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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025 the estimated population of Bonny Hills is around 3,081. This reflects an increase of 36 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,045. The change was inferred from the resident population of 3,027 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 148 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Bonny Hills has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of regional areas nationally is projected. The suburb is expected to expand by 621 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 24.1% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Bonny Hills according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Bonny Hills has averaged approximately 27 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 136 homes. So far in FY-2025/26, 2 approvals have been recorded. On average, between FY-2020/21 and FY-2024/25, approximately 1.5 new residents per year were associated with each dwelling constructed. However, recent data indicates this has increased to 5.5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $431,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year has seen $3.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Bonny Hills shows moderately higher new home approvals, averaging 11.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, although building activity has slowed in recent years.

The majority of new building activity consists of detached houses (90.0%), with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 10.0%, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location currently has approximately 288 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections estimate Bonny Hills will add 742 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Bonny Hills has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely to impact this region. Key projects are Beach to Beach Shared Path, Whitewater Terrace Development, Lake Cathie, Lake Cathie Public School upgrade, and Glen Eden Estate. The following details those expected to be most relevant:.

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

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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 1.6% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.0%. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 1,522 residents were in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.0% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area shows strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.9% of Bonny Hills's workforce compared to 5.3% in Rest of NSW. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.0%, while labour force increased by 1.1%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Bonny Hills. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Bonny Hills's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Bonny Hills has lower income than average nationally. The median income is $48,456 and the average is $60,287. This contrasts with Rest of NSW, where the median income is $49,459 and the average is $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Bonny Hills are approximately $54,566 (median) and $67,889 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Bonny Hills rank modestly, between the 24th and 30th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 28.3% of residents (871 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to metropolitan regions where 29.9% occupy this bracket. 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' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 98.8% houses and 1.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Non-Metro NSW's 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bonny Hills was 51.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.0% and rented ones at 17.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,820, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $445, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, Bonny Hills' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863, while rents were higher at $375.

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

Family households constitute 75.8% of all households, including 27.2% couples with children, 39.1% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.2%, with lone person households at 20.9% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

Educational facilities seem to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Bonny Hills has 24 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 29 different routes that together offer 230 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average being located 224 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 32 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bonny Hills is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Bonny Hills faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,565 people), compared to 48.6% across Rest of NSW.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.0% of residents) and mental health issues (8.1%), while 62.6% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 59.9% across Rest of NSW. Bonny Hills has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.5% (908 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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, as per the census on 27 June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 90.0% of residents born in Australia, 94.8% being citizens, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 60.0% of Bonny Hills' population, compared to 57.5% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestral groups were English (32.8%), Australian (32.1%), and Irish (9.3%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher at 9.2%, Welsh at 0.6%, and South African at 0.5% compared to regional averages of 8.3%, 0.5%, and 0.3% respectively.

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, Bonny Hills has an over-representation of the 75-84 cohort (11.4% locally) and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group (6.1%). The concentration of the 75-84 cohort is well above the national average of 6.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.2% to 11.4% of Bonny Hills' population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.5% to 13.1%. By 2041, Bonny Hills is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 45 to 54 group is projected to grow by 30%, increasing from 403 to 523 people. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 6%, adding 31 people.