Belconnen

Belconnen 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, Belconnen's population is around 9,414 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 912 people (10.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,502 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,414 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 161 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,125 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Belconnen's 10.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.7%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 78.2% of overall 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of national areas, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to increase by 4,963 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 52.7% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Belconnen among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Belconnen has recorded around 209 residential properties granted approval per year, totalling 1,049 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26420 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 1.1 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $345,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $39.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against the Australian Capital Territory, Belconnen records 308.0% more new home approvals (per person), offering buyers greater choice. This is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of medium and high-density housing. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has approximately 20 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Belconnen will gain 4,963 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Belconnen has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 32 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the University of Canberra Sports Precinct, Belconnen Central by JW Land, Belconnen Renewable Energy Microgrid, and Ethos by Per Se Developments, 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 employment landscape in Belconnen shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Belconnen possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and 0.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,275 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.7% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (77.3% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 9.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 22.1% versus the regional average of 30.4%. With 1.7 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, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.6% and the labour force increased by 1.1%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.9%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Belconnen. 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 Belconnen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Belconnen SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $60,620 with the average level standing at $70,283. This is higher than average nationally 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 $66,233 (median) and $76,791 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 79th percentile ($1,009 weekly), while household income sits at the 51st percentile. Distribution data shows 43.5% of the population (4,095 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 47th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Belconnen features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Belconnen, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 0.5% houses and 99.5% 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 Belconnen was lagging that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 11.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (22.0%) or rented (66.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Australian Capital Territory average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $430, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Belconnen's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 51.0% of all households, comprising 10.6% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 6.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 49.0%, with lone person households at 39.3% and group households comprising 9.7% of the total. The median household size of 1.9 people is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Belconnen exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Belconnen significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 59.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 43.8% in the SA3 area. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 32.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.3%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational pathways account for 18.7% of qualifications among those aged 15+; advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (9.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 19.1% in tertiary education, 3.3% in primary education, and 1.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 38 active transport stops operating within Belconnen, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 117 individual routes, collectively providing 5,620 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 255 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 62%, with 21% by bus and 12% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.5 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 9.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 802 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 147 weekly trips per individual stop.

Belconnen's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Belconnen residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with the prevalence of common health conditions being quite low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~5,074 people), compared to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.1% and 6.9% of residents, respectively, while 75.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 9.8% of residents aged 65 and over (922 people), which is lower than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Belconnen is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Belconnen is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 48.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 52.7% born overseas. The main religion in Belconnen is Christianity, which makes up 28.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 10.7% of the population, substantially higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Belconnen are Other, comprising 19.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 12.2%, English, comprising 17.6% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 23.3%, and Australian, comprising 15.8% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 23.0%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 1.5% of Belconnen (vs 0.6% regionally), Chinese at 12.2% (vs 4.2%) and Spanish at 0.7% (vs 0.5%).

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

With a median age of 31, Belconnen is materially younger than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Belconnen has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (36.2%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (4.5%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. In the period since 2021, the 0 to 4 age group has grown from 4.5% to 5.3% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 37.8% to 36.2% and the 15 to 24 group dropped from 18.3% to 17.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Belconnen's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 1,335 people (39%) from 3,404 to 4,740.