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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Detail
AreaSearch indicates that Acton has a population of approximately 3,616 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 768 people (27.0%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 2,848 residents. This shift is calculated from the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 3,616 and subsequent address validation data. The locality has a density of 1,319 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average benchmark for evaluated national areas. The 27.0% expansion rate since 2021 was higher than the state (8.3%) and the broader SA4 region, positioning the suburb as a regional growth leader.
The primary driver of these gains was overseas migration, which served as virtually the sole source of population increases in recent times. ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized for SA2 zones. For SA2 areas excluded from this dataset, or for periods after 2032, age cohort growth statistics from the ACT Government's SA2 projections (2022 baseline) are applied instead. Current demographic modeling points to significant growth within the upper national quartile of statistical locations, with the suburb projected to expand by 1,095 persons to 2041 using current annual ERP records, marking an overall rise of 30.3% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
No residential building approvals were recorded in Acton during the past five-year period. This indicates an established, mature location with scarce remaining land for new building projects. For prospective buyers, this limited housing pipeline generally helps maintain property values and concentrates market competition on established homes. Acton registers substantially lower residential construction activity compared to the Australian Capital Territory. This restricted supply pipeline typically bolsters demand and prices for existing residential stock. Similarly, building activity falls below national levels, reflecting a mature market environment and potential development constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Acton
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major works, and planning updates have a significant impact on area dynamics. AreaSearch has tracked 27 projects with the potential to affect the suburb. Key developments include ACT Light Rail Stage 2A (City to Commonwealth Park), Canberra Lyric Theatre (Theatre Centre Transformation Stage 1), Light Rail Stage 2A: City to Commonwealth Park, and the City Hill Mixed-Use Precinct, with details on the most relevant schemes listed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
ACT Light Rail Stage 2A (City to Commonwealth Park)
A 1.7km extension of Canberras light rail network from Alinga Street to Commonwealth Park. The project features three new stops at Edinburgh Avenue, City South, and Commonwealth Park, along with a new light rail bridge over Parkes Way. The system utilizes wire-free technology with on-board energy storage and incorporates green track sections featuring turf and succulent species to reduce noise and glare. As of April 2026, track laying is advancing on London Circuit and structural work on the Parkes Way bridge is nearing completion, with the line expected to be open for passengers in 2028.
Canberra Lyric Theatre (Theatre Centre Transformation Stage 1)
A new 2,000-seat lyric theatre being constructed on Vernon Circle adjacent to The Playhouse as Stage 1 of the broader Canberra Theatre Centre transformation. Designed by Cox Architecture with Yerrabingin, Charcoalblue and Arcadia Landscape Architecture, the venue will enable Canberra to host large-scale musicals, ballet, opera and international productions for the first time. The auditorium features 1,000-seat stalls, a 500-seat circle and a 500-seat balcony with state-of-the-art acoustics. A $317 million contract was signed in December 2025 with Multiplex as builder; main construction commenced January 2026 with completion targeted for 2028.Refurbishment of the existing Canberra Theatre, Playhouse and Courtyard Studio will follow in subsequent stages.
Light Rail Stage 2A: City to Commonwealth Park
Construction is underway on Light Rail Stage 2A, a 1.7 km extension of Canberra's light rail network from Alinga Street to Commonwealth Park via London Circuit West. The project will add three stops at Edinburgh Avenue, City South and Commonwealth Park, include wire-free operation using onboard energy storage, deliver active travel and streetscape upgrades, and form the first stage of the broader Light Rail to Woden program. Stage 2B to Woden remains in planning and environmental approvals.
City Hill Mixed-Use Precinct
A transformative urban renewal project south-west of City Hill comprising six distinct buildings. The precinct includes 502 residential dwellings (76 affordable), a striking 5-star hybrid timber hotel, an A-grade commercial office building (One City Hill), and an activated ground floor retail hub with cafes and a supermarket. At its heart is a large urban park designed to integrate with the future Canberra light rail expansion and the city's civic fabric.
Crystalbrook Aurora
A 10-storey luxury hotel featuring 225 guest rooms and suites, a 300-seat flagship Japanese restaurant (Raku), and a level-10 rooftop dining venue. The development includes the Eleme Day Spa, a wellness floor with a pool, sauna, and gym, plus five conferencing spaces. As of early 2026, the project has topped out, with facade installation and interior fit-out underway toward a 2027 opening.
Turner Build-to-Rent
Canberra's first privately delivered build-to-rent development, situated on a 7,070sqm site on Northbourne Avenue adjacent to the light rail line. Cedar Pacific is delivering approximately 306 apartments across three buildings of 8-9 storeys arranged around a central landscaped courtyard. The project includes a 15% affordable rental component (40-plus dwellings managed by a community housing provider at less than 75% of market rent). Amenities include a rooftop pool, premium gym, cinema, co-working space, residents lounge, private dining room, outdoor BBQ and basement parking.The development is targeting a 5-star Green Star rating with timber construction and all-electric operation.
Northbourne Village Stage 4
The final stage of the Northbourne Village precinct in Lyneham, developed by JWLand. Stage 4 is a nine-storey hotel and serviced apartment building comprising 134 rooms. The facade responds to the adjacent heritage-listed Owen Flats. Parking for Stage 4 is provided within the basement of the adjacent Stage 3 building. The project completes a major urban renewal precinct along Northbourne Avenue, Canberra's inner-north gateway boulevard, adjacent to the light rail corridor. Construction was projected to commence in mid-2025.
The Belmont
A premium residential development in Braddon featuring 8 storeys with 96 high-end apartments and ground-floor retail space. The project emphasizes sustainable design with rooftop gardens, energy-efficient systems, and communal lifestyle facilities including a residents lounge and gym.
Detail
Acton has a highly educated labor pool, strong representation in essential services, a jobless rate of only 0.9%, and an annual employment growth rate of 1.4%. As of March 2026, 2,252 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 3.2% lower than the Australian Capital Territory benchmark of 4.1%, while workforce participation is notably lower (64.4% compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 70.8%). Census data shows a moderate 18.4% of employed residents worked from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of pandemic lockdowns. The major employment sectors for residents are accommodation & food, education & training, and retail trade.
The locality shows a high concentration of jobs in accommodation & food, where the employment proportion is 4.4 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety has a minor presence at 4.5% compared to 30.4% regionally. The area acts as a major employment node, recording 2.6 workers for each resident at the Census, indicating it hosts more jobs than working residents and draws commuters from neighboring districts. AreaSearch assessment of SALM and ABS statistics shows that over the 12-month period, local employment expanded by 1.4% and the labor force grew by 1.6%, leading to a 0.2 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.3%, labor force growth of 1.1%, and a rise in unemployment of 0.7 percentage points. Future demand trends in Acton can be analyzed using Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment projections from May-25. These five and ten-year projections are mapped against local industry profiles to estimate employment trajectories. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Weighting these projections to the local industry mix suggests Acton's employment could rise by 5.9% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, representing a simple weighted extrapolation that does not account for localized population changes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Detail
Aggregated postal-level ATO records for the 2023 financial year show that the Acton SA2 recorded a median taxpayer income of $17,337 and an average income of $24,391. These levels are below the national average and compare to $72,206 (median) and $85,981 (average) across the Australian Capital Territory. Accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates stand at roughly $19,147 (median) and $26,937 (average) as of March 2026. Detailed Census income files are unavailable. Income patterns show the largest group accounts for 0.0% of local taxpayers (0 people) in the $0 - 399 bracket, contrasting with the region where 34.3% of taxpayers are in the $1,500 - 2,999 category.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Detail
Census data shows that the housing stock in Acton consisted of 0.0% houses and 0.0% other options (semi-detached, townhouses, apartments), compared to the Australian Capital Territory profile of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership was lower than the territory average, standing at 0.0%, with the rest of the dwellings being mortgaged (0.0%) or rented (0.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $0, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080, while the median weekly rent was $9, compared to the territory average of $450. Acton's mortgage costs are significantly below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Detail
Family households represent 0.0% of all households, with couples with children at 0.0%, couples without children at 0.0%, and single parent households at 0.0%. Non-family households account for the remaining 100.0%, consisting of 0.0% lone person households and 0.0% group households. The median household size is 1.0 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Detail
The locality registers educational challenges, with university qualifications (30.7%) falling well below the SA3 average of 59.7%. This represents both a hurdle and a prospect for educational support programs. Among residents with degrees, Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.5%, followed by postgraduate studies (11.4%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Vocational training accounts for 7.1% of qualifications for residents aged 15 and over, comprising advanced diplomas (2.1%) and certificates (5.0%). Academic enrollment is exceptionally high, with 97.6% of residents currently undertaking formal study. This cohort is made up of 97.2% in tertiary institutions, 0.0% in primary schools, and 0.0% in secondary schools.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Detail
Public transport services include 10 active bus stops in Acton. These stops support 67 separate bus routes, offering a combined 5,207 weekly passenger trips. Since the suburb is mainly residential, most workers travel out of the area, with 34% walking to work and 15% taking a bus. Private car ownership averages 0.0 per household, below the regional average. Additionally, 18.4% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules. Bus services run an average of 743 daily trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 520 weekly trips for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Detail
AreaSearch assessment of death rates and chronic health patterns highlights major health difficulties in Acton, with several medical conditions impacting younger and older residents alike. The rate of private health insurance is low at roughly 45% of the population (~1,623 people), compared to 62.4% in the Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health concerns and asthma are the most prevalent medical issues, affecting 15.6% and 9.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 74.9% of the population reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 70.2% in the Australian Capital Territory.
Health profiles for working-age residents are generally average. The suburb has 0.1% of residents aged 65 and over (4 people), which is lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of 14.3%. Senior health outcomes present challenges, with national percentiles aligning closely with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Detail
Acton displays higher cultural diversity than most locations, with 31.6% of residents born outside Australia and 24.3% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the largest religious group, representing 23.1% of the population. However, Judaism shows the most significant overrepresentation, accounting for 1.8% of residents compared to 0.2% in the broader Australian Capital Territory. In terms of parental heritage, the primary ancestries are Australian (25.2%), English (21.7%), and Other (10.6%). There are also notable differences in specific ethnic backgrounds, with Hungarian ancestry overrepresented at 0.5% (vs 0.3% regionally), South Australian ancestry at 0.8% (vs 0.3%), and Russian ancestry at 0.5% (vs 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Detail
Acton has a median age of 24 years, which is lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and the national median of 38 years. Compared to the territory, Acton has a large proportion of residents aged 15 - 24 (82.5%) but a low share of 35 - 44 year-olds (2.7%). The 15 - 24 cohort is significantly larger than the national average of 12.7%. The median age rose by 4.6 years from 19 to 24 since the 2021 Census, showing an aging trend. Notable shifts include the 25 to 34 cohort growing from 9.4% to 11.1% and the 5 to 14 cohort rising from 0.0% to 1.3%, while the 15 to 24 group fell from 88.1% to 82.5%.
Long-term projections to 2041 point to significant changes, with the 15 to 24 cohort expected to grow by 29% (adding 858 residents to total 3,841) and the 85+ group projected to remain flat with 0% growth and 0 additional residents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Acton
8 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 8 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | May 2026 3 months ago all 13 measures |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 3 sections | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2025 about a year ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2025. | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,848 at the 2021 Census → 3,616 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (801051049). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.