Cook
Statistical Area - sa2

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, as of August 2025, is approximately 2,902, reflecting a decrease of 63 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 2,965. This decrease is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,896 in June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,836 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 69.2% 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 are used, also with a base year of 2022. Future population projections indicate a decline by 205 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, projected to increase by 58 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 five new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, showing 27 homes over the past five financial years, from FY-20 to FY-25, and one so far in FY-26. The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate development activity relative to demand, which has maintained a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $428,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Cook shows substantially reduced construction, 80.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The current level is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 50.0% detached dwellings and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 1015 people per dwelling approval, Cook reflects a highly mature market.

Given the expected stable or declining population, Cook should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

Cook has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. As of AreaSearch's identification, zero projects are expected to impact this area. Notable initiatives include Bruce Residential Development Zone, Onderra, Belconnen Mixed-Use Towers, and New Northside Hospital, with the following projects deemed most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis places Cook well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Cook has a highly educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 2.6% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 2.4%.

As of June 2025, 1,617 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation was 65.3%, compared to the ACT's 69.6%. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training had a particularly strong specialization with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while accommodation & food showed lower representation at 4.3% versus the regional average of 6.5%.

Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.4%, labour force increased by 1.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.7 percentage points in Cook. This compares to ACT's employment growth of 1.9% and unemployment rate reduction of 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows ACT employment contracted by 0.33% with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local growth in Cook may differ based on its specific industry mix.

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

Cook's median income among taxpayers was $71,967 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $90,314 during the same period. These figures compare to those for Australian Capital Territory, which were $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $79,725 (median) and $100,050 (average) as of March 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Cook, between the 82nd and 94th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that 31.7% of residents (919 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 34.3% in the same category. A significant 37.1% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of income. 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 69.4% houses and 30.5% 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, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Cook was $440, versus $430 in Australian Capital Territory. Nationally, Cook's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 than the Australian average of $1,863, and median weekly rents were substantially higher at $440 compared to 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, consisting of 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% of the total. 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 residents aged 15+ have a higher educational attainment than national averages. 60.8% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 43.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common 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. Schools appear to be located outside immediate catchment boundaries, requiring residents to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Cook has 11 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of bus routes, with one individual route in operation. Together, they facilitate 196 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically situated 230 meters from the nearest stop. On average, service frequency across all routes stands at 28 trips per day, translating to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Cook faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (1,935 people), compared to 57.1% across Australian Capital Territory and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma were found to be the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 10.6 and 9.3% of residents respectively.

64.0% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 68.1% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 20.3% of residents aged 65 and over (590 people), which is higher than the 15.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Cook had a higher cultural diversity than average, with 24.9% of its population born overseas and 15.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Cook, making up 32.9% of people there. However, Buddhism stood out as overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory, comprising 2.4% of Cook's population versus 3.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 27.2%, Australian at 23.4%, and Irish at 10.5%. Notably, Welsh (0.9% vs 0.6%), Russian (0.7% vs 0.3%), and Hungarian (0.5% vs 0.3%) ethnic groups were also overrepresented in Cook compared to regional averages.

Cook hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Cook has a median age of 42, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and significantly higher than Australia's overall median age of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented in Cook, making up 7.5% of the local population, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 10.2%. From 2021 to present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 12.3%, while the 25-34 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 10.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Cook's age profile will evolve significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow by 46 people (a 52% increase) from 87 to 134. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 75-84 and 45-54 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.