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

Belconnen's population was around 9,592 as of May 2026. This showed an increase of 1,090 people, a 12.8% rise from the 2021 Census figure of 8,502. This growth is inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was 2,165 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Belconnen's growth exceeded the SA3 area (4.2%) and the state, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 84.4% of overall population gains 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 and years post-2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted. Based on projected demographic shifts, Belconnen is predicted to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national areas by 2041. The population is expected to increase by 4,534 persons by then, reflecting a total increase of 47.3% over the 16-year period, according to the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Belconnen has recorded approximately 209 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 1,049 homes. As of FY-26420 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.1 people move to the area per dwelling built each year between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting a balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. The average construction cost value for new homes is $345,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment.

In FY-26, $39.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Belconnen records 297.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice and demonstrating strong developer confidence. Recent development has consisted entirely of medium and high-density housing, providing affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. There are approximately 20 people per dwelling approval in the location, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Belconnen is forecasted to gain 4,534 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, creating good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

Population forecasts indicate Belconnen will gain 4,534 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 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 32 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include University of Canberra Sports Precinct, Belconnen Central by JW Land, Belconnen Renewable Energy Microgrid, and Ethos by Per Se Developments. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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 has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.5% as of December 2021, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,275 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.7%, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is standard at 75.5%. According to Census responses in June 2016, 9.5% of residents worked from home. Key industries of employment include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. The area has notable concentration in accommodation & food services with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 22.1% compared to the regional average of 30.4%. There are 1.7 workers for every resident, indicating Belconnen functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.6%, labour force grew by 1.1%, resulting in a rise in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.9%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Belconnen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Belconnen SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $60,620 and an average income of $70,283. Nationally, the averages are $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. By March 2026, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $66,949 and average income $77,621, based on a 10.44% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census reports personal income at the 79th percentile ($1,009 weekly) and household income at the 51st percentile. Income distribution shows 43.5% of Belconnen's population (4,172 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to regional levels where 34.3% fall within this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 47th percentile. Belconnen'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

Belconnen's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 0.5% houses and 99.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Belconnen was at 11.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.0% and rented ones at 66.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Belconnen was $430, compared to $450 in the Australian Capital Territory. Nationally, Belconnen's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents higher at $375.

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

Family households account for 51.0% of all households, including 10.6% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 6.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 49.0%, with lone person households at 39.3% and group households comprising 9.7%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which 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

Belconnen's educational attainment notably exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 59.2% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 43.8%. This high level of educational attainment positions Belconnen favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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+, with advanced diplomas making up 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

Belconnen has 38 active public transport stops serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 117 different routes, offering a total of 5,620 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good accessibility to transport, with an average distance of 255 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 62%, followed by bus at 21% and walking at 12%. The average vehicle ownership is 0.5 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.5% of residents work from home, which 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

Belconnen residents' health data shows positive outcomes overall, matching national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health conditions are low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages.

Private health cover is held by approximately 54% of Belconnen's total population (~5,170 people), slightly above the average SA2 area rate but lower than Australian Capital Territory's 62.4%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 10.1 and 6.9% of residents respectively. About 75.2% of Belconnen residents report no medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 9.7% of residents aged 65 and over (929 people), lower than Australian Capital Territory's 14.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to 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 has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 48.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 52.7% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, making up 28.2% of Belconnen's population. However, Hinduism is notably overrepresented at 10.7%, substantially higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is the largest group at 19.7%, higher than the regional average of 12.2%. English ancestry stands at 17.6%, lower than the regional average of 23.3%. Australian ancestry is also lower at 15.8%, compared to the regional average of 23.0%. Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Korean at 1.5% (vs 0.6%), 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

Belconnen has a median age of 31, which is younger than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Belconnen has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (36.1%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (4.4%). This 25-34 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.2% to 15.1% of Belconnen's population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age cohort has declined from 37.8% to 36.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Belconnen's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase by 1,195 people (34%), from 3,465 to 4,661 residents.