Curtin

An assessment of population growth drivers in Curtin reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Curtin's population is around 5,592 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase from 5,569 people in the 2021 Census to 5,585 by June 2025, with an additional 22 validated new addresses since then. The population density is 1,162 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration. AreaSearch uses 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 adopted. By 2041, Curtin's population is projected to decline by 152 persons overall, but the 65 to 74 age group is expected to grow by 133 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Curtin according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Curtin has recorded approximately 20 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25103 homes were approved, with an additional 17 approved in FY-26.

On average, over these five years, only 0.4 people moved to the area for each dwelling built, indicating that supply has been meeting or exceeding demand, providing more buyer choices and supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction cost of new dwellings was $330,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Curtin shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 77.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes in the area.

New building activity comprised 75.0% detached houses and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 255 people per dwelling approval, Curtin displays characteristics of a low-density area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Curtin may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Curtin has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Wesley Mission Affordable Housing Curtin, Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, and Woden Community Services Hub. The following list details those most relevant.

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 Curtin has been broadly consistent with national averages

Curtin has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 3.6% as of December 2025. Employment grew by an estimated 1.3% over the past year.

As of that date, 2,852 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 0.2% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was somewhat lower at 66.4%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, only 13.2% of residents worked from home.

The key industries of employment among residents were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Construction employed just 4.3% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's 6.8%. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, labour force increased by 1.1%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, across the Australian Capital Territory, employment grew by 0.9%, labour force expanded by 1.2%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Curtin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Curtin SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $81,483 and an average of $115,663. Nationally, this places Curtin in the top percentile. The Australian Capital Territory's median was $72,206 with an average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Curtin would be approximately $89,990 (median) and $127,738 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census ranks household, family and personal incomes in Curtin between the 95th and 95th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 35.0% of residents earning over $4,000 weekly, contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 34.3%. Higher earners are prominent in Curtin, with 48.3% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 89.1% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Curtin is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Curtin, as evaluated at the latest Census held in 2016, dwelling structures comprised 83.8% houses and 16.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to the Australian Capital Territory's structure of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Curtin stood at 41.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.9% and rented dwellings at 24.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,600 as of 2016, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory's median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,080 and median weekly rent was also $450. Nationally, Curtin's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375 as of 2016.

Curtin has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 74.3% of all households, including 36.7% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for 25.7%, with lone person households at 23.3% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Educational achievement in Curtin places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Curtin's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 57.3% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This advantage positions Curtin well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most common at 31.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.1%) and graduate diplomas (6.0%).

Vocational pathways account for 18.7% of qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (10.0%). Educational participation is notably high, with 31.3% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.9%), secondary education (8.0%), and tertiary education (7.4%).

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

Curtin has 29 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 80 different routes, collectively facilitating 5790 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically residing within 200 meters of the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 84%, while only 8% use buses. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 827 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 199 weekly trips per individual stop.

Curtin's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data for Curtin residents shows positive outcomes, with mortality rates and health conditions broadly matching national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high, at 78% of the total population (4,361 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 8.1 and 7.8% respectively, while 69.2% report no medical ailments, similar to the 70.2% in Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Seniors make up 18.2% of the population (1,016 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Curtin's cultural diversity is above average, with 24.6% of its population born overseas and 16.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Curtin is Christianity, comprising 42.7% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Curtin compared to the Australian Capital Territory, making up 0.2% of the population.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (25.2%), English (24.4%), and Irish (10.7%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: French is overrepresented at 0.8%, Scottish at 8.9%, and Dutch at 1.6%.

Curtin's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Curtin is 41 years, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and modestly exceeds the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented at 13.2% in Curtin, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 9.9%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 12.3% to 13.2%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.0% to 13.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Curtin, with the 65 to 74 group expected to grow by 24%, reaching 610 people from 490. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 86% of anticipated growth. Conversely, the 55 to 64 and 75 to 84 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.