Bonny Hills

An assessment of population growth drivers in Bonny Hills reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, Bonny Hills' population is estimated at around 3,279, reflecting an increase of 234 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 7.7% growth from the previous population count of 3,045. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,142 in June 2024, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 158 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Bonny Hills' population growth exceeded that of both Rest of NSW (5.9%) and its SA4 region since the 2021 census, marking it as a growth leader. This growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Looking ahead, demographic trends project an above median population growth for regional areas nationally. Bonny Hills is expected to expand by 625 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 16.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Bonny Hills has averaged approximately 24 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 123 homes. As of FY-26, four approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 people have moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand dynamic. The average construction cost value of new properties is $431,000, slightly above the regional average.

Commercial approvals in FY-26 totalled $2.0 million, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Bonny Hills shows comparable new home approvals per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. Detached houses account for 89.0% and townhouses or apartments for 11.0% of new building activity, maintaining the area's low-density character focused on family homes.

There are approximately 109 people per dwelling approval in Bonny Hills, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts suggest Bonny Hills will gain 555 residents by 2041, with current construction levels likely meeting demand and creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Bonny Hills has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to impact the region. Notable projects include Beach to Beach Shared Path, Whitewater Terrace Development, Lake Cathie, Lake Cathie Public School upgrade, and Glen Eden Estate. The following list details those likely to have the most relevance:.

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 Bonny Hills demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Bonny Hills has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.5%. As of September 2025, 1,543 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is lower at 58.1% compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 13.5% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area has a strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.9% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.5% while labour force increased by 0.8%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced a 0.5% employment decline and a 0.1% labour force decline, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate that Bonny Hills' employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Bonny Hills' median income is $48,456 and average income is $60,287. This is lower than national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) in Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $52,749 (median) and $65,628 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Bonny Hills' household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly between the 24th and 30th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 28.3% of residents (927 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to metropolitan regions at 29.9%. After housing costs, 85.5% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Bonny Hills' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 98.8% houses and 1.2% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% others. Home ownership in Bonny Hills was 51.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.0% and rented at 17.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,820, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Bonny Hills was $445, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Bonny Hills' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents higher at $375.

Bonny Hills has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 75.8% of all households, consisting of 27.2% couples with children, 39.1% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.2%, with lone person households at 20.9% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational achievement in Bonny Hills places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

The area's university qualification rate is 21.4%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (30.3%). Educational participation is high, with 25.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.6% in primary, 7.4% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bonny Hills has 27 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 29 different routes that together facilitate 246 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 223 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 95% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Bonny Hills, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 35 trips per day, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bonny Hills's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Bonny Hills residents show positive health outcomes, matching national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions.

Common health issues affect both young and old equally, with arthritis (12.0%) and mental health concerns (8.1%) being most prevalent. Approximately 51% of residents have private health cover (~1,665 people). About 62.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age residents face higher chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors (29.6%, or 970 people) than Rest of NSW (23.4%). Senior health outcomes are above average nationally.

The latest Census data sees Bonny Hills placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Bonny Hills, surveyed in August 2016, had a population with 90.0% born in Australia, 94.8% being citizens, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 60.0%, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.8%), Australian (32.1%), and Irish (9.3%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher than regional averages at 9.2% versus 8.0%. Welsh ancestry was also slightly higher at 0.6% compared to 0.5%, and South African ancestry was notably higher at 0.5% versus 0.2%.

Bonny Hills ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Bonny Hills's median age is 51 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented at 16.0% locally, while the 25 - 34 age group is under-represented at 6.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.2% to 11.6% of the population, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.5% to 12.8%. By 2041, Bonny Hills is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 45 to 54 group is projected to grow by 26%, adding 110 people and reaching a total of 530 from the current 419. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 1%, increasing by 4 people.