Belconnen
Statistical Area - sa2

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 approximately 9,417 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 915 people, a rise of 10.8%, since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 8,502. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates showing an estimated resident population of 9,414 in June 2024 and the addition of 161 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,125 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Belconnen's growth of 10.8% since the 2021 census surpassed both the SA3 area (2.4%) and the state level, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78.2% of overall population gains 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 by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also based on 2022. 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 latest population numbers suggest an increase of 4,963 persons by 2041, representing a total increase of 52.7% over the 17-year period.

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 per year. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, totalling 1,049 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and none so far in FY-26. Over these five years, an average of 1.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. This indicates a balanced supply and demand, creating stable market conditions with new homes being constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $295,000.

In FY-26, $39.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Belconnen records 308.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice and indicating strong developer confidence in the area. Recent development has been entirely comprised of medium and high-density housing, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers with approximately 20 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate Belconnen will gain 4,960 residents by 2041, and 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.

Population forecasts indicate Belconnen will gain 4,960 residents through to 2041. 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 24thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 23 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Belconnen Town Centre Master Plan Implementation, Garden City Cycleway, University of Canberra Sports Precinct, and Ethos by Per Se Developments. The following list outlines those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates Belconnen maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Belconnen has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.0%.

As of June 2025, 6,306 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is 0.5% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate. Workforce participation in Belconnen is 73.2%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Key industries of employment include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. The area has a 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% versus 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 June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0%, labour force increased by 1.6%, resulting in a decrease of unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. Comparatively, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9% with unemployment falling by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows ACT employment contracted by 0.33%, losing 1,480 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National unemployment was 4.5% with national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Belconnen's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7%% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Belconnen had a median income among taxpayers of $56,432 and an average level of $68,151. These figures are higher than the national averages of $68,678 and $83,634 respectively for the Australian Capital Territory. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year 2022, current estimates as of March 2025 would be approximately $62,515 (median) and $75,498 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 79th percentile with weekly earnings of $1,009, while household income sits at the 52nd percentile. Distribution data indicates that 43.5% of Belconnen's population, equating to 4,096 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, a pattern also seen regionally where 34.3% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 47th percentile. 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

Belconnen's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 0.5% houses and 99.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Belconnen stood at 11.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.0% and rented ones at 66.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Belconnen was recorded at $430, aligning with the Australian Capital Territory figure of $430. Nationally, Belconnen's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 59.2% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 43.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 32.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.3%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational pathways account for 18.7%, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (9.7%).

Educational participation is 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. The University of Canberra Senior Secondary College Lake Ginninderra serves Belconnen, enrolling 757 students as of a recent report. Belconnen's socio-educational conditions are above average (ICSEA: 1064). Secondary education dominates with one school while primary students often attend schools in nearby areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 8.0, below the regional average of 15.1, indicating some students may attend schools outside Belconnen.

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

Transport analysis in Belconnen shows 38 active transport stops operating. These consist of a mix of train and bus services. There are 27 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 4,588 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 254 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 655 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 120 weekly trips per individual stop.

Belconnen's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Belconnen's health outcomes data shows excellent results with younger age groups having a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 53% (~5,028 people) have private health cover, compared to 57.1% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (10.1%) and asthma (6.9%). 75.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 68.1% in the Australian Capital Territory. Belconnen has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 9.5% (894 people), compared to 15.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention 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 has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in Australia, with 48.8% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 52.7% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Belconnen, comprising 28.2% of the population. Hinduism, however, is significantly overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, making up 10.7% of Belconnen's population.

The top three ancestral groups based on country of birth of parents are 'Other' at 19.7%, English at 17.6%, and Australian at 15.8%. These figures differ significantly from the regional averages for these groups, which stand at 12.0%, 23.7%, and 23.8% respectively. Notably, Korean (1.5%) and Chinese (12.2%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Belconnen compared to their regional averages of 0.4% and 4.2% respectively. Spanish ethnicity is also marginally overrepresented at 0.7%, higher than the regional average of 0.5%.

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

Belconnen has a median age of 30, which is lower than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and also younger than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent at 36.6%, while the 5-14 group is smaller at 4.4% compared to the Australian Capital Territory. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 0-4 age group has grown from 4.5% to 5.2%, while the 25-34 cohort has declined from 37.8% to 36.6%. By 2041, Belconnen is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition, with the 25-34 age group projected to increase by 1,294 people (38%) from 3,445 to 4,740.