Ainslie
Statistical Area - sa2

Ainslie is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Ainslie's population was approximately 5,364 as of August 2025. This figure represents a decrease of 12 people from the 2021 Census count of 5,376, indicating a 0.2% decline. The change is inferred from ABS estimates showing an resident population of 5,362 in June 2024 and validated new addresses totalling 11 since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,515 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver for Ainslie's population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also based on 2022 data. Future population projections indicate lower quartile growth for Australian statistical areas. Ainslie is expected to increase by 18 persons to reach a total of approximately 5,382 by 2041, marking an overall increase of about 0.2% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Ainslie, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Ainslie has seen approximately 17 new homes approved annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with 89 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, and two more recorded so far in FY26. Despite recent population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, benefiting buyers while new homes are constructed at an average cost of $402,000, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. This financial year has seen $2.0 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Ainslie records significantly lower building activity, 76% below the regional average per person, typically reinforcing demand and pricing for existing homes. This indicates a mature market with around 354 people per approval. By 2041, Ainslie is projected to grow by 11 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Looking ahead, Ainslie is expected to grow by 11 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Area infrastructure performance is significantly influenced by changes in local projects and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 30 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include The Foothills - Campbell (Former CSIRO Site), Academy Close Redevelopment - Campbell, Light Rail Extension Planning, and Marcus Clarke Street Office Complex. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

Ainslie has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Ainslie's workforce is highly educated with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 4.1% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 2.1%.

As of June 2025, 2834 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.7% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation lagged at 62.1%, compared to the ACT's 69.6%. Key industries of employment among residents were public administration & safety, professional & technical, and education & training.

Health care & social assistance had a limited presence with 7.8% employment compared to the regional average of 11.7%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1%, labour force by 1.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Comparatively, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9% with a 0.3 percentage point decrease in unemployment. State-level data to Sep-25 showed ACT employment contracted by 0.33% (losing 1480 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, favourably comparing to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Ainslie's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. In Ainslie, median income among taxpayers was $69,523 with an average of $85,943. Nationally, this is high compared to ACT's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $77,018 (median) and $95,208 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census data shows Ainslie's incomes rank highly nationally, between the 89th and 93rd percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis reveals that 32.9% of locals fall into the $4000+ category, differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 34.3%. Ainslie demonstrates affluence with 43.9% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and services. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Ainslie is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

As of the latest Census, Ainslie's dwelling structure consisted of 72.9% houses and 27.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ainslie stood at 33.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.0% and rented ones at 34.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in Ainslie was $367, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $476. Nationally, Ainslie's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600, while rents were lower at $367 than the national average of $1,863 and $375 respectively.

Ainslie features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 63.3% of all households, including 29.6% couples with children, 23.4% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.7%, consisting of 29.9% lone person households and 6.7% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.2.

Ainslie shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Ainslie exceeds national and regional averages significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 59.1% hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This high educational level positions the area well for knowledge-based opportunities, with bachelor degrees being most common at 29.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 21.9%, and graduate diplomas at 7.4%. Vocational pathways account for 15.7% of qualifications among those aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (7.0%) and certificates (8.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.2% in tertiary education, 9.4% in primary education, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education. North Ainslie Primary School serves the local educational needs within Ainslie, enrolling 532 students as of a recent count. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with an index of community socio-educational advantage (ICSEA) score of 1144, indicating significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement. School places per 100 residents stand at 9.9, lower than the regional average of 15.4, suggesting some students may attend schools in adjacent areas for educational opportunities.

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

Transport analysis reveals 35 active transport stops operating within Ainslie. These stops are serviced by a mix of buses along six individual routes, collectively providing 380 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent with residents typically located 179 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 54 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Ainslie is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Ainslie faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover in Ainslie is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (3,395 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues affecting 11.1% of residents and asthma impacting 8.3%, while 64.5% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.8% across Australian Capital Territory. Ainslie has 21.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,153 people), which is higher than the 11.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Ainslie's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 22.7% born overseas and 13.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Ainslie, accounting for 33.8%. Judaism is overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average (0.8% vs 0.5%).

The top three ancestry groups are English (27.4%), Australian (23.6%), and Irish (11.2%). Hungarian, Scottish, and French ethnicities show notable divergences in representation: Hungarian is at 0.5% (vs regional 0.3%), Scottish at 9.5% (vs 8.1%), and French at 0.8% (vs 0.7%) of Ainslie's population.

Ainslie hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Ainslie has a median age of 42, which is considerably higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 years. This is also significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the average in the Australian Capital Territory, the cohort aged 65-74 is notably over-represented in Ainslie, making up 10.7% of the local population, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 11.8%. From 2021 to present, the age group 75 to 84 has grown from 5.8% to 7.0% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 9.6% to 10.7%. Conversely, the age group 85 and above has declined from 4.6% to 3.8%. Demographic modeling suggests that Ainslie's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 101 people (27%) from 376 to 478. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 83% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the cohorts aged 0-4 and 35-44 are expected to experience population declines.