Downer
Statistical Area - sa2

Downer lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis 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 from the 2021 Census figure of 4,296. The change was inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 4,515 in June 2024 and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population 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 showed 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 adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections were used, also with a 2022 base. Based on demographic trends and latest population numbers, Downer is projected to grow by 968 persons to 2041, reflecting an 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 each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 154 homes were approved, with an additional four approved in FY-26 so far.

On average, each dwelling built over these years attracted around 2.7 new residents annually, indicating strong demand which supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes was $327,000, moderately above 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, yet it ranks among the 91st percentile nationally in terms of areas assessed. However, there has been a recent intensification in construction activity. The new building activity shows 26.0% standalone homes and 74.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 67.0% houses.

This change reflects decreasing availability of 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. Population forecasts suggest Downer will gain approximately 968 residents by the year 2041. Construction activity is maintaining pace with projected growth, although increasing population may lead to growing competition among buyers for available properties.

Downer has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely to influence the area. Notable ones are Watson Wetlands Restoration, Watson Solar Farm, Dickson Shops Upgrade, and Apricus. The following details those most relevant.

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 an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.5% in June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.3%. As of June 2025, 2,639 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation was similar to the ACT's 69.6%. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and education & training.

The area shows strong specialization in accommodation & food services with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance had lower representation at 8.6% versus the regional average of 11.7%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data on working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.3% while labour force increased by 1.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, the ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Downer's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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 2022 shows Downer's median income among taxpayers is $63,279 and the average is $78,225. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Downer would be approximately $71,885 (median) and $88,864 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Downer all rank highly nationally, between the 82nd and 87th percentiles. 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, reflecting areas of prosperity driving local economic activity. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income, while strong earnings place residents 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

The dwelling structure in Downer, as per the latest Census, consisted of 67.1% houses and 32.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Downer stood at 27.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.6% and rented ones at 36.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Downer was $420, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $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 compose 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, 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 has a higher proportion of residents with university qualifications than Australia as a whole or its SA4 region. 56.0% of Downer's residents aged 15 and above have such qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% in the SA4 region. The most common degree is the Bachelor's degree at 29.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 20.5%. Vocational pathways account for 18.0% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 7.2% and certificates 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. Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access them in neighboring areas.

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

The analysis of public transport in Downer shows that there are currently 23 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 13 individual routes providing service. The combined weekly passenger trips across all these routes amount to 752.

The accessibility of transport in Downer is rated as good, with residents typically located an average distance of 206 meters from the nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages out to 107 trips per day across all routes, which translates 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-than-average prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 59% (2,654 people), compared to 65.3% across 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. Approximately 70% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than the 70.8% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.4% (560 people), compared to 11.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly similar to those of the general population.

Downer 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

Downer's population shows high cultural diversity, 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 notably overrepresented, making up 6.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 3.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.9%), Australian (22.6%), and Other (13.1%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: French at 0.8% in Downer vs 0.7% regionally, Russian at 0.5% vs 0.4%, and Hungarian at 0.4% vs 0.3%.

Downer's population is younger than the national pattern

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