Acton

Acton 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 AreaSearch's analysis, Acton's population is around 3,279 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 431 people (15.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,848 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,279 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,196 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Acton's 15.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (6.7%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

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, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Regarding demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 1,094 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 33.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Acton has had no new homes approved over the past five-year period. This indicates a mature, established suburb where available land for new construction is limited. For buyers, this scarcity of new housing stock typically supports property values and means competition may be primarily among existing homes.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Acton shows substantially reduced construction. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This is likewise lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints.

Acton has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 23 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include ACT Light Rail Stage 2A (City to Commonwealth Park), Parkes Way Upgrade, ANU Kambri Precinct, and Zarah, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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.

The labour market strength in Acton positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Acton features a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 0.8%, and 1.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,243 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.0% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include accommodation & food, education & training, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in the accommodation & food sector, with an employment share of 4.4 times the regional level. Meanwhile, public administration & safety has a limited presence with 4.5% employment compared to 30.4% regionally. With 2.6 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.7% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.7%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Acton. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Acton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Acton SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $17,337 with the average level standing at $24,391. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $72,206 and $85,981 across the Australian Capital Territory respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $18,942 (median) and $26,650 (average) as of September 2025. Census income data is not available for detailed analysis. Income analysis reveals the predominant cohort spans 0.0% of locals (0 people) in the $0 - 399 category, unlike trends in the region where 34.3% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range.

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

Dwelling structure within Acton, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 0.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Acton was lagging that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 0.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (0.0%) or rented (0.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Australian Capital Territory average at $0, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $9, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Acton's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 0.0% of all households, comprising 0.0% couples with children, 0.0% couples without children, and 0.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 100.0%, with lone person households at 0.0% and group households comprising 0.0% of the total. The median household size of 1.0 people is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (30.7%) substantially below the SA3 area average of 59.7%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.4%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Technical qualifications represent 7.1% of educational achievements for residents aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (2.1%) and certificates (5.0%).

Educational participation is notably 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% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 10 active transport stops operating within Acton, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 67 individual routes, collectively providing 5,207 weekly passenger trips. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; walking is notably common at 34%, with 15% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.0 per dwelling, below the regional average. Some 18.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 743 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 520 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Acton is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Acton, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~1,472 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 15.6 and 9.9% of residents, respectively, while 74.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 0.4% of residents aged 65 and over (13 people), which is lower than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Acton was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 31.6% of its population born overseas and 24.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Acton is Christianity, which makes up 23.1% of people in Acton. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 1.8% of the population, compared to 0.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Acton are Australian, comprising 25.2% of the population, English, comprising 21.7% of the population, and Other, comprising 10.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Hungarian is notably overrepresented at 0.5% of Acton (vs 0.3% regionally), South Australian at 0.8% (vs 0.3%) and Russian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%).

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

The 21-year median age in Acton is materially younger than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 and is considerably younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 15 - 24 cohort is notably over-represented (85.8% locally), while 35 - 44 year-olds are under-represented (2.2%). This 15 - 24 concentration is well above the national 12.5%. Since 2021, the median age has increased by 2.2 years from 19 to 21, reflecting an aging population. Notable shifts include the 5 to 14 age group growing from 0.0% to 1.6% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 0.2% to 1.6%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 9.4% to 7.0% and the 15 to 24 group dropped from 88.1% to 85.8%. By 2041, Acton is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 15 to 24 age cohort is projected to expand by 857 people (30%) from 2,813 to 3,671. Meanwhile, the 85+ cohort grows by a modest 0% (0 people).