Deakin

Population growth drivers in Deakin are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Deakin's population is around 3,180 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 56 people (1.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,124 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,166 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 890 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 97.2% 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. As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth for Australian statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 644 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 19.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Deakin has averaged around 14 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 70 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, with recent figures indicating this has eased to 0.9 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, reflecting better supply availability. New homes are being built at an average value of $400,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. There have also been $39.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against the Australian Capital Territory, Deakin has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 65th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 70.0% detached houses and 30.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. The location has approximately 215 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

Population forecasts indicate Deakin will gain 630 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Deakin has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Draft Inner South District Strategy, The Embassy Residences, Deakin District Playing Fields Upgrade, and Deakin Private Hospital, 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Deakin significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Deakin has a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 1.9%, and 1.2% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,647 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.9% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (63.6% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. The area has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 27.2% versus the regional average of 30.4%. With 2.0 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.2% alongside a labour force increase of 1.1%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory, where employment rose by 0.9%, the labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Deakin. 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 Deakin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.5% 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 Deakin SA2's income level is exceptionally high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Deakin SA2's median income among taxpayers is $85,792 and the average income stands at $124,130, 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 $93,736 (median) and $135,624 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Deakin, between the 97th and 98th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, 40.7% of the population (1,294 individuals) fall within the $4000+ income range, differing from patterns across regional levels where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 34.3%. The substantial proportion of high earners (52.0% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Deakin. After housing costs, residents retain 88.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Deakin displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Deakin, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 68.0% houses and 32.0% 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 Deakin was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 46.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.2%) or rented (22.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Australian Capital Territory average at $3,180, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $560, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Deakin's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Deakin has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 68.3% of all households, comprising 32.0% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.7%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Deakin shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Deakin significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 62.2% 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 33.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.7%). Vocational pathways account for 15.6% of qualifications among those aged 15+; advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (6.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 9.7% 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 48 active transport stops operating within Deakin, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 144 individual routes, collectively providing 11,205 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 208 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 5% walking and 4% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. Some 16.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,600 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 233 weekly trips per individual stop.

Deakin's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Deakin, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 80% of the total population (2,540 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.7% and 6.7% of residents, respectively, while 68.7% 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 26.0% of residents aged 65 and over (827 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Deakin is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 27.6% of its population born overseas and 18.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Deakin is Christianity, which makes up 47.6% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.3% 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 Deakin are English, comprising 27.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 21.8% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 1.2% of Deakin (vs 0.8% regionally), Russian at 0.7% (vs 0.3%) and Croatian at 1.1% (vs 0.9%).

Deakin hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

With a median age of 46, Deakin notably exceeds the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. The 75 - 84 age group shows strong representation at 10.7% compared to the Australian Capital Territory, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.0%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.3% to 10.7% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 8.2% to 6.0% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 11.6% to 10.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Deakin's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 25% (119 people), reaching 602 from 482. The 25 to 34 group displays more modest growth at 1%, adding only 2 residents.