Chapman

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 2,867 as of May 2021. By May 2026, this had increased to around 2,883, a rise of 16 people (0.6%) since the 2021 Census. This increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 2,881 in June 2025 and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was approximately 1,550 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Chapman's growth rate of 0.6% since the census is within 1.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (1.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of 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 using 2022 as the base year. Projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with Chapman's population expected to decrease by 317 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, projected to expand by 49 people.

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

Chapman has seen approximately six new homes approved each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 30 homes were approved, with one more approved so far in FY26. On average, about 2.7 people moved to the area per new home constructed during these years, indicating strong demand which may support property values.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost of $285,000. This financial year has seen $747,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Chapman records 11.0% less building activity per person and ranks among the 25th percentile nationally for areas assessed, offering limited choices for buyers and potentially supporting demand for existing homes. This lower-than-average national activity may reflect the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

New building activity comprises 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% medium to high-density housing, with an increasing blend of attached housing types providing options across price ranges. This shift from the area's existing housing stock (currently 89.0% houses) may indicate decreasing availability of developable sites and reflect changing lifestyles requiring more diverse and affordable housing choices. Population projections showing stability or decline in Chapman suggest reduced housing demand pressures, potentially benefiting potential buyers.

Chapman has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 0 projects likely impacting this area. Notable projects are Fetherston Weston, Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and Deakin Private Hospital. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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

Chapman has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 1.7% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.4%.

As of that date, 1,446 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Chapman lagged behind the territory average, at 61.8% compared to 70.5%. According to Census responses, 18.8% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries among residents were public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance.

The area showed strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Retail trade had lower representation at 4.1%, compared to the regional average of 6.6%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.4% while labour force grew by 1.2%, resulting in a fall in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with an increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Chapman's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Chapman SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $80,664 and an average income of $93,919. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the ACT's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $89,085 (median) and $103,724 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Chapman's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 96th and 97th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 37.7% of residents earn more than $4,000 annually, with 51.6% of households earning over $3,000 weekly after housing costs. This results in residents retaining 90.6% of their 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

Chapman's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.2% houses and 10.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chapman stood at 48.5%, with the rest either mortgaged (39.8%) or rented (11.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,080. Median weekly rent was recorded at $450, matching Australian Capital Territory's figure but significantly higher than the national average of $375. Nationally, Chapman's mortgage repayments were notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 18.3%, with lone person households at 17.1% and group households comprising 1.2%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Chapman is notably high, with 52.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications as of the latest available data. This figure surpasses both national (30.4%) and SA3 area (46.6%) averages, indicating a significant educational advantage for the region. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 29.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 15.5% and graduate diplomas at 7.1%. Vocational pathways account for 21.5% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 9.6% and certificates 11.9%.

Educational participation is also high in Chapman, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest data. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Chapman has 19 currently operating public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a total of 49 different routes, together facilitating 4667 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents on average located just 188 meters from their nearest transport stop. As predominantly residential, most Chapman residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 92%, with cycling accounting for 2%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling in Chapman, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 18.8% of Chapman's residents work from home, a figure possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 666 trips daily, translating to approximately 245 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results for Chapman, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, younger cohorts exhibit very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 68% of the total population (1,946 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.1%) and asthma (7.5%), while 65.9% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes for the under-65 population are better than average. The area has 26.8% of residents aged 65 and over (773 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. While health outcomes among seniors are strong, they rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Chapman records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Chapman's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 22.7% born overseas and 12.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Chapman, comprising 51.4%, compared to 40.7% across 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%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Chapman compared to regional averages of 0.6% and 0.3%, respectively. Scottish ancestry also has a higher representation at 8.9%.

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

The median age in Chapman is 47 years, significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to ACT, Chapman has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (11.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (4.2%). This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6.1%. According to the 2021 Census, Chapman's population has seen changes in age distribution. The 15-24 age group grew from 10.9% to 14.7%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 9.5% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 35-44 age group declined from 12.2% to 9.8%, and the 55-64 age group dropped from 13.6% to 12.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Chapman's age structure. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 55%, reaching 121 people from 77. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for all of the total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 75-84 and 55-64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.