Curtin

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Curtin's population is around 5,520 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 49 people (0.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,569 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,489 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 24 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,147 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 96.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, are adopted. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 133 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 65 to 74 age group, which is projected to increase by 153 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Curtin has seen around 20 new homes approved per year, totalling 103 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 13 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of only 0.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $330,000—moderately above regional levels—indicating an emphasis on quality construction.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Curtin has significantly less development activity (77.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Recent construction comprises 75.0% detached dwellings and 25.0% attached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 255 people per dwelling approval, Curtin shows characteristics of a low density area.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Curtin may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Curtin has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 15 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Wesley Mission Affordable Housing Curtin, Woden Experiment Stage 2 - Public Realm & Active Travel Upgrades, Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, and Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The labour market in Curtin demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Curtin features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.6%, and 1.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,852 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.2% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (67.6% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 13.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical. Conversely, construction is under-represented, with only 4.3% of Curtin's workforce compared to 6.8% in the Australian Capital Territory. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.3% and the labour force increased by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Curtin. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Curtin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Curtin SA2's income level is among the top percentile nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Curtin SA2's median income among taxpayers is $81,483 and the average income stands at $115,663, which compares to figures for the Australian Capital Territory's of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $89,028 (median) and $126,373 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Curtin, between the 95th and 95th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the largest segment comprises 35.0% earning $4000+ weekly (1,931 residents), contrasting with the region 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

Dwelling structure within Curtin, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 83.8% houses and 16.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Curtin was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 41.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.9%) or rented (24.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,600, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Curtin's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 74.3% of all households, comprising 36.7% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.7%, with lone person households at 23.3% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is 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

Educational attainment in Curtin significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 57.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 46.8% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 31.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.1%) and graduate diplomas (6.0%). Vocational pathways account for 18.7% of qualifications among those aged 15+; advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (10.0%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 29 active transport stops operating within Curtin comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 80 individual routes, collectively providing 5,790 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 200 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 84%, with 8% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 13.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 827 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 199 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Curtin is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Curtin demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 78% of the total population (4,305 people), compared to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 8.1% and 7.8% of residents, respectively, while 69.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,009 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they 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 was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 24.6% of its population born overseas and 16.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Curtin is Christianity, which makes up 42.7% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Curtin are Australian, comprising 25.2% of the population, English, comprising 24.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of Curtin (vs 0.5% regionally), Scottish at 8.9% (vs 7.3%) and Dutch at 1.6% (vs 1.3%).

Curtin's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The 41-year median age in Curtin is considerably higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 and modestly exceeds the 38-year national average. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (13.2% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (9.7%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 12.3% to 13.2% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 10.7% to 9.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Curtin. Leading the demographic shift, the 65 to 74 group will grow by 24% (117 people), reaching 608 from 490. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 87% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, the 55 to 64 and 75 to 84 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.