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

The population of the suburb of Bonshaw (Vic.), as estimated by AreaSearch, was around 2,582 as of May 2026. This figure reflects a significant increase from the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 949 people in the area. The latest estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses since the Census date and their examination of the ABS's ERP data release from June 2025. This level of population results in a density ratio of 804 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively inline with averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bonshaw's population growth of 172.1% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the Rest of Vic. (4.3%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a notable growth leader in the area. Interstate migration was the primary driver for this growth, contributing approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting them using 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. Looking ahead, exceptional growth is predicted for Bonshaw over the period up to 2041, with the area expected to expand by 3,623 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 139.3% in total over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Bonshaw was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Bonshaw recorded around 123 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 616 homes. In FY-26 so far, 72 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.7 new residents arrive per year for each new home constructed in Bonshaw over these five years.

The average construction value of new properties is $392,000, which is moderately above regional levels. There has also been $2.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Bonshaw has 780.0% more new home approvals per person. This creates greater choice for buyers but construction activity has eased recently. New development consists of 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature.

With around 13 people per dwelling approval, Bonshaw shows characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bonshaw is expected to grow by 3,597 residents through to 2041. Construction pace is maintaining reasonable growth despite increasing population and potential competition for buyers.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified five projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Delacombe Village, Delacombe Village (Stage 3 - Delacrome Town Centre), Federation University Health and Sports Precinct Stage 2, and Delacombe Big Housing Build - Leawarra Neighbourhood. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Bonshaw performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Bonshaw has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.4%. Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 15.4%.

As of December 2025, 1,572 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% lower than Regional Vic.'s 3.7%. Workforce participation in Bonshaw is high at 77.1%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. Around 14.0% of residents work from home, factoring in Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Notably, employment in health care & social assistance is high at 1.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.0%. Local employment opportunities may be limited, indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 15.4% and labour force by 15.6%, leading to a slight unemployment rate rise of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. saw employment decline by 0.6% and labour force by 0.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bonshaw's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Bonshaw has an income level slightly below the national average, according to latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Bonshaw is $57,723, with an average income of $66,538. These figures compare to Regional Vic.'s median and average incomes of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $63,276 (median) and $72,939 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Bonshaw are around the 60th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 45.8% of individuals in Bonshaw earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the regional figure of 30.3%. High housing costs consume 16.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 57th percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Bonshaw's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.7% houses and 5.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Vic.'s 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 was $1,500, above Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Bonshaw was $398, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Bonshaw's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,500 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $398 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, including 30.9% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 15.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for 24.2%, with lone person households at 17.5% and group households making up 5.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Regional 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 of 27.7%, exceeding the Rest of Vic. average of 21.7%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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 (11.6%) and certificates (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 (~1,372 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but slightly lower than Regional Vic.'s 50.5%. Mental health issues affect 12.1% of residents, while asthma impacts 9.4%. Conversely, 69.8% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 7.2% of residents aged 65 and over (185 people), lower than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%, with national rankings 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 shows above-average cultural diversity, with 20.6% born overseas and 17.8% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Bonshaw, accounting for 35.7% of its population. The most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, comprising 4.2% compared to Regional Vic's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (30.1%), Australian (28.4%), and Other (9.6%). Some ethnic groups have significant representation differences: Indian at 5.6% (regional average is 0.8%), Dutch at 1.7%, and German at 4.6%.

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

Bonshaw's median age is 31, which is significantly lower than Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and Australia's average of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years has a strong representation at 18.3%, compared to Regional Vic., while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 3.5%. Between 2021 and the present, Bonshaw's median age has increased by 2.8 years, from 28 to 31, indicating an aging population. Key demographic shifts include the 55 to 64 age group growing from 8.6% to 14.1%, and the 45 to 54 cohort increasing from 9.2% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 25.6% to 18.3%, and the 0 to 4 group has dropped from 8.5% to 5.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Bonshaw's age profile will change significantly, with the 45 to 54 group expected to grow by 219% (699 people), reaching 1,020 from 320. In contrast, the 85+ cohort is projected to show minimal growth of just 0% (1 person).