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 4,517 as of Aug 2025. This reflected an increase of 221 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,296 people. The change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 4,515 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 2,771 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%, outpacing 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 ACT Government's SA2 area projections were used, with 2022 as a base. Based on demographic trends, Downer projected an above median population growth, expected to grow by 968 persons to 2041, 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 records approximately 47 residential properties granted approval annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with 238 dwellings approved over the past five financial years from FY20 to FY25 and one so far in FY26. Each dwelling built over these five financial years attracts an average of 2.7 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are constructed at an average value of $405,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting emphasis 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 assessed areas, with recent intensification in construction activity. Current building activity comprises 26.0% standalone homes and 74.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift contrasts with the area's existing housing composition (currently 67.0% houses), suggesting decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse, affordable housing options. Downer exhibits characteristics of a low density area, with around 302 people per dwelling approval.

Population forecasts indicate Downer will gain 966 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. Ten projects identified by AreaSearch may impact this area. Major initiatives include Watson Wetlands Restoration, Watson Solar Farm, Dickson Shops Upgrade, and Apricus. Relevant projects are listed below.

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

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

Downer's workforce is highly educated with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 4.5% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 1.3%.

As of June 2025, 2639 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation was similar to ACT's at 69.6%. The dominant employment sectors were public administration & safety, professional & technical, and education & training. Accommodation & food had particularly strong representation with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance showed lower representation at 8.6% compared to the regional average of 11.7%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, labour force by 1.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9% and a fall in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. As of Sep-25, ACT's employment had contracted by 0.33% (losing 1480 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, favourable to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, varying by industry sectors. Applying these projections to Downer's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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 released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Downer's median income among taxpayers was $63,279, with an average of $78,225. Nationally, this is extremely high compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. As of March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $70,100 (median) and $86,658 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year 2022. Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Downer rank between the 82nd and 87th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 31.1% of individuals (1,404 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, aligning with broader regional trends where 34.3% fall into the same category. Notably, 37.3% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting prosperity pockets that drive local economic activity. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income, with strong earnings placing 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). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 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 was $420, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $476. Nationally, Downer's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly 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 account for 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 constitute 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 has a higher educational attainment than national and regional averages. 56% of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 29.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%). Vocational pathways account for 18% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 7.2% and certificates at 10.8%.

Educational participation is 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. Schools are located outside Downer's immediate boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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. These are served by buses on 13 different routes, offering a total of 752 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good access to transport, with an average distance of 206 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 107 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 32 weekly trips per 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 a low prevalence of common health conditions across younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 59% of the total population of 2,655 people, compared to 65.3% in 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. 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.

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, as per the census conducted on Tuesday, August 9, 2016, exhibited higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 29.9% of its residents born overseas and 24.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Downer, accounting for 29.2% of the population. Notably, Buddhism was more prevalent in Downer at 6.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 3.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (22.9%), Australian (22.6%), and Other (13.1%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: French (0.8% vs regional 0.7%), Russian (0.5% vs 0.4%), and Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%) were notably overrepresented in Downer.

Downer's population is younger than the national pattern

Downer's median age is 35, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 but slightly below Australia's 38 years. Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Downer has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 at 17.6%, but fewer residents aged 65-74 at 6.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 13.2% to 13.8%. Conversely, the population aged 0-4 has decreased from 6.3% to 5.7%. By 2041, Downer's population is projected to undergo significant demographic shifts. The strongest growth is expected in the 45-54 age group, with a 44% increase adding 238 residents to reach 787. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group will grow by a modest 3%, gaining 26 people.