Chisholm
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Chisholm's population is around 5,219 as of Aug 2025. This reflects a decrease of 49 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,268 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,221 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,683 persons per square kilometer, which is above average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Chisholm experienced a 0.9% decline since census, the SA3 area achieved 0.2% growth, highlighting divergent population trends. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, using 2022 as a base, are adopted. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 325 persons by 2041, with the 75 to 84 age group projected to increase by 125 people.

The level of residential development activity in Chisholm is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Chisholm has seen approximately eight new homes approved annually. Development approval data from the ABS shows 42 approvals across the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with four recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 0.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these years. This suggests supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice and potential for population growth above projections.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $291,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $337,000, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Chisholm exhibits around 69% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 19th percentile nationally, suggesting relatively constrained buyer choice. This supports interest in existing properties and aligns with the area's established nature. New building activity comprises approximately 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a growing mix of housing types and options across price ranges.

Chisholm has around 807 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Given stable or declining population projections, the area is expected to experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Chisholm has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two key projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include the Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, Monaro Highway Safety Upgrades, and Canberra Hospital Master Plan. The following list details those expected to have the most relevance.

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

Employment conditions in Chisholm remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Chisholm has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 4.4% as of June 2025. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 3.2%.

The unemployment rate in Chisholm is 1.0% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%, while workforce participation is similar at approximately 69.6%. Key industries of employment among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 7.4% of Chisholm's workforce compared to 11.1% in Australian Capital Territory.

Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.2% while labour force increased by 1.6%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment grow by 1.9%. State-level data from Sep-25 shows ACT employment contracted by 0.33%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chisholm's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Chisholm's median income among taxpayers is $64,238, with an average of $71,194. This is above the national average, compared to Australian Capital Territory's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $71,163 (median) and $78,869 (average) as of March 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Chisholm, between the 83rd and 85th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 38.1% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999, reflecting patterns seen in the region where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. Economic strength is evident through 33.9% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 13.8% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 85th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Chisholm is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Chisholm, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 95.9% houses and 4.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chisholm was at 29.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 50.7% and rented ones at 20.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, aligning with Australian Capital Territory's average. Median weekly rent was recorded as $410, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $2,000 and $425 respectively. Nationally, Chisholm's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Chisholm has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 76.6% of all households, including 36.9% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for 23.4%, comprising 20.9% lone person households and 2.1% group households. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Chisholm aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 25.6%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.4% and certificates at 24.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education. The area has educational provision through Caroline Chisholm School and its junior campus, serving a total of 602 students. Chisholm School demonstrates typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 979). Educational provision is split between one primary and one secondary institution. There are 11.5 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 14.9, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. Note that for schools with 'n/a' enrolments, refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis in Chisholm shows 39 active public transport stops. All are bus stops. They are served by 8 different routes, offering a total of 736 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 174 meters. Service frequency across all routes averages 105 trips per day, which equates to around 18 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Chisholm is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Chisholm faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~2,870 people), compared to 57.2% across Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.5 and 8.8% of residents respectively, while 66.4% declare themselves as completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.1% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 16.4% of residents aged 65 and over (854 people), which is lower than the 17.6% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Chisholm had cultural diversity above average, with 19.0% born overseas and 14.4% speaking a language other than English at home as of the latest data (not specified). Christianity was the main religion in Chisholm, comprising 50.0%. Islam was overrepresented compared to Australian Capital Territory, with 2.4% vs 2.4%.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (27.5%), English (26.5%), and Irish (8.2%). Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%), Serbian (0.5% vs 0.4%), and Macedonian (0.4% vs 0.2%) were notably overrepresented among other ethnic groups.

Chisholm's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Chisholm's median age is 37 years, slightly older than Australian Capital Territory's 35 years but closely aligned with Australia's national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises 13.4% of Chisholm's population, higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 11.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 9.4% to 11.0%, and the 35-44 cohort has grown from 13.5% to 15.0%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 13.6% to 11.3%, and the 55-64 group has fallen from 15.1% to 13.4%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic shifts in Chisholm. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to rise by 107 people (47%), from 229 to 337. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 97% of total population growth, indicating an aging demographic trend in the area. In contrast, both the 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.