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, as of February 2026, is approximately 4,515 people. This figure represents an increase of 219 individuals from the 2021 Census count of 4,296 people, indicating a growth rate of 5.1%. This change can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,515 in June 2024 and the addition of 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 2,769 persons per square kilometer, placing Downer in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Downer has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%, outperforming the SA4 region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also using 2022 as the base year. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest an above median population growth for national statistical areas. By 2041, Downer is projected to grow by 968 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 21.4% over the 17-year period.

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 annually. In 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 yearly, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost 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 roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person but ranks among the 91st percentile nationally in terms of areas assessed. Recently, however, construction activity has increased. The current building trend shows 26.0% standalone homes and 74.0% medium to high-density housing, a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 67.0% houses.

This change reflects decreasing developable sites and evolving lifestyles that require more diverse and affordable housing options. Downer has around 302 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, Downer is projected to gain 968 residents by 2041. Construction activity is maintaining pace with this projected growth, although increasing population may lead to growing competition among buyers.

Downer has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects are Watson Solar Farm, Dickson Shops Upgrade, Apricus, and The Establishment Watson. Relevant projects are detailed subsequently.

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

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

Downer has a highly educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 4.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.1%. As of September 2025, 2,620 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation was similar to the ACT's 72.5%. According to Census responses, a low 13.2% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were public administration & safety, professional & technical, and education & training. The area showed strong specialization in accommodation & food services with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance had lower representation at 8.6% compared to the regional average of 11.7%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.1% while labour force increased by 1.1%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. By comparison, the ACT recorded employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a decrease in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Downer SA2's median income among taxpayers is $66,423, with an average of $80,293. This is notably high nationally, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $72,574 (median) and $87,728 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Downer between the 81st and 87th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows 31.1% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, consistent with broader regional trends at 34.3%. Significantly, 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

Dwelling structure in Downer, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 67.1% houses and 32.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's 67.1% houses and 32.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Downer was at 27.4%, similar to the Australian Capital Territory average of 28.5%. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (35.6%) or rented (36.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Downer was $2,167, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Downer was $420, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450 and the national figure of $375.

Downer features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 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 make up 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 aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

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

Downer's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 56.0% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This advantage positions Downer favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%).

Vocational pathways account for 18.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 7.2% and certificates at 10.8%. Educational participation is high in Downer, with 34.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in tertiary education, 8.8% in primary education, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

The analysis shows that Downer has 23 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a total of 57 different routes, offering 3033 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility to these stops is rated as good, with residents typically located just 206 meters from the nearest one. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 70%, while cycling and bus usage are at 9% each. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 13.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 433 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 131 weekly trips per individual stop.

Downer'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

Health data shows positive outcomes for Downer residents. Mortality rates and health conditions align with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are low across all age groups. Private health cover is high at 60% (2,686 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 10.5% and 8.0% respectively. 69.8% of residents report no medical ailments, close to the Australian Capital Territory average of 70.2%. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. Downer has 12.9% (581 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Australian Capital Territory's 14.3%. Senior health outcomes are above average, matching national rankings.

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 is more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 29.9% born overseas and 24.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Downer, comprising 29.2%. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory (6.6% vs 3.0%).

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.9%), Australian (22.6%), and Other (13.1%). Notably, French (0.8% vs 0.5%), Russian (0.5% vs 0.3%), and Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Downer compared to regional averages.

Downer's population is younger than the national pattern

Downer's median age is 35, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure but slightly below Australia's 38 years. Compared to the ACT, Downer has a higher percentage of 35-44 year-olds (17.3%) but fewer 75-84 year-olds (4.2%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of 15-24 year-olds has increased from 13.2% to 13.8%, while the percentage of 35-44 year-olds has decreased from 18.0% to 17.3%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant changes in Downer's population. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 38%, adding 218 residents and reaching a total of 787.