Curtin
Statistical Area - sa2

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

As of August 2025, Curtin's population is around 5,520, a decrease of 49 people from the 2021 Census figure of 5,569. This decline represents a 0.9% change since the census date. The estimated resident population in June 2024 was 5,489, with an additional 24 validated new addresses added since then. This results in a population density ratio of 1,147 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration drove recent population growth, contributing approximately 96.3% of overall population gains.

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 based on 2022 data. Projected demographic shifts indicate an overall population decline by 133 persons in Curtin by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 65 to 74 age group, projected to increase by 153 people over this period.

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

Curtin has seen approximately 29 new homes approved annually. Development approval data, produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totals 148 approvals over the past five years from FY-20 to FY-25, with 7 approvals recorded so far in FY-26. Over these five years, an average of 0.4 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built, indicating that supply has met or exceeded demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $413,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Curtin shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 78.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes in the area. Nationally, this activity is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity consists of approximately 75.0% detached houses and 25.0% attached dwellings, preserving Curtin's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 255 people per approval, Curtin reflects 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects anticipated to impact the region. Notable initiatives include Wesley Mission Affordable Housing Curtin, Woden Bus Depot and Transport Interchange, Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, and Woden Community Services Hub. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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

Employment performance in Curtin has been broadly consistent with national averages

Curtin has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 3.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5% over the past year as of June 2025.

There are 2,914 residents employed, with an unemployment rate matching the Australian Capital Territory's 3.4%. Workforce participation is lower at 65.6% compared to ACT's 69.6%. Leading industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services, while construction is under-represented at 4.3% compared to ACT's 6.8%.

Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.5%, labour force by 1.6%, raising unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, ACT had employment growth of 1.9%, labour force growth of 1.6%, and a fall in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. As of Sep-25, ACT's employment contracted by 0.33% (losing 1,480 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, favourable to the national rate of 4.5%. National forecasts from May 2025 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Curtin's growth could be approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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 2022 indicates that income in Curtin is among the top percentile nationally. The median assessed income is $77,046 while the average income stands at $107,205. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $68,678 and an average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Curtin would be approximately $85,352 (median) and $118,762 (average) as of March 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Curtin all rank highly nationally, between the 95th and 96th percentiles. Distribution data shows that the predominant income cohort spans 35.0% of locals (1,931 people) in the $4000+ category, contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 34.3%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 48.3% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 89.1% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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

The dwelling structure in Curtin, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.8% houses and 16.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 58.4% houses and 41.7% 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 was $2,600, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Curtin was $450, compared to the Australian Capital Territory figure of $440. Nationally, Curtin's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 25.7%, with lone person households at 23.3% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.4.

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

Educational attainment in Curtin is notably high, with 57.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This exceeds the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 31.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.1%) and graduate diplomas (6.0%). Vocational pathways account for 18.7%, with advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificates at 10.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 7.4% pursuing tertiary education. Holy Trinity Primary School and Curtin Primary School serve a total of 802 students, with Curtin demonstrating significant socio-educational advantages (ICSEA score: 1141). Both schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. There are 14.5 school places per 100 residents in Curtin, which is below the regional average of 18.7. Some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 29 active stops operating in Curtin, served by buses via four routes offering 362 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average distance to nearest stop is 200 meters, with service frequency averaging 51 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per stop.

Service frequency averages 51 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 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 shows Curtin residents have relatively positive health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions among the general population. However, this is higher than the national average in older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 75% of the total population (4,123 people), compared to 68.1% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 8.1% and 7.8% of residents respectively. 69.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.1% in Australian Capital Territory. The area has 18.0% of residents aged 65 and over (993 people). Health outcomes among seniors present challenges requiring more attention than the broader population.

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

Curtin's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 24.6% born overseas and 16.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Curtin, accounting for 42.7% of people. Judaism, however, is slightly overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.3%, comprising 0.2% of Curtin's population.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (25.2%), English (24.4%), and Irish (10.7%). Notably, French (0.8%) and Scottish (8.9%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Curtin compared to regional figures of 0.6% and 7.8%, respectively. Dutch ethnicity is also slightly higher than the regional average at 1.6%.

Curtin's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Curtin is 41 years, significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years, which modestly exceeds the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented in Curtin at 12.9%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 55 to 64 age group has increased from 12.3% to 12.9% of Curtin's population, while the 75 to 84 cohort has decreased from 6.6% to 5.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Curtin, with the 65 to 74 age group expected to grow by 27%, reaching 608 people from 476. This growth is led by residents aged 65 and older, who represent 84% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, the 75 to 84 and 15 to 24 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.