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 around 5,371 as of Nov 2025. This reflected a decrease of 5 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,376 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,366 in June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 1,517 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth in the area during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 ACT Government's SA2 area projections were used, also with a base year of 2022. Population projections indicated lower quartile growth for Australian statistical areas, with the area expected to increase by 18 persons to 2041 based on latest population numbers, representing an increase of 0.1% over 17 years.

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. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 89 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY26. The average construction cost of these properties is $275,000.

This year has also seen $2.0 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating a primarily residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average, Ainslie has significantly less development activity, 76.0% below the regional per capita average. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, Ainslie also reflects lower development activity, suggesting market maturity and potential development constraints. New developments consist of 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Ainslie's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes.

With around 354 people per approval, Ainslie indicates a mature market. By 2041, Ainslie is projected to grow by 4 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, providing favorable 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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 35 projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects include The Foothills - Campbell (Former CSIRO Site), Lonsdale & Girrahween - Braddon (Section 34), Academy Close Redevelopment - Campbell, and Ikon Place - Section 19 Braddon. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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.

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

Ainslie's workforce is highly educated with professional services well-represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate was 4.1%.

Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 2.1%. In Ainslie, 2,834 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 Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%.

Key industries for employment among residents were public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and education & training. However, health care & social assistance was under-represented with only 7.8% of Ainslie's workforce compared to 11.7% in the Australian Capital Territory. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.1% while labour force grew by 1.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory saw employment grow by 1.9%, labour force expand by 1.6%, and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 showed potential future demand within Ainslie. These projections estimated national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Ainslie's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022. In Ainslie, median income among taxpayers was $69,523 and average income stood at $85,943. These figures were among the highest in Australia, compared to ACT's $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $78,978 (median) and $97,631 (average). Census data revealed household, family, and personal incomes ranked highly in Ainslie, between the 89th and 93rd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile showed that 32.9% of individuals earned over $4000 weekly, differing from metropolitan regions where earnings were predominantly lower. Notably, 43.9% earned above $3000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retained 86.8% of income, indicating strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 9th decile.

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

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

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%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households comprising 6.7%. The median household size is 2.5 people, 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 is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 59.1% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% regionally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.9%) and graduate diplomas (7.4%). Vocational pathways account for 15.7%, with advanced diplomas at 7.0% and certificates at 8.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in tertiary, 9.4% in primary, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education. North Ainslie Primary School serves the area, with an enrollment of 532 students as of a specific date. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School places per 100 residents stand at 9.9, below the regional average of 15.4.

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

Ainslie has 35 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 380 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located 179 meters from the nearest stop.

Each route provides an average of 54 trips per day, resulting in approximately ten weekly trips per individual 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 prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (3,399 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 11.1 and 8.3% of residents respectively. Sixty-four point five percent of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.8% across Australian Capital Territory. Twenty-one point five percent of residents are aged 65 and over (1,154 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 was found to have above average cultural diversity, with 22.7% of its population born overseas and 13.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Ainslie is Christianity, comprising 33.8% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Ainslie compared to the Australian Capital Territory, with 0.8% of the population identifying as Jewish, compared to the regional average of 0.5%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (27.4%), Australian (23.6%), and Irish (11.2%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.5% compared to the regional average of 0.3%, Scottish at 9.5% versus 8.1%, and French at 0.8% compared to 0.7%.

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

Ainslie has a median age of 42, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and significantly higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 10.7% locally, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 11.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.8% to 7.0%, and the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 9.6% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has declined from 4.6% to 3.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Ainslie's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand by 100 people (27%), from 377 to 478. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 83% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.