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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Downer's population is around 4,515 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 219 people (5.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,296 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,515 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,769 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Downer has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 2.2% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 77.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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. Regarding demographic trends, an above-median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 968 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 21.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Downer has recorded around 30 residential properties granted approval each year, with 154 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 5 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.7 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $327,000—moderately above regional levels—indicating an emphasis on quality construction.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Downer has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 91st percentile of areas assessed nationally, though construction activity has intensified recently. New building activity shows 26.0% standalone homes and 74.0% medium and high-density housing. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 67.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 302 people per dwelling approval, Downer shows characteristics of a low density area.

Population forecasts indicate Downer will gain 968 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 14 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Watson Solar Farm, Dickson Shops Upgrade, Apricus, and The Establishment Watson, 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.

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

Downer possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 5.1%, and 0.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,613 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.2% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar 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 dominant employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, professional & technical, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 8.6% versus the regional average of 11.7%. 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, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.5% while the labour force increased by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.9%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Downer. 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 Downer's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Downer SA2's median income among taxpayers is $66,423, with an average of $80,293. This is extremely high nationally, and compares 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 FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $72,574 (median) and $87,728 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Downer, between the 81st and 87th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.1% of the community (1,404 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 34.3% in the same category. A significant 37.3% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income, while strong earnings rank residents within the 82nd percentile for disposable income and 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 within Downer, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 67.1% houses and 32.8% 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 Downer was in line with that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 27.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.6%) or rented (36.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $420, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Downer's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 63.6% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Australian Capital Territory average.

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

Educational attainment in Downer significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 56.0% 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 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+; advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (10.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, 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

Public transport analysis reveals 23 active transport stops operating within Downer, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 57 individual routes, collectively providing 3,033 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 206 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 70%, with 9% cycling and 9% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. A relatively low 13.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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 indicates relatively positive outcomes for Downer residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (2,686 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.5 and 8.0% of residents, respectively, while 69.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 12.9% of residents aged 65 and over (581 people), which is lower than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 29.9% of its population born overseas and 24.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Downer is Christianity, which makes up 29.2% of the people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 6.6% of the population, compared to 3.0% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Downer are English, comprising 22.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 22.6% of the population, and Other, comprising 13.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of Downer (vs 0.5% regionally), Russian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%), and Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.3%).

Downer's population is younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 35, Downer is equal to the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 but is modestly under Australia's 38 years. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Downer has a higher concentration of 35 - 44 residents (17.3%) but fewer 75 - 84 year-olds (4.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 13.2% to 13.8% of the population. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 18.0% to 17.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Downer. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 38%, adding 218 residents to reach 787.