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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Bonshaw (Vic.) is around 1,781 people. This represents an increase of 832 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 949 people. The resident population estimate of 1,670 by AreaSearch, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, combined with additional validated new addresses since the Census date, contributes to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 554 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate of 87.7% since the 2021 census exceeds both the non-metro area (6.0%) and the SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration is the primary driver for population growth, contributing approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, exceptional growth is predicted over this period, with the suburb expected to grow by 2,493 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 114.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Bonshaw has experienced around 146 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Approximately 732 homes have been approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 20 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.7 new residents arrive per new home constructed each year over the past five financial years.

This suggests that new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations. The average construction value of these new properties is $392,000, consistent with regional patterns. In FY-26 alone, $10.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Bonshaw shows 1202.0% higher construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice, although development activity has moderated in recent periods. This high level of activity suggests strong developer confidence in the location.

New development consists predominantly of detached houses (96.0%) with a smaller proportion of medium and high-density housing (4.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With around 18 people per approval, Bonshaw reflects a developing area. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates that Bonshaw is expected to grow by 2,037 residents through to 2041, based on current development patterns. If current trends continue, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Five projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Delacombe Village, Delacombe Village (Stage 3 - Delacombe Town Centre), Federation University Health and Sports Precinct Stage 2, and Delacombe Big Housing Build - Leawarra Neighbourhood. These are considered key projects likely to have significant relevance.

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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. The unemployment rate was 2.1% as of June 2025.

This figure is 1.7% lower than the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 10.4%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. There were 616 residents in work as of June 2025, with workforce participation at 76.3%, higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 57.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Health care & social assistance employs 1.2 times the regional average. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.0% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 7.5%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 10.4%, while labour force increased by 10.4%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced employment decline of 0.9% and labour force decline of 0.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bonshaw's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Bonshaw had a median income among taxpayers of $57,723 and an average level of $66,538. This is slightly above national averages, which were $48,741 and $60,693 across Rest of Vic respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $64,742 (median) and $74,629 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Bonshaw cluster around the 60th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 45.8% of locals (815 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting regional patterns where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 16.2% of income, leaving disposable income at the 57th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Bonshaw is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Bonshaw's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.7% houses and 5.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 85.6% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bonshaw stood at 18.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 52.2% and rented dwellings at 29.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,499. Median weekly rent in Bonshaw was $398, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $300. Nationally, Bonshaw's median monthly mortgage repayment is lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rent exceeds 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 comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, exceeding 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 within its region, with university qualification rates at 27.7% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Vic. average of 21.7%. This reflects the community's emphasis on higher education, with bachelor degrees being the most prevalent at 19.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 26.9%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.6% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

The level of general health in Bonshaw is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Bonshaw shows better-than-average health outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population. However, it has higher rates among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages.

As of 2016, approximately 53% (~946 people) of Bonshaw's population have private health cover, slightly higher than the Rest of Vic.'s average of 50.9%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (12.1%) and asthma (9.4%). In comparison, 69.8% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than the Rest of Vic.'s 62.3%. Bonshaw has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 2.9% (51 people), compared to the Rest of Vic.'s 17.8%, indicating a need for targeted healthcare attention for this demographic.

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

Bonshaw's cultural diversity was above average, with 20.6% of its population born overseas and 17.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Bonshaw, comprising 35.7% of people. Notably, the 'Other' religious category made up 4.2%, higher than the regional average of 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (30.1%), Australian (28.4%), and Other (9.6%), which was substantially higher than the regional average of 4.5%. Some ethnic groups showed notable variations: Indian at 5.6% compared to the regional 1.2%, Dutch at 1.7% versus 2.1%, and German at 4.6% against a regional average of 3.2%.

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

Bonshaw's median age in 2021 was 27 years, which is younger than the Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and Australia's national median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Bonshaw had a higher concentration of 25-34 residents at 28.0%, but fewer 65-74 year-olds at 1.9%. This 25-34 concentration was well above the national figure of 14.5%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Bonshaw's median age decreased by 1.0 years to 27 from 28. The 25 to 34 age group grew from 25.6% to 28.0%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 13.1% to 14.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 8.6% to 7.2% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 9.2% to 7.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Bonshaw's age profile. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow exceptionally by 651 people (131%) from 498 to 1,150. The 85+ group shows more modest growth at 0%, adding only 0 residents.