 3.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bongaree's age structure. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to increase dramatically by 856 people (114%), from 753 to 1,610. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, the populations of those aged 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 are expected to decline.