Acton
Statistical Area - sa2

Acton lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Acton's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 3,279 by August 2025. This figure represents a rise of 431 individuals, a 15.1% increase from the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,848. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,279 as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,196 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Acton's growth rate of 15.1% since the 2021 census surpassed both the state's (5.7%) and SA4 region's growth rates, indicating it as a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as a base year. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in Acton's top quartile of national statistical areas, with an expected rise of 1,094 persons to 2041 based on latest population numbers, indicating a total gain of 33.4% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Acton is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Development activity data is being compiled for this area.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Acton records markedly lower building activity. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints.

Acton has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence regional performance. AreaSearch identified twenty projects expected to impact the area. Notable initiatives include ACT Light Rail Stage 2A (City to Commonwealth Park), Parkes Way Upgrade, ANU Kambri Precinct, and Zarah. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Acton performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Acton has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 0.6%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) 3.4%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.0%. As of June 2025, there are 2,211 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 2.8% below ACT's rate. Workforce participation is lower, at 57.9%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Employment is concentrated in accommodation & food, education & training, and retail trade.

The area has a high specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 4.4 times the regional level, but limited presence in public administration & safety at 4.5% compared to the regional average of 30.4%. There are 2.6 workers per resident, indicating Acton functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and May 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, labour force grew by 1.7%, and unemployment decreased by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, ACT experienced employment growth of 1.9% and labour force growth of 1.6%, with a similar decrease in unemployment rate. As of Sep-25, ACT employment contracted by 0.33%, losing 1,480 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts from May 2025 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Acton's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.9% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, although this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Acton's median taxpayer income in financial year 2022 was $17,264, with an average of $24,701 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages, contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% from financial year 2022 to March 2025, estimated incomes for Acton would be approximately $19,125 (median) and $27,364 (average). Census income data is not available for detailed analysis in this area. The earnings profile shows that the predominant cohort spans 0% of locals in the $0 - $399 category, contrasting with metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 34.3%.

Acton displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Acton's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 0.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings, unlike Australian Capital Territory which had 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Acton was at 0.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 0.0% and rented ones at 0.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $0, lower than Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,080, while the median weekly rent figure was $9, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $476. Nationally, Acton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Acton has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 0.0% of all households, including 0.0% couples with children, 0.0% couples without children, and 0.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 100.0%, with lone person households at 0.0% and group households comprising 0.0%. The median household size is 1.0 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.2.

Acton faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 30.7%, significantly lower than the SA3 area average of 59.7%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.4% and graduate diplomas at 0.8%. Technical qualifications make up 7.1% of educational achievements for residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 2.1% and certificates at 5.0%. Educational participation is high, with 97.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 97.2% in tertiary education, 0.0% in primary education, and 0.0% in secondary education. Educational facilities seem to be outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The analysis of public transport in Acton shows that there are currently eleven active transport stops operating. These stops offer a variety of bus services, with sixteen individual routes serving them collectively.

The total number of weekly passenger trips provided by these routes is 3,973. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to 567 trips per day, which equates to approximately 361 weekly trips per stop.

Acton's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Acton's health outcomes data shows notable results across various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 44% (~1,436 people) have private health cover, significantly lower than ACT's 65.3% and Australia's average of 55.3%. Mental health issues (15.6%) and asthma (9.9%) are the most prevalent conditions in Acton.

About 74.9% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to ACT's 70.8%. Only 0.3% (~8 people) of residents are aged 65 or over, lower than ACT's 11.4%. Health outcomes for seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Acton was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Acton was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 31.6% of its population born overseas and 24.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Acton, comprising 23.1% of people there. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, making up 1.8% of Acton's population compared to 0.5% across Australian Capital Territory.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (25.2%), English (21.7%), and Other (10.6%). Hungarian (0.5%), South African (0.8%), and Russian (0.5%) ethnicities are notably overrepresented in Acton compared to regional averages of 0.3%, 0.3%, and 0.4% respectively.

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

The median age in Acton is 21 years, which is significantly younger than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 and Australia's average of 38 years. The percentage of residents aged 15-24 in Acton is notably higher at 86.1%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, while those aged 35-44 are under-represented at 2.2%. This high concentration of young adults is well above the national average of 12.5%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has increased by 1.9 years from 19 to 21 years, indicating an aging population. During this period, the 5-14 age group grew from 0.0% to 1.4%, while the 0-4 cohort increased from 0.2% to 1.5%. Conversely, the 15-24 age group declined from 88.1% to 86.1%, and the 25-34 age group decreased from 9.4% to 7.5%. By 2041, Acton's population is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 15-24 age cohort is projected to expand by 847 people (30%) from 2,823 to 3,671, while the 85+ age cohort is not expected to grow at all.