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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Curtin has an estimated 5,592 residents. That puts 1,163 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to investigations by AreaSearch, the population of Curtin stands at approximately 5,592 as of May 2026. This is a rise of 23 residents (0.4%) relative to the 5,569 individuals recorded during the 2021 Census. The fluctuation is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 5,585, combined with 22 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such population numbers translate to a density of 1,162 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with the average figures observed across other locations analyzed by AreaSearch. This population increase was driven almost exclusively by overseas migration, which served as the sole source of population growth in recent times.
Projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia, issued in 2024 using 2022 as the starting point, are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. For SA2 territories not represented in these datasets, or for periods past 2032, age cohort growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 projections starting in 2022 are substituted. Looking ahead, this model forecasts a contraction in the total population, with a projected reduction of 152 persons by 2041. Conversely, expansion is anticipated within specific age cohorts, particularly the 65 to 74 demographic, which is expected to rise by 133 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
103 new dwellings have been approved in Curtin over the past five years, an average of 20 a year. That is 3.7 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 20, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Curtin has recorded approximately 20 residential building approvals annually, translating to 103 homes over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 19 approvals have been logged. With a historical average of 0.7 additional residents per built dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25, the incoming housing volume matches or outpaces demand, providing buyers with diverse options and establishing capacity for growth beyond current estimates, with new properties averaging a construction value of $330,000—a figure slightly above regional standards that indicates a focus on higher-quality development. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Curtin exhibits a much lower volume of building activity, sitting 77.0% below the regional average per person.
This restricted development pipeline tends to bolster demand and sustain valuations for existing housing stock. Newly approved projects consist of 75.0% detached houses and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving a low-density suburban character with large homes for buyers wanting extra space. Reflecting a ratio of roughly 258 people per approved dwelling, the suburb displays classic low-density attributes. Faced with projections of a static or decreasing population, Curtin is likely to see reduced pressure on housing, creating advantageous conditions for home buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Curtin
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Curtin. A further 49 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $6.52 billion. 10 are already under construction and 8 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and health & medical. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local performance is heavily shaped by changes to infrastructure, major developments, and urban planning. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely to impact the locality. Key initiatives include Wesley Mission Affordable Housing Curtin, the Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, the Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, and the Woden Community Services Hub, with details provided on those of highest relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Woden Community Services Hub
A new four-storey facility in Woden Town Centre that will centralise community and government services under one roof, bringing together services currently operating from multiple buildings in the region. It will include child and family services, meeting rooms, a multi-purpose hall, and workshop spaces. Construction is expected to commence in 2026-27.
Woden Pool Project (Phillip Swimming and Ice-Skating Centre Redevelopment)
Staged redevelopment of the Phillip Swimming and Ice-Skating Centre site in Woden by Geocon. Stage one, approved by the ACT Territory Planning Authority on 16 December 2025, comprises two 13-storey residential towers with 286 apartments above a new public aquatic centre featuring a 25-metre, eight-lane indoor lap pool, warm water program pool, splash pad, learn-to-swim and toddler areas, cafe, and steam and sauna facilities. The existing outdoor 50-metre pool and the ice-skating rink will remain operational during stage one construction, with their future considered in later stages.Geocon intends to eventually deliver around 696 to 700 apartments across five buildings in three stages on the 1.29 hectare site. Minor structural amendments to the approved stage one design remain under assessment.
Wesley Mission Affordable Housing Curtin
An affordable housing development featuring 83 affordable rental units and 15 supported housing apartments for people with enduring mental illnesses. The rental units will be leased at less than 75% of the market rate.
Woden Pool Redevelopment
Mixed-use redevelopment of the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre (Woden Pool) comprising a new public indoor aquatic centre with 25m lap pool, learn-to-swim pool, leisure and toddler pools, splash pad, sauna, steam room and cafe, together with two residential towers containing 286 apartments in Stage 1. The broader masterplanned redevelopment is proposed to ultimately deliver around 696 dwellings across three stages.
Ivy by Morris (Section 54 Phillip)
A premium 18-storey residential tower offering 212 apartments with rooftop amenities, ground-floor retail and direct connection to the redeveloped Woden Town Square.
Skye by Trilogy (Section 117 Phillip)
A landmark 20-storey mixed-use residential tower comprising 188 luxury apartments with ground-floor retail and commercial space, located directly opposite Westfield Woden in the Phillip town centre. Developed by Zapari, the project forms part of the broader high-rise transformation of the Woden Town Centre precinct.
Molonglo Town Centre
Canberra's sixth town centre, formally reclassified under National Capital Plan Amendment 99 (September 2024). The Suburban Land Agency is master-planning a 97-hectare precinct along the Molonglo River to serve as the primary commercial and community hub for the Molonglo Valley district, expected to house around 70,000 residents by 2050. The centre will include a main shopping precinct, homemakers and service trades precinct, district library and community centre, indoor sport and recreation facility, high school and college, transport interchange, town park, and approximately 10,000 dwellings within the town centre itself.Delivery is planned in four stages over 8-10 years, with retail core construction commencing in 2026.
The Oaks - Yamba Sports Club Redevelopment
Redevelopment of community sports club facilities with modern amenities and expanded capacity for recreational activities.
2,859 residents of Curtin are employed, from a labour force of 2,971. Unemployment sits at 3.8%, with participation at 66.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 4,575, about 82% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The workforce in Curtin is highly qualified, with professional services heavily represented, an unemployment rate sitting at just 3.8%, and estimated job growth of 1.0% over the prior year. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,859, with unemployment tracking 0.3% below the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, while the participation rate is somewhat low at 66.7% compared to 70.8% across the broader territory. Based on Census data, a modest 13.2% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by past pandemic restrictions. The primary sectors employing local residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.
Conversely, the construction industry employs only 4.3% of the local workforce, which is lower than the 6.8% average for the Australian Capital Territory. This mostly residential suburb appears to provide few local employment options, as shown by comparing the count of resident workers against the local working population from the Census. Based on analysis of SALM and ABS data by AreaSearch, the recent 12-month period experienced a 1.0% expansion in employment alongside a 1.1% increase in the labor force, while the level of unemployment remained virtually constant. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 0.3%, a labor force expansion of 1.1%, and a 0.7 percentage point rise in unemployment. Long-term employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May-25 offer additional perspective on future labor demand in Curtin. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential growth trends. Although national employment is predicted to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of change vary widely by industry. Projecting these industry-specific trends onto the local workforce mix suggests employment in Curtin will rise by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Curtin is $2,886 a week (about $150,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,341 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $81,483 a year against an average of $115,663. The average runs 42% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the latest postcode level ATO statistics released by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, taxpaying residents in the Curtin SA2 registered a median income of $81,483 and an average of $115,663. These figures place the area in the highest nationwide percentile, and stand above the median of $72,206 and average of $85,981 recorded across the Australian Capital Territory. Adjusted for the 10.44% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 stand at roughly $89,990 for the median and $127,738 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Curtin all ranked between the 95th and 95th percentiles nationally.
Regarding the spread of earnings, 35.0% of residents (1,957 individuals) earn $4000+ weekly, whereas the leading regional bracket is $1,500 - 2,999 at 34.3%. High-income earners are prominent, with 48.3% earning more than $3,000 weekly, highlighting strong local purchasing power. Once housing expenses are paid, residents keep 89.1% of their earnings, and the area is positioned in the 9th decile of the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Curtin had 2,023 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 84% detached houses and 11% apartments. 34% are owned with a mortgage, 25% rented and 41% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $450 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,600 a month. Rent absorbs 15.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential property types in Curtin at the time of the last Census consisted of 83.8% separate houses and 16.2% alternative options such as townhouses or apartments, compared to 63.3% separate houses and 36.7% alternative options across the Australian Capital Territory. Home ownership rates in Curtin far exceeded the territory average at 41.4%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 33.9% and rentals making up 24.8%. The median monthly mortgage payment was considerably higher than the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,600, while the median weekly rent was $450, compared to $2,080 and $450 respectively for the territory.
Nationally, mortgage costs in Curtin are much higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent prices are significantly above the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Curtin counted 2,023 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 37% are couples with children, against 28% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.5 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 74.3% of all households in the suburb, consisting of 36.7% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 9.1% single parents. The remaining 25.7% are non-family households, which include lone person households at 23.3% and group housing arrangements at 2.5%. The median household occupancy of 2.6 residents exceeds the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
57.3% of adults in Curtin hold a university qualification, including 31.2% with a bachelor degree and 20.1% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 93% of areas nationally. A further 10.0% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 802 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,141 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Academic achievement in Curtin is substantially higher than regional and national benchmarks, with 57.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 46.8% in the SA4 region. This high concentration of tertiary qualifications prepares the population for knowledge-driven professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 31.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 20.1% and graduate diplomas at 6.0%. Vocational training accounts for 18.7% of qualifications among residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificates at 10.0%. Enrollment rates in education are high, with 31.3% of the local population currently engaged in study.
This group is distributed between primary school students at 10.9%, secondary school students at 8.0%, and tertiary students at 7.4%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Curtin reaches 29 stops on 80 routes, timetabled for about 5,800 services a week. The typical home sits about 200 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit networks include 29 active transit stops within Curtin, consisting of bus services. These stops support 80 different routes that provide 5,790 weekly passenger trips. Access to transport is rated as good, with residents living an average of 200 meters from the closest stop. Being a mostly residential suburb, the majority of working residents travel outside the area, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice at 84% and buses used by 8%. Car ownership averages 1.4 vehicles per home. A relatively low 13.2% of residents work from home, based on the 2021 Census data which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.
Transit service frequency averages 827 daily trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 199 weekly trips for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
69.2% of residents in Curtin report no long-term health condition. 6.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 78.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Public health metrics show positive trends for Curtin residents, with AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality and illness rates matching national trends. While the occurrence of common health conditions is low among the general population, it rises above national averages in older, high-risk groups. Additionally, the rate of private health insurance is high, covering approximately 78% of the population (4,361 people), compared to 62.4% in the Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent health issues among residents are asthma and arthritis, which affect 8.1% and 7.8% of the population respectively.
Meanwhile, 69.2% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The working-age population exhibits strong health with low rates of chronic illness. The area has 18.2% of its population aged 65 and over (1,016 people), compared to 14.3% across the Australian Capital Territory. Seniors in this area experience some health challenges, with local health outcomes for this cohort ranking lower nationally than the rest of the suburb's population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Curtin is largely Australian-born, at 75.4% of residents, with 16.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (25.2%) and English (24.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Curtin has higher than average levels of cultural diversity, with 24.6% of residents born outside Australia and 16.3% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the largest religious group at 42.7%. The most notable religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.2% of the local population, compared to 0.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. In terms of parent country of birth, the three largest ancestry groups in Curtin are Australian at 25.2%, English at 24.4%, and Irish at 10.7%. There are also unique concentrations of specific ethnic ancestries, with French heritage at 0.8% (compared to 0.5% regionally), Scottish heritage at 8.9% (compared to 7.3%), and Dutch heritage at 1.6% (compared to 1.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Curtin is 41. 21.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 41 years in Curtin is higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 years and the national median of 38 years. Compared to the ACT average, the 55 - 64 age group is overrepresented at 13.2% of the local population, while the 25 - 34 cohort is underrepresented at 9.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 55 to 64 group has grown from 12.3% to 13.2% of the population, whereas the 45 to 54 group has declined from 14.0% to 13.2%. Future projections for 2041 indicate demographic shifts, with the 65 to 74 age group set to expand by 24% (119 people) to reach 610 from 490.
Aging trends are set to continue, with residents aged 65 and older accounting for 86% of the projected growth, while the 55 to 64 and 75 to 84 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Curtin
8 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 8 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 3 sections | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2025 about a year ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2025. | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 22 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (5,569 at the 2021 Census → 5,592 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (801091100). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.