Bonnyrigg

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Bonnyrigg's population is estimated at around 10,252 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 467 people (4.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,785 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,248 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,372 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bonnyrigg's 4.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.0%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 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 also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with Bonnyrigg expected to expand by 2,135 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 20.8% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Bonnyrigg recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Bonnyrigg has averaged approximately 28 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 140 homes were approved, with an additional 17 approved so far in FY-26. This equates to about 2.2 people moving to the area per new home constructed over these years, indicating strong demand for housing.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $365,000. In terms of commercial development, there have been $790,000 in approvals this financial year, suggesting minimal activity. Compared to Greater Sydney and nationally, Bonnyrigg shows 61% of the construction activity per person and ranks in the 41st percentile, implying limited buyer options but robust demand for established homes. Recent construction comprises 95.0% detached dwellings and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban character focused on family homes.

Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern (74.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes. Bonnyrigg has approximately 403 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area. By 2041, Bonnyrigg is projected to grow by 2,131 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Bonnyrigg has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Canvas at Bonnyrigg, Bonnyrigg Estate Renewal - Humphries Precinct (Canvas), Bonnyrigg Town Hub Precinct (Stages 12-13), and Bonnyrigg Estate Renewal. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Bonnyrigg shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Bonnyrigg has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.3% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 7.2% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 4,543 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 1.2% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Bonnyrigg lagged significantly at 56.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. A high proportion of residents, 25.8%, worked from home based on Census responses, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents was concentrated in manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade, with a notable concentration in manufacturing at 2.4 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services were under-represented, with only 5.3% of Bonnyrigg's workforce compared to 11.5% in Greater Sydney.

Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 7.2% while labour force increased by 6.5%, causing a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Bonnyrigg. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with differing growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Bonnyrigg's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 30, 2023, Bonnyrigg suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $43,667 and an average of $51,514. Both figures were below the national average. In Greater Sydney, the median income was $60,817 and the average was $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% from financial year ended June 30, 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $48,173 (median) and $56,830 (average). According to the 2021 Census, individual incomes were at the 2nd percentile ($486 weekly), while household income was at the 28th percentile. In Bonnyrigg, 30.1% of individuals earned between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (3,085 individuals), similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represented 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 78.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 21st percentile.

Bonnyrigg is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Bonnyrigg's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.8% houses and 26.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bonnyrigg was at 25.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.4% and rented dwellings at 44.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Bonnyrigg was $374, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Bonnyrigg's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Bonnyrigg features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 82.8% of all households, including 40.3% couples with children, 16.5% couples without children, and 24.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 17.2%, consisting of 16.0% lone person households and 1.3% group households. The median household size is 3.2 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Bonnyrigg faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 15.8%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (0.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 26.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (16.2%). Educational participation is high, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.4% in primary education, 10.3% in secondary education, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bonnyrigg has 65 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 51 different routes that collectively facilitate 4,127 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 141 meters from the nearest one. Most Bonnyrigg residents commute outward daily. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 88% of residents, while only 6% use trains. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in Bonnyrigg, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant 25.8% of Bonnyrigg residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 589 trips per day, equating to approximately 63 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bonnyrigg'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

Bonnyrigg residents show relatively positive health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's analysis conducted on 27th May 2021. Mortality rates and health conditions are largely in line with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level.

Private health cover is found to be low at approximately 47% of the total population (~4,856 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%. Diabetes and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 6.8 and 5.8% of residents respectively. About 75.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. Bonnyrigg has 18.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,845 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.5%, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Bonnyrigg has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in the country, with 57.0% of its population born overseas and 74.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bonnyrigg, comprising 44.4% of the population. However, Buddhism is significantly overrepresented, making up 30.5%, compared to the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (30.0%), Vietnamese (23.9%), and Chinese (12.4%), all substantially higher than regional averages. Notably, Serbian (2.5%) Spanish (1.0%), and Samoan (1.3%) ethnicities are also overrepresented in Bonnyrigg compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 0.6%, and 0.5% respectively.

Bonnyrigg's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Bonnyrigg's median age is 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure and closely resembling Australia's 38 years. The 15-24 age group comprises 15.8% of Bonnyrigg's population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort makes up 12.2%, lower than Greater Sydney's figure. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.7% to 5.6%. During this period, the 15-24 age group rose from 14.3% to 15.8%, while the 45-54 cohort decreased from 12.6% to 11.2%. The 5-14 group also fell from 13.7% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bonnyrigg's age structure. Notably, the 75-84 group is expected to grow by 97%, adding 556 people and reaching 1,131 from 574. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, comprising 54% of projected population growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group is projected to grow by 6%, adding only 30 residents.