Downer

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

Downer's population was around 4,515 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 219 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,296 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,515 in June 2024 and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 2,769 persons per square kilometer, placing Downer in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Downer demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 77.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 were adopted, using 2022 as a base. Based on demographic trends, an above median population growth was projected for Downer by 2041, with an expected increase of 968 persons reflecting a total increase of 21.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Downer among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Downer has recorded approximately 30 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25154 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved so far in FY26.

Each dwelling built over these years attracted an average of 2.7 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes was $327,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, suggesting a focus on quality construction. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Downer has about half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person but ranks among the 91st percentile nationally in terms of dwelling approvals. Recently, construction activity has increased significantly. Currently, 26.0% of new building activity involves standalone homes, while 74.0% consists of medium and high-density housing.

This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 67.0% houses) reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles that require more diverse and affordable housing options. Downer has a population density of around 302 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density area. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, Downer's population is projected to grow by 968 residents by 2041. Construction activity is maintaining pace with this growth, although increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population continues to rise.

Downer has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects are Watson Solar Farm, Dickson Shops Upgrade, Apricus, and The Establishment Watson. Those listed below are most relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in Downer remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Downer has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.7% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.1%. In September 2025, 2,620 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation in Downer is similar to ACT's 69.6%. Public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and education & training are dominant employment sectors among residents.

Accommodation & food has strong specialization with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 8.6% compared to the regional average of 11.7%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.1%, while labour force grew by 1.1%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. ACT recorded employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. State-level data to 25-Nov shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Downer's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest data for financial year 2022 shows Downer SA2 had a median income of $63,279 and an average income of $78,225. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. By September 2025, estimates based on a 13.6% Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $71,885 and average income will be around $88,864. Census 2021 data indicates Downer's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 81st and 87th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 31.1% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, consistent with broader regional trends at 34.3%. Notably, 37.3% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income, and residents rank within the 82nd percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Downer's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 67.1% houses and 32.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Downer was at 27.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.6% and rented dwellings at 36.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Downer was $2,167, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Downer was $420, compared to the Australian Capital Territory figure of $476. Nationally, Downer's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Downer features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households make up 63.6% of all households, including 28.9% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.4%, with lone person households at 27.1% and group households comprising 9.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.2.

The educational profile of Downer exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Downer's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks significantly. 56.0% of residents aged 15+ possess university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This high level positions Downer well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 29.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%).

Vocational pathways account for 18.0% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 7.2% and certificates at 10.8%. Educational participation is notably high, with 34.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes tertiary education (11.6%), primary education (8.8%), and secondary education (6.3%).

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

Transport analysis in Downer shows 23 active public transport stops, all of which are bus routes. These stops are served by 13 different routes that together offer 752 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average located 206 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 107 daily trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Downer is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Downer demonstrates lower prevalence of common health conditions across younger and older age cohorts compared to the Australian Capital Territory. The rate of private health cover is approximately 59% of the total population (2,654 people), which is higher than the 65.3% across the Australian Capital Territory.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 10.5% and 8.0% of residents respectively. A total of 69.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.8% across the Australian Capital Territory. The area has 12.4% of residents aged 65 and over (560 people), which is higher than the 11.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Downer's population, born overseas, was 29.9%. Speaking a language other than English at home was 24.4%. Christianity was the predominant religion in Downer with 29.2% of people practicing it.

Buddhism, at 6.6%, was overrepresented compared to Australian Capital Territory's 3.5%. The top three ancestry groups were English (22.9%), Australian (22.6%), and Other (13.1%). French (0.8%) and Russian (0.5%) were notably overrepresented in Downer compared to regional averages of 0.7% and 0.4%, respectively. Hungarian, at 0.4%, was also slightly overrepresented compared to the region's 0.3%.

Downer's population is younger than the national pattern

Downer's median age is 35, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure and slightly below Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Downer has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (17.6%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (6.5%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 13.2% to 13.8%, while the 0-4 age group has decreased from 6.3% to 5.7%. By 2041, demographic forecasts suggest significant changes in Downer's population. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 44%, adding 238 residents to reach a total of 787. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group will see a modest growth of 3% (adding 27 people).