Deakin
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Deakin are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Deakin's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 3,197 people. This figure represents an increase of 73 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,124. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,166 in June 2024 and the addition of 24 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 895 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages observed across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 97.2% of overall population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch utilizes 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, also using 2022 as a base year. Based on current demographic trends, Deakin is projected to experience above median population growth for national statistical areas. By 2041, the area's population is expected to expand by 644 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 19.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Deakin has averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY20 to FY25, there were 71 dwellings approved in total, with an additional two approved so far in FY26. During this period, an average of 1.6 people moved to the area per dwelling built annually. However, over the past two financial years, this ratio has decreased to 0.9 people per dwelling, suggesting a more balanced supply situation.

The average expected construction cost for new homes is $465,000, indicating developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. This year alone, $39.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Deakin has significantly less development activity, approximately 50.0% below the regional average per person. The scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

Recent construction comprises 70.0% detached houses and 30.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a variety of housing types catering to different price ranges and family sizes. With approximately 215 people per approval, Deakin reflects a low density area. Future projections indicate Deakin adding 613 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Deakin has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that may influence this region. Key initiatives include Draft Inner South District Strategy, The Embassy Residences, Deakin District Playing Fields Upgrade, and Deakin Private Hospital. Relevant projects are listed below.

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

The labour market in Deakin shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Deakin has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 1.9% in the past year.

Employment growth was estimated at 1.5%. As of June 2025, 1,666 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 1.5%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation was 60.7%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance.

Professional & technical had notable concentration at 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety showed lower representation at 27.2% versus the regional average of 30.4%. There were 2.0 workers per resident as of the Census, indicating Deakin functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 1.5% while labour force grew by 1.6%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. This compares to ACT where employment grew by 1.9% and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows ACT employment contracted by 0.33% with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Deakin's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.2% over five years and 14.5% over ten years.

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

Deakin's median income among taxpayers was $82,931 with an average of $126,757 in financial year 2022, according to AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data. This places Deakin in the top percentile nationally compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. By March 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $91,871 and the average $140,421, based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 10.78% since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Deakin rank highly nationally, between the 98th and 98th percentiles. The $4000+ earnings band captures 40.7% of the community (1,301 individuals), unlike broader area trends where 34.3% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Deakin demonstrates affluence with 52.0% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 88.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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 in Deakin, as evaluated at the Census conducted on 9 August 2016, consisted of 68.0% houses and 32.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 40.7% houses and 59.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Deakin stood at 46.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.2% and rented dwellings at 22.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,180, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,275. The median weekly rent figure in Deakin was $560, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $500. Nationally, Deakin's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $3,180 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 68.3% of all households, including 32.0% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.7%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.2.

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

Educational attainment in Deakin is high, with 62.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% regionally. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 33.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.7%). Vocational pathways account for 15.6%, with advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 6.5%. Educational participation is notable, with 30.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.8% in primary, 9.7% in secondary, and 7.4% in tertiary education.

Deakin's schools have a combined enrollment of 2,114 students, with an ICSEA score of 1124 indicating significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement. Educational provision consists of one primary and three secondary institutions. The area serves as an education hub with 66.5 school places per 100 residents, exceeding the regional average of 31.2 and attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 49 active transport stops in Deakin. These include both train and bus services. There are 26 individual routes operating, providing a total of 758 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have good access to public transport, with an average distance of 208 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency is high, with an average of 108 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Deakin's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Deakin residents have a relatively positive health profile with low prevalence of common conditions across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 80% (2,563 people), compared to 78.0% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.7%) and asthma (6.7%), with 68.7% reporting no medical ailments, close to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.8%.

Deakin has 25.7% (820 people) of residents aged 65 and over, higher than Australian Capital Territory's 19.9%, yet health outcomes among seniors are strong, even better than the general population in some metrics.

Deakin was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Deakin's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 27.6% born overseas and 18.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Deakin, comprising 47.6%. Judaism is overrepresented compared to Australian Capital Territory, making up 0.3% of Deakin's population versus 0.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (27.7%), Australian (21.8%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, Polish (1.2%) is overrepresented in Deakin compared to the regional average of 1.0%, as are Russian (0.7% vs 0.4%) and Croatian (1.1% vs 0.9%).

Deakin hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Deakin has a median age of 46, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's figure of 35 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group represents 10.2% of Deakin's population, notable compared to the Australian Capital Territory, while the 25-34 cohort makes up only 6.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has increased from 8.3% to 10.2%, and the 45-54 cohort has risen from 14.3% to 15.3%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 8.2% to 6.5%, and the 65-74 group has fallen from 11.6% to 10.4%. Demographic modeling indicates Deakin's age profile will significantly change by 2041, with the 55-64 group expected to grow by 33%, reaching 512 people from 383. Meanwhile, numbers in the 25-34 age range are projected to fall by 13%.