Cook

Cook 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, Cook's population is around 2,928 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 37 people (1.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,965 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,896 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,853 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 69.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Looking at population projections moving forward, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 205 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 58 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Cook has averaged around 3 new dwelling approvals annually, with 18 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 10 so far in FY-26. With the population declining over recent years, new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $296,000.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Cook has significantly less development activity (79.0% below the regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% medium and high-density housing. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. At around 1015 people per approval, Cook shows a mature, established area.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Cook may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Cook has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Bruce Precinct (Section 15), Bruce Residential Development Zone, Belconnen Town Centre East Precinct (Republic Phase 2 & Future), and New Northside Hospital (North Canberra Hospital Redevelopment), with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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.

Employment performance in Cook has been broadly consistent with national averages

Cook possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.4%, and 0.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,582 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (67.7% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 15.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical. The area shows particularly strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food shows lower representation at 4.3% versus the regional average of 6.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.5% and the labour force increased by 1.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory, where employment grew by 0.9%, the labour force expanded by 1.2%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Cook. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Cook's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Cook SA2's income level is among the highest in Australia according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Cook SA2's median income among taxpayers is $76,255 and the average income stands at $93,804, which compares to figures for the Australian Capital Territory's of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $83,316 (median) and $102,490 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Cook, between the 81st and 94th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.7% of residents (928 people), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 34.3% in the same category. A significant 37.1% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Cook displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Cook, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 60.7% houses and 39.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Cook was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 40.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.0%) or rented (24.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $440, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Cook's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Cook features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 65.2% of all households, comprising 27.0% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Cook performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Educational attainment in Cook significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 60.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 43.8% in the SA3 area. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 31.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.4%) and graduate diplomas (6.9%). Vocational pathways account for 18.5% of qualifications among those aged 15+; advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (10.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.4% in primary education, 7.7% in tertiary education, and 7.5% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 10 active transport stops operating within Cook, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 33 individual routes, collectively providing 1,750 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 230 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 76%, with 10% by bus and 9% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 15.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 250 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 175 weekly trips per individual stop.

Cook's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Cook residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with a standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 68% of the total population (1,976 people), compared to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.6% and 9.3% of residents, respectively, while 64.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 20.7% of residents aged 65 and over (605 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Cook was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 24.9% of its population born overseas and 15.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Cook is Christianity, which makes up 32.9% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Buddhism, which comprises 2.4% of the population, compared to 3.0% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Cook are English, comprising 27.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 23.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Cook (vs 0.6% regionally), Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%) and French at 0.9% (vs 0.5%).

Cook's median age exceeds the national pattern

With a median age of 42, Cook is considerably higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and similarly significantly higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 45 - 54 cohort is notably over-represented (14.6% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (9.7%). In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 12.0% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 9.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Cook's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 32 people (33%) from 101 to 134. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 94% of total population growth, reflecting the area's area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 75 to 84 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.