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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 investigations by AreaSearch, the population of Chisholm is calculated to be close to 5,282 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 14 residents (0.3%) relative to the 2021 Census, when the head count was 5,268. The updated figure is calculated based on the ABS estimated resident population of 5,277 in June 2025 and 15 validated new addresses added after the Census. The population density is approximately 1,703 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the national average benchmarked by AreaSearch. The post-census growth of 0.3% in Chisholm is within 1.1 percentage points of the broader SA3 region (1.4%), indicating competitive expansion dynamics.
Population growth in the locality was mostly driven by natural increase, which accounted for roughly 57.1% of the recent population gains. Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, are utilised for SA2 areas. For any SA2 localities omitted from this database, or for dates beyond 2032, the age cohort growth assumptions are sourced from the ACT Government SA2 projections using a 2022 base. Based on these anticipated demographic trends, the projections suggest a contraction in the overall population, with the total count expected to decrease by 289 individuals by 2041. On the other hand, expansion is expected in particular age brackets, especially the 75 to 84 cohort, which is expected to grow by 115 individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
42 new dwellings have been approved in Chisholm over the past five years, an average of 8 a year. That is 1.6 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 5, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential approvals in Chisholm average about 8 properties annually, with a total of 42 homes authorized over the previous 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 5 recorded in FY-26 so far. With an average of 1.7 additional residents arriving for each new dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), supply and demand remain in equilibrium to foster a balanced market, though this ratio has recently risen to 5.1 people per home over the previous 2 financial years, pointing to higher demand and scarcer supply.
The average construction value for new dwellings is $215,000. In addition, commercial development approvals total $337,000 for the current financial year, which points to a quiet commercial building sector. Chisholm generates roughly 69% of the per capita construction activity seen across the Australian Capital Territory, placing it in the 18th percentile of all areas analysed nationally, which translates to fewer choices for buyers and sustains demand for established properties. This rate is also below the national average, reflecting a mature market and potential construction constraints. Recent building activity consists of 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% medium and high-density dwellings, showing an evolving mix of semi-detached and attached formats that offer options across different price points, ranging from large family residences to compact homes. This represents a clear departure from the current housing stock (which stands at 96.0% houses), signaling a decrease in vacant development sites alongside shifting resident preferences for diverse and affordable options. The suburb registers roughly 813 people per dwelling approval, indicating a mature residential landscape. Faced with stable or shrinking population projections, Chisholm could experience reduced pressure on its housing stock, leading to advantageous conditions for home buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Chisholm
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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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
Local infrastructure projects, major construction, and zoning updates are major drivers of local performance. AreaSearch has identified 2 projects that are expected to impact the local area. Key projects include the Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, the Calwell Public Housing Development, Erindale Group Centre Master Plan Implementation - Stage 1, and Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong, with the list below detailing the most relevant initiatives.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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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 70.5%. 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 features a qualified labor force with strong representation in vital services, an unemployment rate of 5.2%, and an estimated job growth rate of 0.5% over the past year. In March 2026, there were 2,813 local residents employed, with the unemployment rate tracking 1.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, while workforce participation matches the Territory rate of 70.8%. Census data indicates that only 9.3% of workers performed their duties from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. The primary employment sectors for local residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction.
The community displays a strong concentration in construction jobs, with its employment share tracking at 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 7.4% of the local workforce, which is below the 11.1% average for the Australian Capital Territory. This mostly residential suburb appears to provide few local employment options, as shown by comparing the count of resident workers against the local working population from the Census. Analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch shows that in the year leading up to March 2026, employment grew by 0.5% and the labor force expanded by 1.1%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point rise in unemployment. For comparison, the Australian Capital Territory saw employment expand by 0.3% and the labor force grow by 1.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.7 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia dated May-25 offer additional perspective on potential future demand in Chisholm. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce profile to model future growth trends. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though expansion rates vary widely across different sectors. Applying these industry projections to the employment profile of Chisholm indicates local jobs could grow by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (this represents a basic weighted projection for illustration and does not incorporate local population forecasts).
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
Based on AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode-level ATO statistics released for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the Chisholm SA2 recorded a median income of $67,412 and an average income of $73,552. These figures exceed the national averages and compare to $72,206 (median) and $85,981 (average) across the Australian Capital Territory. Adjusted for the Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to roughly $74,450 for the median and $81,231 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and individual incomes in Chisholm are high, sitting between the 83rd and 85th percentiles nationally.
Income distribution figures show the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket includes 38.1% of the community (2,012 residents), mirroring the regional trend where 34.3% fall into this range. A high proportion of top earners (33.9% making over $3,000/week) shows strong financial capacity in the community. Housing costs consume 13.8% of income, while solid earnings place residents in the 84th percentile for disposable income, and the area ranks in the 6th decile on the SEIFA income index.
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
According to the latest Census, Chisholm's housing stock consisted of 95.9% houses and 4.2% other housing formats (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Outright home ownership in Chisholm was higher than the Territory average at 29.1%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (50.7%) or rented (20.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,000 was below the Australian Capital Territory median of $2,080, and the median weekly rent of $410 was below the Territory average of $450.
On a national level, mortgage repayments in Chisholm are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents also exceed the national median 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
Families represent the majority of households 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%, with single-person households at 20.9% and group living situations at 2.1%. The median household size of 2.7 residents is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average 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
Educational challenges are present in the area, as university qualification rates (25.6%) sit well below the SA4 regional average of 46.8%. This represents a challenge as well as a target for educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational and technical skills are highly represented, with 36.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (24.3%). Student numbers are high, with 28.6% of the population enrolled in formal studies. This includes 10.2% in primary schools, 8.0% in high schools, and 3.8% in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Chisholm reaches 38 stops on 84 routes, timetabled for about 5,500 services a week. The typical home sits about 180 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
Public transport analysis indicates there are 38 active bus stops within Chisholm. These stops connect to 84 separate routes, delivering a combined total of 5,450 passenger journeys each week. Transport access is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 175 meters from the nearest stop. Because Chisholm is primarily a residential suburb, most workers commute out of the area, with private cars remaining the primary transport mode for 93% of commuters. Average vehicle ownership stands at 1.7 per household, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 9.3% of workers work from home (based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect COVID-19 patterns).
The average service frequency is 778 daily trips across all routes, which translates to roughly 143 weekly departures 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
Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the incidence of chronic illnesses, Chisholm faces notable health challenges, with common medical issues present in both younger and older cohorts, while private health insurance coverage is high at approximately 55% of the population (~2,926 people). This compares to a rate of 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. Mental health conditions and asthma are the most common ailments locally, affecting 9.5 and 8.8% of the population, respectively, while 66.4% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.
The working-age population faces notable health difficulties, marked by elevated rates of chronic illnesses. Residents aged 65 and older make up 18.1% of the population (956 people), which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 14.3%. Senior citizens' health profiles show some challenges, with national rankings aligning with the broader population 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
Chisholm exhibits above-average cultural diversity, with 19.0% of the population born outside Australia and 14.4% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 50.0% of the population. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is Islam, which accounts for 2.4% of Chisholm's residents, compared to 3.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. Regarding ancestral backgrounds (parents' countries of birth), the three most common heritages in Chisholm are Australian at 27.5%, English at 26.5%, and Irish at 8.2%. There are also distinct concentrations of other ethnic groups: Serbian ancestry is represented at 0.5% (compared to 0.4% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (compared to 0.3%), and Macedonian at 0.4% (compared to 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Chisholm is 37. 22.6% 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 median age of 37 years is slightly older than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35, yet closely matches the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is highly represented at 12.1% compared to the ACT, while the 25 - 34 cohort is less common at 11.0%. Since 2021, the 65 to 74 demographic has increased from 9.4% to 12.1% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 3.1% to 4.7%. In contrast, the 25 to 34 group fell from 13.6% to 11.0%, while the 55 to 64 bracket declined from 15.1% to 12.7%.
Demographic projections for 2041 point to major age shifts in Chisholm. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow, expanding by 110 people (45%) from 246 to 357. Crucially, residents aged 65 and over will account for 89% of the total population growth, highlighting the aging profile of the suburb. Conversely, the youth cohorts aged 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 are expected to decrease in size.
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 Aug 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) | May 2026 3 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 May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 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 5 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) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 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 — 15 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 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 May 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.