Bonnie Brook

Bonnie Brook lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Bonnie Brook is around 4,596, reflecting a significant increase from the 2021 Census figure of 333 people. This growth of 4,263 people (1,280.2%) is notable and exceeds both national (9.9%) and state averages. The population density as of June 2024 was 215 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space for further development. The primary driver of this growth has been interstate migration, contributing approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. However, natural growth and overseas migration also played positive roles in the suburb's demographic shifts. AreaSearch projects that Bonnie Brook will continue to experience exceptional growth over the next few years, placing it in the top 10 percent of national areas.

By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase by 17,978 persons, reflecting a total increase of 390.6% over the 17-year period. These projections are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Bonnie Brook among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data shows Bonnie Brook recorded around 643 residential properties granted approval per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 3215 homes. So far in FY-26280 approvals have been recorded. Over these 5 years (FY-21 to FY-25), there was an average of 0.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed.

This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new homes was $367000. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Bonnie Brook has 5296% more development activity per person, which offers buyers ample choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. This high level is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area.

Recent construction comprises 91% standalone homes and 9% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. With around 1 person per dwelling approval, Bonnie Brook shows characteristics of a growth area. Future projections show Bonnie Brook adding 17950 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 43 projects expected to impact this region. Notable projects include Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Woodlea Estate, Plumpton Active Open Space, and Wiyal Primary School. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in Bonnie Brook shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Bonnie Brook has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 5.9%, and there was an estimated employment growth of 8.6% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,027 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.1% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Bonnie Brook lags significantly at 31.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. A high proportion of residents, 25.2%, work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents include construction, education & training, and health care & social assistance. There is particularly strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level.

In contrast, professional & technical employs just 4.0% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The ratio of 1.0 workers for each resident indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 8.6% alongside labour force increasing by 11.2%, resulting in unemployment rising by 2.3 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, suggest potential future demand within Bonnie Brook. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bonnie Brook's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Bonnie Brook had a median income among taxpayers of $42,743 and an average income of $48,134. This is lower than the national average of $57,688 and compares to levels of $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth data from June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $46,269 for median income and $52,105 for average income as of September 2025. From the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census conducted in August 2021, household incomes rank at the 38th percentile, family incomes at the 37th percentile, and personal incomes at the 42nd percentile in Bonnie Brook. The data shows that 40.5% of the population (1,861 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses. According to SEIFA data, Bonnie Brook ranks in the 6th decile based on income.

Bonnie Brook is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Bonnie Brook's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.4% houses and 11.6% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% others. Home ownership in Bonnie Brook stood at 48.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.3% and rented at 18.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,248, exceeding Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Bonnie Brook was $381, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bonnie Brook's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,248 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $381 against the national figure of $375.

Bonnie Brook has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 70.2% of all households, including 29.0% couples with children, 33.9% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.8%, with lone person households at 24.2% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

Educational attainment in Bonnie Brook aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 23.0%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 31.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (19.6%). A total of 21.9% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 8.2% in primary, 5.1% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

A substantial 21.9% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.2% in primary education, 5.1% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Bonnie Brook is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Bonnie Brook faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,112 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.3%) and mental health issues (6.9%). However, 65.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 8.4% of residents aged 65 and over (386 people), lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

Bonnie Brook is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Bonnie Brook has a high level of cultural diversity, with 39.4% of its population born overseas and 39.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bonnie Brook, accounting for 65.8% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, comprising 5.1% of Bonnie Brook's population compared to 2.3% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (17.0%), English (16.7%), and Maltese (15.7%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 1.1%. There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Hungarian at 0.7% compared to 0.3% regionally, Macedonian at 2.5% versus 0.7%, and Sri Lankan at 1.0% compared to 0.8%.

Bonnie Brook's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Bonnie Brook's median age in 2021 was 36 years, nearly matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37. This is slightly below the Australian median age of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bonnie Brook had a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.9%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (6.3%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, younger residents caused the median age to decrease by 3.5 years. Key changes included an increase in the 5-14 age group from 8.6% to 16.9%, a rise in the 45-54 cohort from 4.9% to 11.9%, and decreases in the 65-74 cohort from 16.2% to 6.0% and the 55-64 group from 15.9% to 6.3%. Population forecasts for Bonnie Brook indicate significant demographic shifts by 2041, with the 35-44 age cohort projected to grow exceptionally, increasing by 3,041 people (324%) from 937 to 3,979.