Bonshaw (Vic.)

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the suburb of Bonshaw (Vic.) had an estimated population of around 1,746 as of February 2026. This figure reflects a significant increase from the 2021 Census count of 949 people, marking an 84.0% growth over five years. AreaSearch's estimation of 1,701 residents in June 2024, combined with validated new addresses since the Census date, contributed to this population rise. This results in a density ratio of 543 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space for further development. Bonshaw's population growth outpaced both the Rest of Vic. (8.1%) and national averages during this period. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 85% of overall population gains, with natural growth and overseas migration also contributing positively.

AreaSearch projections for Bonshaw are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. By 2041, the suburb is projected to grow by an additional 2,383 persons, reflecting a total increase of 112.6% over the seventeen-year period. This growth places Bonshaw in the top 10 percent of regional areas nationally, considering aggregated SA2-level projections and predicted demographic shifts.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Bonshaw shows approximately 129 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 649 homes were approved, with a further 29 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.8 new residents arrive per year for each new home built over these five years.

This suggests that new construction is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current expectations. The average construction value of new properties is $392,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. In FY-26, $2.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Bonshaw exhibits 1029.0% higher construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and demonstrating strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists predominantly of detached houses (93.0%) with a smaller proportion of medium and high-density housing (7.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low-density character while appealing to families seeking space.

With approximately 9 people per approval, Bonshaw is considered a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bonshaw is projected to gain 1,966 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

AreaSearch has identified five projects that could impact the area, with key ones being Delacombe Village, its third stage (Delacombe Town Centre), Federation University Health and Sports Precinct Stage 2, and Delacombe Big Housing Build - Leawarra Neighbourhood. The following list details those most relevant.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Bonshaw performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Bonshaw has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, lower than the national average of 5.6% as of September 2021. Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 6.0%.

In September 2025652 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8%, below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is lower at 52.0% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses in September 2025, 14.0% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (1.2 times the regional average), construction, and retail trade.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.0% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 6.0%, while labour force increased by 6.1%, with unemployment remaining unchanged. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bonshaw's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Bonshaw suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $57,723 and the average level stood at $66,538. This was just below the national average, comparing to levels of $50,954 and $62,728 across Rest of Vic. respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $62,485 (median) and $72,027 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Bonshaw cluster around the 60th percentile nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 45.8% of locals (799 people), falling within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 16.2% of income, placing disposable income at the 57th percentile nationally and resulting in an area SEIFA income ranking within the 6th decile.

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

In Bonshaw, evaluated at the latest Census in 2016, dwelling structures comprised 94.7% houses and 5.3% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Vic., which had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bonshaw was at 18.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 52.2% and rented ones at 29.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,500 as of 2016, while the median weekly rent figure was $398. Nationally, Bonshaw's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, recorded in 2016, and rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Bonshaw features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 75.8% of all households, consisting of 30.9% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 15.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.2%, with lone person households at 17.5% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Bonshaw demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 27.7% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Vic. average of 21.7%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 19.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 26.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Bonshaw faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~927 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but slightly higher than the Rest of Vic.'s 50.5%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues, impacting 12.1% of residents, and asthma, affecting 9.4%. Conversely, 69.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 2.5% of residents aged 65 and over (43 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic., with national rankings being even higher than the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Bonshaw was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bonshaw's population showed above-average cultural diversity, with 20.6% born overseas and 17.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 35.7%. Notably, the 'Other' religious category made up 4.2%, compared to 0.8% in the rest of Victoria.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (30.1%), Australian (28.4%), and Other (9.6%). Some ethnic groups had notable differences: Indian (5.6% vs regional 0.8%), Dutch (1.7% vs 1.7%), and German (4.6% vs 3.5%) were relatively more represented in Bonshaw.

Bonshaw hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 27, Bonshaw is younger than the Rest of Vic., which has a median age of 43, and is also younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Bonshaw has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (28.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (1.4%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Bonshaw's median age decreased by 1 year to 27 from 28. The percentage of residents aged 25-34 increased from 25.6% to 28.3%, while those aged 35-44 rose from 13.1% to 14.9%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 65-74 decreased from 3.1% to 1.4%, and those aged 5-14 dropped from 15.2% to 13.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Bonshaw's age profile. The number of residents aged 25-34 is projected to grow by 617 people (125%) from 494 to 1,112. Meanwhile, the 85+ group is expected to remain unchanged with no growth by 2041.