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 was around 2,928 as of Nov 2025. This reflected a decrease of 37 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,965 people. The change was 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 level of population equated to a density ratio of 1,853 persons per square kilometer, which was above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 69.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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, were adopted. Population projections indicated a decline in overall population over this period, with the area's population expected to decline by 205 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts was anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which was 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 averaged approximately three new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years 2021 and 2025, 18 homes were approved, with another eight approved in the current financial year of 2026.

The population has been declining recently, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $296,000. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Cook has significantly less development activity, being 79.0% 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, indicating the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development in Cook 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, appealing to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 1015 people per approval, Cook shows a mature, established area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, the area may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

No factors impact an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure projects and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that may affect this area. Notable 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). The following list details those most relevant.

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Employment performance in Cook exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Cook has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate is 3.1% and employment growth over the past year is estimated at 0.9%. As of September 2025, there are 1,584 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.5% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation in Cook lags behind that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 67.4% compared to 72.5%. According to Census responses, 15.3% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while accommodation & food has lower representation at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 6.5%.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally due to the predominantly residential nature of the area. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.9%, labour force grew by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory saw employment grow by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cook's employment mix suggests 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's median income among taxpayers was $76,255 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $93,804 during the same period. This compares to figures for Australian Capital Territory's of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $83,316 and the average income around $102,490, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.26%. According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes in Cook rank between the 81st and 94th percentiles nationally. The distribution data shows that 31.7% of residents (928 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, which is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region at 34.3%. Notably, 37.1% of residents earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of their income, reflecting 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 per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 60.7% houses and 39.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cook was at 40.9%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (35.0%) or rented (24.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $440, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. 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 account for 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 constitute 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 a higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. 60.8% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 43.8% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are the 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% pursuing 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, all of which serve buses. These stops are covered by 33 different routes that together facilitate 1,750 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Cook is considered good, with residents typically located 230 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 76%, while buses account for 10% and cycling for 9%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling in Cook, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.3% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 250 trips per day, 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

Cook residents' health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health issues are seen across all ages, with mental health issues (10.6%) and asthma (9.3%) being most prevalent. Private health cover is high at 68% compared to ACT's 62.4% and the national average of 55.7%.

64% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than ACT's 70.2%. Working-age population faces higher chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors (20.3%, or 595 people) compared to ACT (14.1%). Health outcomes for seniors are above average nationally.

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 have above average cultural diversity, with 24.9% of its population born overseas and 15.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Cook is Christianity, comprising 32.9% of the population. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented, making up 2.4% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 3.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (27.2%), Australian (23.4%), and Irish (10.5%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Welsh is overrepresented at 0.9% compared to the regional average of 0.6%, Hungarian at 0.5% versus 0.3%, and French at 0.9% against the regional average of 0.5%.

Cook's median age exceeds the national pattern

Cook's median age is 42, which is considerably higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 years. It is also significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented in Cook, making up 7.5% of its population. Conversely, the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented, comprising only 10.2%. Between 2021 and the present time, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 12.3% of Cook's population. During this period, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Cook's age profile will evolve significantly by the year 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 45 people (51%) from a total of 88 to 134. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 82% of Cook's total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 75-84 and 45-54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.