Chapman
Statistical Area - sa2

Chapman is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Chapman's population was approximately 2,875 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 8 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,867. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,873 in June 2024 and the addition of 16 validated new addresses post-census. This results in a population density ratio of 1,545 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Chapman's growth rate of 0.3% since the census is within 0.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (0.5%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in 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, using 2022 as the base year. Projected demographic shifts indicate an overall population decline of 349 persons by 2041, with specific age cohorts expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, projected to increase by 37 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Chapman according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Chapman has recorded approximately 14 residential properties granted approval each year. Development approval data from the ABS is reported on a financial year basis, with 70 homes approved over the past five financial years (between FY20 and FY25), and none so far in FY26. Over these five years, an average of 2.7 people moved to the area per new home constructed, indicating steady demand that supports property values.

This year has seen $747,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Comparatively, Chapman has 12.0% less new development per person than the Australian Capital Territory. Nationally, it ranks at the 26th percentile of areas assessed, implying limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established homes. This activity is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity shows a mix of 60.0% detached dwellings and 40.0% attached dwellings, with an increasing number of townhouses and apartments providing diverse housing options across various price points.

This shift represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition (currently 89.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for affordable housing. With approximately 0 people per dwelling approval, Chapman is characterized as a low-density area. Given that the population is expected to remain stable or decline, there should be reduced pressure on housing in Chapman, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

Chapman has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes or major projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely impacting this area. Key projects include Fetherston Weston, Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition (scheduled for completion in 2019), Canberra Hospital Master Plan (commenced in 2014), and Deakin Private Hospital (opened in 2017).

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

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

Chapman has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Unemployment rate is 1.7%, with estimated employment growth of 2.0% in the past year as of June 2025.

There are 1,466 employed residents, with unemployment at 1.7%, lower than Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) 3.4%. Workforce participation is 61.0%, below ACT's 69.6%. Key employment sectors include public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. Professional & technical has an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while retail trade is under-represented at 4.1% compared to ACT's 6.6%.

Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, labour force by 1.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.4 percentage points in Chapman. Comparatively, ACT's employment grew by 1.9%, labour force expanded by 1.6%, and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points. As of Sep-25, ACT employment contracted by 0.33% (-1,480 jobs), with state unemployment at 4.2%. National unemployment is 4.5%, with national employment growth at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chapman's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.8% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes without considering localised population projections.

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

Chapman has a median taxpayer income of $77,996 and an average of $92,788, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Nationally, this is extremely high, contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634. By March 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78%, current estimates would be approximately $86,404 (median) and $102,791 (average). The 2021 Census shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Chapman rank highly nationally, between the 97th and 98th percentiles. Income distribution reveals that the largest segment is 37.7% earning $4000+ weekly (1,083 residents), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 34.3%. Economic strength is evident through 51.6% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 90.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Chapman, as recorded at the latest Census, consisted of 89.2% houses and 10.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 81.7% houses and 18.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chapman stood at 48.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (39.8%) or rented (11.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,600, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,251. The median weekly rent figure for Chapman was $450, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $420. Nationally, Chapman's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Chapman features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households are 81.7% of all households, including 38.7% couples with children, 33.3% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up 18.3%, comprising 17.1% lone person households and 1.2% group households. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.6.

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

Chapman's educational attainment exceeds national and regional averages. Among residents aged 15+, 52.5% hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 46.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 29.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.5%) and graduate diplomas (7.1%). Vocational pathways account for 21.5%, with advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 11.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary, 9.8% in secondary, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education. Chapman Primary School serves the local area, enrolling 521 students. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. It has a higher than typical capacity for residents (18.1 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 14.8), indicating it serves as an educational hub for the broader region. Chapman demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1107.

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

Chapman has 19 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 1,211 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is considered excellent, with residents on average being located just 188 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 173 trips across all routes, which amounts to approximately 63 weekly trips per individual stop.

Chapman's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Chapman's health metrics closely match national benchmarks, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age groups being fairly standard. Approximately 67% of Chapman's total population (1,929 people) has private health cover, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 60.9%. The national average stands at 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 10.1% and 7.5% of residents respectively. 65.9% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 66.3%. Chapman has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.7% (738 people), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 20.6%. Health outcomes among seniors in Chapman are particularly strong, outperforming those of the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Chapman was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Chapman's overseas-born population is 22.7%, with 12.6% speaking a language other than English at home, both figures above the Australian average. Christianity is the dominant religion in Chapman, accounting for 51.4% of its population, compared to 44.9% across the Australian Capital Territory. The top three ancestry groups are English (26.9%), Australian (25.5%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Welsh (1.1%) and Hungarian (0.7%) populations in Chapman exceed regional averages of 0.7% and 0.6%, respectively, while Scottish representation is slightly higher at 8.9%.

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

The median age in Chapman is 47 years, which is significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 years and also older than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Chapman has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (11.2%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 (4.2%). This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of Chapman's population aged 15-24 has grown from 10.9% to 13.8%, while the 75-84 age group has increased from 9.5% to 11.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has declined from 13.6% to 12.3%, and the 35-44 age group has dropped from 12.2% to 10.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Chapman's age structure. Notably, the 85+ age group is projected to grow by 66%, reaching 100 people from 60. The combined 65+ age groups will account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 75-84 and 0-4 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.