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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Bonshaw's population is estimated at around 1,746 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 797 people (84.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 949 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,701 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 503 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 543 persons per square kilometer. The suburb of Bonshaw's 84.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Vic. (8.1%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the suburb of Bonshaw expected to expand by 3,641 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 205.5% 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 seen around 123 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 616 homes were approved, with a further 33 approved so far in FY-26. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these years is around 0.9.

This indicates that the new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of these properties is $392,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, there have been $2.9 million in commercial development approvals recorded, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential activity. In comparison with the Rest of Vic., Bonshaw has approximately 1050.0% more construction activity per person, creating greater choice for buyers. However, it is noted that construction activity has eased recently.

This high level of activity is well above average nationally and reflects strong developer confidence in the area. The new building activity shows around 93.0% standalone homes and 7.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Bonshaw currently reflects a developing area, with approximately 10 people per approval. Looking ahead, Bonshaw is expected to grow by around 3,588 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects likely affecting this area. Notable projects are Delacombe Village, Delacombe Village Stage 3 (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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The exceptional employment performance in Bonshaw places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Bonshaw has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.8% over the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.3%. As of December 2025657 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.9% lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Bonshaw was 49.0%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. According to Census responses, 14.0% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance had particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 1.0%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.3% while labour force increased by 2.4%, leaving unemployment broadly flat in Bonshaw. However, in Regional Vic., employment contracted by 0.6%, the labour force fell by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. 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

Bonshaw's median income among taxpayers was $57,723 according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended 30 June 2023. The suburb's average income stood at $66,538 during this period. In comparison, Regional Vic.'s median and average incomes were $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year ended 30 June 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes for Bonshaw would be approximately $62,485 (median) and $72,027 (average) by the latter date. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Bonshaw were at the 60th percentile nationally. Income distribution showed that 45.8% of locals (799 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to the broader area where 30.3% occupied this bracket. High housing costs consumed 16.2% of income in Bonshaw, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 57th percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed 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

The dwelling structure in Bonshaw, as per the latest Census, was 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 stood at 18.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 52.2% and rented dwellings at 29.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, above Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Bonshaw was $398, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Bonshaw's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $398 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up 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 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 university qualification rate is 27.7%, exceeding the Rest of Vic average of 21.7%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials held by residents aged 15+ include advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (26.9%), totalling 38.5%. Educational participation is high, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary (10.6%), secondary (6.6%), and tertiary (6.4%) levels.

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 below Regional Vic.'s 50.5%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, impacting 12.1% and 9.4% of residents respectively. However, 69.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 5.8% of residents aged 65 and over (101 people), which is lower than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. National rankings for this age group are 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, found to have above average cultural diversity, had 20.6% of its population born overseas and 17.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Bonshaw, with 35.7%. The most notable overrepresentation was in Other religions, comprising 4.2% compared to Regional Vic's 0.8%.

For ancestry, the top groups were English (30.1%), Australian (28.4%), and Other (9.6%). Notably, Indian ancestry was overrepresented at 5.6%, Dutch at 1.7%, and German at 4.6% compared to regional averages of 0.8%, 1.7%, and 3.5% respectively.

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

At 30 years, Bonshaw's median age is notably lower than Regional Victoria's average of 43 and significantly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Regional Vic., Bonshaw has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (22.7%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (3.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is substantially above the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, demographic aging has been evident with the median age increasing from 28 to 30 years. Key changes include the growth of the 55-64 age group from 8.6% to 12.7%, and the increase of the 45-54 cohort from 9.2% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 25.6% to 22.7%, and the 0-4 age group has dropped from 8.5% to 6.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts in Bonshaw, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to grow substantially by 875 people (221%), from 396 to 1,272. In contrast, the 85+ age cohort shows minimal growth of 0% (0 people).