Bella Vista (NSW)

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An evaluation of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside newly validated addresses recorded by Districts since the Census, indicates that the suburb of Bella Vista has a population of approximately 9,149 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 765 people (9.1%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 8,384 people. The estimate is calculated from a resident population of 8,932, determined by Districts from the ABS June 2025 ERP data release, plus an additional 114 validated new addresses since the Census. This population level yields a density of 2,098 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the national average for locations analyzed by Districts. The 9.1% growth rate in the suburb of Bella Vista since the 2021 Census outpaced the broader SA3 area (5.3%) as well as the state, establishing it as a regional growth leader. The primary driver of this demographic expansion was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 73.0% of the overall population growth in recent times, though natural growth and interstate migration also made positive contributions.

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Bella Vista is characterized by a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services, an unemployment rate of only 2.1%, and steady employment levels over the past year, according to aggregated statistical area data from Districts. As of March 2026, there are 5,144 working residents, and the unemployment rate of 2.1% is lower than the Greater Sydney rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stands at a standard 71.2%, compared to 69.1% across Greater Sydney. Census responses show that a significant 50.7% of residents worked from home, although this figure should be viewed in light of COVID-19 lockdown measures.

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According to the latest ATO data aggregated by Districts for the 2023 financial year, the income level in Bella Vista is among the highest in Australia. The median income for taxpayers is $65,666, while the average income is $86,310, compared to Greater Sydney averages of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates as of March 2026 would be approximately $72,443 for median income and $95,217 for average income. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Bella Vista all rank in the top tier, placing between the 85th and 99th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, the largest cohort consists of 43.9% of local residents (4,016 people) earning in the $4000+ bracket, whereas the leading cohort regionally is the - bracket at . High earners are highly represented, with earning more than per week, showing strong purchasing power. Housing expenses consume of income, while high earnings place residents in the th percentile for disposable income, and the area's SEIFA income ranking falls into the th decile.

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The housing profile in Bella Vista, as of the last Census, consisted of 82.5% houses and 17.5% other dwellings (including townhouses, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings across metropolitan Sydney. Home ownership rates in Bella Vista were higher than the Sydney metropolitan average, standing at 36.9%, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgagors (50.3%) or renters (12.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $3,400 was notably higher than the Sydney metropolitan average of $2,427, and the median weekly rent was $740, compared to $470 for metropolitan Sydney. On a national level, Bella Vista's mortgage payments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are well above the national median of $375.

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Family households make up the vast majority of homes at 92.4%, consisting of couples with children at 61.0%, couples without children at 22.9%, and single-parent households at 7.8%. The remaining 7.6% of households are non-family arrangements, with single-person households accounting for 6.4% and group shared houses representing 1.0% of the total. The median household size of 3.4 people is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Educational attainment in Bella Vista is significantly higher than broader averages, with 51.0% of residents aged 15 and over holding university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This educational profile positions the population well for knowledge-intensive sectors. Bachelor degrees represent 31.4% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 17.2% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational education accounts for 20.5% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and over, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 10.7%.

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Public transport infrastructure in Bella Vista includes 66 active stops, comprising light rail and bus services. These stops support 42 routes, providing a total of 8,027 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is highly rated, with residents living an average of 171 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, and most commuters travel out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary transport mode at 86% and train travel at 6%. Car ownership averages 2.0 vehicles per household, which is higher than the regional average. A significant 50.7% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

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Health outcomes in Bella Vista are highly favorable, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality statistics and chronic disease trends, which shows low rates of common health conditions across all age groups. Additionally, private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, covering approximately 61% of the population (5,579 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

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Bella Vista is characterized by a high degree of cultural diversity, with 55.3% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 50.6% born outside Australia. Christianity is the largest religious group, representing 44.3% of the population. There is a notable concentration of Hinduism, which accounts for 16.2% of residents, compared to the Greater Sydney average of 5.2%.

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Bella Vista has a median age of 40, which is higher than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and the national median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, the 55 - 64 age bracket is overrepresented at 14.8% of the local population, while the 25 - 34 age bracket is underrepresented at 7.8%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age bracket has increased from 14.0% to 15.7% of the population, while the 25 to 34 age bracket decreased from 9.7% to 7.8%. Demographic modeling indicates the age profile will change by 2041, with the 75 to 84 cohort projected to grow by 257 people (), rising from to . The combined + age groups are expected to account for of the total population growth, reflecting an aging population, while the to and to age cohorts are projected to experience declines.

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Bella Vista currently has an estimated 347 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 222 children aged 0-2 and 148 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 4% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 6% by 2041 (to approximately 327 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 936. Birth rates in the area have averaged 6.6 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.