Braddon
Statistical Area - sa2

Braddon lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Braddon's population, as of Aug 2025, is around 7,272. This figure reflects an increase of 889 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,383. The growth was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 7,272 as of June 2024 and the addition of 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 5,157 persons per square kilometer, placing Braddon in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's population growth of 13.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state's (5.7%) and SA4 region's growth rates. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.8% of overall population gains, with other drivers including interstate migration and natural growth also being positive factors.

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 or years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. Looking ahead, demographic trends indicate exceptional growth for Braddon over the period to 2041, with an expected increase of 3,345 persons and a total increase of 46.0% based on the latest population numbers.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Braddon recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Braddon has recorded approximately 341 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, totaling 1,705 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-20 to FY-25, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26. On average, around 10.4 people have moved to the area per year for each dwelling built over these years, indicating significant demand outpacing supply, which typically influences prices and competition among buyers. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $244,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

In FY-26, $8.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Braddon has recorded markedly lower building activity, 74.0% below the regional average per person, which usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. New building activity shows 12.0% standalone homes and 88.0% townhouses or apartments, focusing on higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With approximately 0 people moving per approval, Braddon reflects a developing area with expected growth of around 3,345 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Looking ahead, Braddon is expected to grow by 3,345 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.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Light Rail Extension Planning, Marcus Clarke Street Office Complex, AHLEI by Liebke + Co, and Girrahween Street Townhouses. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

Braddon ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Braddon has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 2.4%, with an estimated annual growth of 1.8%.

As of June 2025, 5687 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation in Braddon is high at 80.6%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Key employment sectors include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and education & training. Public administration & safety has a notable concentration, with levels 1.4 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 6.7% compared to ACT's 11.7%. The resident-to-worker ratio of 0.7 indicates ample local employment opportunities. From June 2024 to June 2025, Braddon's employment increased by 1.8%, labour force by 1.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Meanwhile, ACT experienced employment growth of 1.9% and a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment. State-level data to Sep-25 shows ACT employment contracted by 0.33%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Braddon's industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Braddon had a median taxpayer income of $76,574 and an average income of $98,528. These figures place Braddon in the top percentile nationally. The Australian Capital Territory's median income was $68,678 with an average of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for March 2025 would be approximately $84,829 (median) and $109,149 (average). Census data reveals individual earnings in Braddon stand at the 98th percentile nationally with weekly earnings of $1,512. The earnings profile shows that 41.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 to $2,999 per week, with 33.1% earning over $3,000 per week. High housing costs consume 18.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 77th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

In Braddon, as per the latest Census evaluation, houses constituted 4.9% while other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other') made up 95.1%. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Braddon stood at 11.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.3% and rented ones at 61.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,803, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Braddon was $495, compared to the ACT's $476. Nationally, Braddon's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $375.

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

Family households constitute 41.2% of all households, including 6.9% couples with children, 30.3% couples without children, and 3.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 58.8%, with lone person households at 44.2% and group households comprising 14.8%. The median household size is 1.8 people, smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.2.

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

Educational attainment in Braddon is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 70.4% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 38.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (25.2%) and graduate diplomas (6.6%). Technical qualifications comprise 13.0% of educational achievements, with advanced diplomas at 6.0% and certificates at 7.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 21.5% in tertiary, 2.0% in primary, and 1.6% in secondary education. Two schools serve Braddon: Merici College and Ainslie School, collectively educating 1,290 students. The area exhibits significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA score: 1129). Educational provision follows conventional lines, with one primary and one secondary institution serving the area.

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

Braddon has 27 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 19 different routes that together offer 971 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 134 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is 138 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to about 35 weekly trips per stop.

Braddon's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Braddon. Prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups is very low. Approximately 71% of the total population (5,163 people) have private health cover, compared to 65.3% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 12.9% and 9.4% of residents respectively. 71.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.8% across Australian Capital Territory. Braddon has 7.3% of residents aged 65 and over (531 people), lower than the 11.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Braddon has high cultural diversity, with 27.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 35.3% born overseas. The dominant religion is Christianity, comprising 25.6%. Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.6% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 0.5%.

Top ancestry groups are English (22.9%), Australian (18.0%), and Other (11.1%). Korean (1.1%) and Chinese (8.9%) are notably overrepresented while French remains at regional levels (0.7%).

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

Braddon has a median age of 31, which is younger than the Australian Capital Territory's figure of 35 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Braddon has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (39.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (2.5%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national figure of 14.5%. From 2021 to present, the age group of 55-64 has grown from 6.1% to 7.3% of the population, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 16.1% to 17.2%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort has declined from 18.3% to 16.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Braddon's age structure. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 711 people (25%) from 2,860 to 3,572.