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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Chisholm has an estimated 5,282 residents. That puts 1,704 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to research conducted by AreaSearch, the resident count of Chisholm stands at approximately 5,282 as of Aug 2026. This represents a gain of 14 people (0.3%) relative to the 2021 Census tally of 5,268 people. This trajectory is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population figure of 5,277 alongside 19 validated new addresses registered following the Census. Consequently, population density is estimated at 1,703 persons per square kilometer, tracking higher than the national benchmark across AreaSearch study areas. Chisholm's post-census increase of 0.3% sits within 1.1 percentage points of the broader SA3 area (1.4%), reflecting sound demographic momentum.
Natural increase served as the primary growth catalyst, generating roughly 57.1% of recent net population additions. Projections utilize 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia datasets using 2022 as the base period across SA2 geographies. In instances where SA2 localities lack coverage or extend beyond 2032, age cohort projections published by the ACT Government (2022 baseline) are applied. Under these modeling parameters, Chisholm is projected to experience population contraction, decreasing by 300 persons by 2041. In contrast to this aggregate decline, older demographics will record expansion, notably the 75 to 84 cohort, which is anticipated to add 114 people. <i>See the age section for more details.</i>
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
40 new dwellings have been approved in Chisholm over the past five years, an average of 8 a year. That is 1.5 approvals per 1,000 residents. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building approvals in Chisholm have averaged roughly 8 homes annually, amounting to 40 dwellings over the last 5 financial years. Factoring in an average of 1.8 new occupants per constructed residence between FY-22 and FY-26 across the past 5 financial years, the supply-demand balance remains steady; nevertheless, this metric has tightened to 6 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, indicating heightened demand and emerging supply constraints. The average expected construction cost for incoming homes sits at $273,000, which is more affordable than regional averages. Meanwhile, commercial construction activity remains subdued, recording $337,000 in approved works during the current financial year.
Per capita residential approvals in Chisholm align closely with the Australian Capital Territory average, preserving local supply balance despite building volumes moderating in recent periods. This level falls below the nationwide standard, indicative of a mature urban fabric and potential development limits. Newer construction activity is split evenly between 50.0% standalone houses and 50.0% semi-detached or attached residences. This transition toward higher-density dwelling options facilitates accessible entry points for downsizing households, first-home purchasers, and investors. Because 96.0% of existing housing stock currently consists of separate houses, this shift highlights land availability constraints while accommodating evolving demographic preferences for diversified, budget-friendly accommodation. The ratio of roughly 963 people per dwelling approval reflects a thoroughly established urban environment. Given that the local population is projected to stabilize or decrease, residential market pressure in Chisholm should ease, potentially opening up opportunities for prospective buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Chisholm
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 19 current infrastructure and development projects close to Chisholm, worth an estimated $2.51 billion. 1 are already under construction and 4 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Civic infrastructure, major developments, and strategic planning initiatives play a decisive role in shaping community outcomes. AreaSearch has pinpointed 2 key projects positioned to influence the surrounding area, with notable developments comprising the Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, Erindale Group Centre Master Plan Implementation - Stage 1, and Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Wanniassa Hills Primary School Modernisation
ACT Government modernisation project at Wanniassa Hills Primary School delivering a preschool upgrade and replacement of existing gas boilers with fully electric heat pumps to improve energy efficiency, thermal comfort and learning environments. The works build on the school's earlier major modernisation program including new learning communities, administration refurbishment, hall improvements and expanded parking. Electrical supply upgrade works were tendered in 2025 to support the new HVAC system.
Erindale Group Centre Master Plan Implementation - Stage 1
A long-term revitalisation of the Erindale Group Centre focused on transforming public spaces, improving pedestrian and active travel links, and upgrading community infrastructure. The 2025-26 ACT Budget specifically funded the Erindale shops upgrade, with concept designs for public space improvements, including new lighting, paving, and furniture, expected for community feedback in 2026. The broader master plan facilitates future mixed-use development and roughly 800 new dwellings to support Tuggeranong growth.
Calwell Retirement Living Precinct
A retirement living precinct proposal by KBDC, featuring 30 one-storey townhouses alongside the Calwell shopping strip.
Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong
Proposed southern extension of the Canberra light rail network connecting Woden Town Centre to Tuggeranong Town Centre via the Athllon Drive corridor. Recent 2026 updates indicate the ACT Government is developing a transit-oriented development (ToD) plan for the Athllon Drive corridor, with conceptual integrated bus and light rail network options for Canberra South expected by June 2026. The project remains part of the long-term City-wide Light Rail Network plan to support a population of 500,000.
EV Fast Charging Infrastructure - Calwell (Calwell Shopping Centre)
Public DC fast EV charging delivered at Calwell Shopping Centre and operated by Evie Networks, supported by ACT Government grants and ARENA funding to expand Canberra's charging network.
Calwell Public Housing Development
30 new public housing townhouses (2 and 3 bedroom) built to Class C Adaptable standards. Features evaporative heating/cooling, 6-star energy rating hot water systems, double-glazed windows, and sustainable design.
Calwell Group Centre improvements
Public space upgrades at local shops including new seating, playground with nature play elements, accessible parking bays, improved pedestrian access, upgraded lighting, and enhanced landscaping. Features nest swing, trampolines, slide, steppers and new shade sail.
The Valley Ponds - Wanniassa
Proposed medium-density residential estate of approximately 120-150 townhouses and apartments on former open space land between Wanniassa Hills and the Erindale Centre, part of the broader Indicative Land Release Program.
2,813 residents of Chisholm are employed, from a labour force of 2,967. Unemployment sits at 5.2%, with participation at 70.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 4,090, about 77% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Chisholm maintains a capable local workforce featuring strong representation across essential services, an unemployment rate of 5.2%, and an estimated 0.5% increase in employment over the preceding year. As of March 2026, 2,813 local residents participate in employment, with the local jobless rate standing 1.1% above the Australian Capital Territory mark of 4.1%, while overall labour force engagement aligns closely with the territory standard of 70.6%. Only 9.3% of workers reported working from home during the Census, a figure that reflects pandemic lockdown settings during the survey period. Local workers are predominantly engaged across public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction.
Notably, construction workers are significantly overrepresented, reaching 1.7 times the wider regional benchmark. Conversely, professional & technical roles account for just 7.4% of resident employment, compared with 11.1% across the region. A comparison of resident workers to local job numbers indicates that this predominantly suburban neighborhood provides relatively constrained local employment capacity. According to AreaSearch evaluation of SALM and ABS figures, the period leading up to March 2026 saw employment climb by 0.5 percent while the labour force expanded by 1.1 percent, which pushed the unemployment rate up by 0.6 percentage points. Meanwhile, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.3 percent and labour force growth of 1.1 percent, accompanied by a 0.7 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia national employment projections dated Mar-26 provide additional context for anticipated future demand in Chisholm. These forecasts span five and ten year horizons and have been cross referenced with Chisholm local employment data to project growth trends. Nationally, employment is expected to rise by 6.6 percent over five years and by 13.7 percent over ten years, though sectoral growth varies considerably. When these industry specific estimates are applied to Chisholm employment composition, local jobs are projected to grow by 6.3 percent over five years and 13.0 percent over ten years. This calculation uses simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate localized population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Chisholm is $2,292 a week (about $119,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,088 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $67,412 a year against an average of $73,552. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to ATO tax statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, personal earnings in the Chisholm SA2 exceed national benchmarks. Median taxpayer earnings stand at $67,412 alongside a mean income of $73,552, compared with $72,206 and $85,981 across the Australian Capital Territory. Adjusting for a 10.44% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of approximately $74,450 (median) and $81,231 (average) as of March 2026. In the 2021 Census, personal, family, and household incomes in Chisholm consistently tracked in the 83rd to 85th percentiles nationwide.
The largest individual cohort comprises 38.1% of workers (2,012 residents) taking home $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, paralleling the regional rate of 34.3%. High earners are also prominent, with 33.9% receiving over $3,000 per week, reflecting considerable local affluence. Housing costs absorb 13.8% of income, disposable earnings place the community in the 84th percentile, and the SEIFA index assigns the suburb to the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Chisholm had 1,862 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 96% detached houses and 1% apartments. 51% are owned with a mortgage, 20% rented and 29% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $410 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month. Rent absorbs 17.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The dwelling landscape recorded in the recent Census consisted of 95.9% separate houses alongside 4.2% alternative residential formats (including semi-detached units, apartments, and other dwellings), diverging from the Australian Capital Territory profile of 63.3% houses and 36.7% higher-density dwellings. Outright home ownership reached 29.1%, surpassing the territory benchmark, while remaining households were paying off a mortgage (50.7%) or renting (20.2%). Typical monthly mortgage installments sat at $2,000, lower than the Australian Capital Territory standard of $2,080, while median weekly rent was $410 against the territory figure of $450. On a national level, Chisholm's monthly repayments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents surpass the nationwide mark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Chisholm counted 1,862 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.7 people each. 37% are couples with children, against 26% couples without children. 21% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the vast majority of local living arrangements at 76.6%, consisting of couples with children (36.9%), couples without children (26.4%), and single parent families (12.4%). Non-family households account for the remaining 23.4%, comprising single-person households at 20.9% and group residences at 2.1%. The average household size stands at 2.7 people, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory standard of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
25.6% of adults in Chisholm hold a university qualification, including 15.6% with a bachelor degree and 6.2% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 24.3% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 602 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 979 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Higher education rates indicate local development opportunities, as 25.6% of residents hold tertiary qualifications compared with the SA4 regional benchmark of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees represent the most common university qualification at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 6.2% and graduate diplomas at 3.8%. Meanwhile, technical and trade credentials are widespread, with 36.7% of individuals aged 15+ possessing vocational qualifications, comprising certificates (24.3%) and advanced diplomas (12.4%). Participation in formal learning is substantial, with 28.6% of the population attending an educational institution. This proportion includes 10.2% enrolled in primary education, 8.0% in secondary schooling, and 3.8% undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Chisholm reaches 30 stops on 72 routes, timetabled for about 4,600 services a week. The typical home sits about 190 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Chisholm is served by 30 operational public transport stops catering to bus networks. Across 72 distinct bus routes, the local network delivers 4,578 scheduled passenger services every week. Accessibility is strong, with typical walking distances to a stop averaging 186 meters. Due to the area's residential profile, outward commuting is standard, and private vehicles dominate modal share at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 cars per dwelling, higher than the regional average, while working from home accounted for 9.3% of workers during the 2021 Census under prevailing pandemic circumstances. Transit service frequency delivers an average of 654 daily trips across the transit network, translating to roughly 152 services each week at each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
66.4% of residents in Chisholm report no long-term health condition. 5.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 55.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health analyses by AreaSearch indicate elevated public health considerations based on mortality figures and the incidence of chronic conditions across younger and older demographics, while private health insurance uptake is extensive at approximately 55% of the populace (~2,926 people), compared to 62.4% throughout the Australian Capital Territory. Asthma and mental health issues represent the primary reported health conditions, affecting 8.8% and 9.5% of the local population respectively, whereas 66.4% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Chronic health conditions are somewhat elevated among the working-age cohort.
Senior residents aged 65 and over account for 17.8% of the community (941 people), higher than the territory average of 14.2%, with health metrics for older residents largely tracking national trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Chisholm is largely Australian-born, at 81.0% of residents, with 14.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (27.5%) and English (26.5%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural metrics show above-average diversity in Chisholm, with 19.0% of the populace born overseas and 14.4% using a non-English language at home. Christianity forms the largest religious group, representing 50.0% of residents. Islam is the most distinctly overrepresented non-Christian faith locally at 2.4% of the population, compared to 3.4% throughout the Australian Capital Territory. Regarding ancestral backgrounds, the most frequently cited heritages among Chisholm residents are Australian (27.5%), English (26.5%), and Irish (8.2%). Specific European ancestries show notable comparative representation, including Serbian at 0.5% (against 0.4% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (against 0.3%), and Macedonian at 0.4% (against 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Chisholm is 37. 23.8% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Chisholm's age distribution closely mirrors broader Australian Capital Territory benchmarks, with the maximum cohort variation standing at 6.7 percentage points. The median age is estimated at 37, matching the 2021 Census outcome and sitting 2 years above the territory median of 35 from that Census. Since then, the retiree and senior demographic (65+) has risen from 13.0% to an estimated 17.8%. This demographic realignment is highlighted by the 55 to 64 age band contracting from 15.1% to an estimated 12.6% while the 65 to 74 group expanded from 9.4% to 11.9%, lacking equivalent replenishment among younger age brackets.
Seniors and retirees are projected to drive growth through 2041, increasing by 136 people (14%) to 1,078, whereas cohorts covering young to middle-aged adults, children, and young adults are forecast to diminish.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Chisholm
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 19 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (5,268 at the 2021 Census → 5,282 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (801071074). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.