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

Cook's population is 2,968 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase from the 2,965 people recorded in the 2021 Census, marking a rise of 3 individuals (0.1%). This change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 2,962 in June 2025 and the addition of 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,878 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 69.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 are used, also based on 2022 data. Future population projections indicate an overall decline by 186 persons to 2041, with specific age cohorts expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group projected to increase by 50 people.

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

Cook has averaged approximately three new dwelling approvals annually. From financial year 2021 (FY-21) to financial year 2025 (FY-25), 18 homes were approved, and by February 2026, a further 13 have been approved in FY-26.

The population has declined recently, suggesting new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $296,000. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Cook has significantly less development activity, 78.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Nationally, this level is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 1015 people per approval, Cook shows a mature, established area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Cook may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Cook has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, large-scale projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Bruce Precinct (Section 15), Bruce Residential Development Zone, New Northside Hospital (North Canberra Hospital Redevelopment), and Belconnen Town Centre East Precinct. The following list outlines those likely to be most relevant.

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Employment performance in Cook has been broadly consistent with national averages

Cook has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.4% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 0.5%. As of December 2025, there were 1,582 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was 65.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 15.3% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical. Education & training showed strong specialization with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food had lower representation at 4.3%, compared to the regional average of 6.5%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.5% and labour force grew by 1.3%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory saw employment growth of 0.9%, labour force expansion of 1.2%, and a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Cook. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Cook's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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

The Cook SA2 has one of the highest income levels in Australia, according to the latest data from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in the Cook SA2 is $76,255, while the average income stands at $93,804. For comparison, the Australian Capital Territory's median and average incomes are $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on a 10.44% growth in wages since financial year 2023, as indicated by the Wage Price Index, current estimates suggest that the median income would be approximately $84,216 and the average income would be around $103,597 by March 2026. According to data from the 2021 Census, incomes in Cook rank highly nationally, with household, family, and personal incomes all falling between the 81st and 94th percentiles. The income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is dominant, with 31.7% of residents (940 people) earning within this range, which is consistent with broader trends in the surrounding region where 34.3% fall into the same category. Notably, a significant proportion, 37.1%, earns above $3,000 weekly, reflecting areas of prosperity that drive local economic activity. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. 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 in Cook, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 60.7% houses and 39.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cook was 40.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.0% and rented dwellings at 24.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Cook was $2,167, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Cook was $440, compared to $450 in Australian Capital Territory. Nationally, Cook's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 constitute 65.2% of all households, including 27.0% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which 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

Cook's residents aged 15+ have higher educational attainment than national averages. 60.8% hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and SA3 area's 43.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 31.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.4%) and graduate diplomas (6.9%). Vocational pathways account for 18.5%, with advanced diplomas at 8.4% and certificates at 10.1%.

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

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

Cook has ten active public transport stops operating within its boundaries, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by thirty-three different routes, collectively facilitating 1,750 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 230 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Cook residents commute outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 76%, followed by buses at 10% and cycling at 9%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.3% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 250 trips per day, equating to approximately 175 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Cook's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high in Cook, at approximately 68% of the total population (2003 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 10.6 and 9.3% of residents respectively. 64.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in Australian Capital Territory. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Cook has 21.2% of residents aged 65 and over (629 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Senior health outcomes are above average, with national rankings even higher than those of 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's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 24.9% of its population born overseas and 15.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Cook, making up 32.9% of people there. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented, comprising 2.4% of the population compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 3.0%.

The top three ancestry groups in Cook are English (27.2%), Australian (23.4%), and Irish (10.5%). Other ethnic groups show notable divergences: Welsh is overrepresented at 0.9% versus 0.6%, Hungarian at 0.5% versus 0.3%, and French at 0.9% versus 0.5%.

Cook's median age exceeds the national pattern

Cook has a median age of 42, which is considerably higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and significantly higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 45-54 cohort is notably over-represented in Cook, at 14.8%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented, at 10.2%. Between 2021 and now, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 12.0% of the population, while the 85+ cohort increased from 2.5% to 3.6%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 10.2%, and the 0 to 4 age group dropped from 5.6% to 4.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that Cook's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 85+ age cohort projected to expand by 37 people (35%), from 106 to 144. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 88% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 75 to 84 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.