Duffy
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Duffy reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Duffy's population, as of Aug 2025, is around 3,434. This figure reflects an increase of 39 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,395. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,429 in June 2024 and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,226 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Duffy's growth of 1.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 0.5%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 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, using 2022 as a base, are adopted. Based on demographic trends, Duffy is expected to grow by 88 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 2.4% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Duffy according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Duffy has seen approximately 9 new homes approved annually. Development approval data from the ABS shows a total of 46 approvals over the past five financial years, from FY20 to FY25, with 6 recorded so far in FY26. On average, about 5.5 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed during this period. This indicates that demand significantly outpaces supply, putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

The average development cost of new dwellings is $331,000. In FY26, there have been $209,000 in commercial development approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Comparatively, Duffy shows around 69% of the construction activity per person when measured against the Australian Capital Territory. Nationally, it ranks at approximately the 16th percentile among assessed areas, indicating limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction in Duffy comprises 50% standalone homes and 50% townhouses or apartments.

This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition, currently at 88% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. Duffy has approximately 1001 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate that Duffy will gain 83 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Duffy has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly influence a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects comprise Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Fetherston Weston, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and Deakin Private Hospital. The following list details those most likely to be relevant:.

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

Employment performance in Duffy has been broadly consistent with national averages

Duffy has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.3%, with estimated employment growth of 1.1% over the past year as of June 2025.

In this month, 1,850 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate aligned with the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%. However, workforce participation is lower at 66.5%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Key employment sectors in Duffy include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance.

Conversely, accommodation & food services are under-represented, with only 5.0% of Duffy's workforce compared to ACT's 6.5%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1%, while labour force grew by 1.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9% with a 0.3 percentage point decrease in unemployment. By September 2025, ACT's employment contracted by 0.33% (losing 1,480 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Duffy's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Duffy's median income among taxpayers was $70,808 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $84,236 during the same period. This compares to figures for Australian Capital Territory's of $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of March 2025 would be approximately $78,441. The estimated average income for the same period is $93,317. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Duffy rank highly nationally, between the 92nd and 94th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 31.6% of the community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with a significant 43.3% earning above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of their income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Duffy is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Duffy, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.9% houses and 12.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 81.7% houses and 18.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Duffy was 37.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.3% and rented ones at 19.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Duffy was $2,476, above the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,251. Median weekly rent in Duffy was $445, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $420. Nationally, Duffy's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,476 than the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Duffy were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Duffy features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 77.3% of all households, including 37.2% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 22.7%, with lone person households at 20.3% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.6.

Duffy shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Duffy is notably high, with 46.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 26.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.5%) and graduate diplomas (6.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.9% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas accounting for 11.0% and certificates for 14.9%. Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.5% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education. Duffy Primary School serves the local community, enrolling 372 students. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 10.8, below the regional average of 14.8, indicating some students may attend schools outside Duffy.

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

Transport analysis indicates 29 active stops operating within Duffy, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by four distinct routes, collectively facilitating 862 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents typically situated 162 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 123 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

Duffy'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 relatively positive outcomes for Duffy residents. Prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (2,142 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 8.3 and 8.1% of residents respectively. A total of 68.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.3% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 15.4% of residents aged 65 and over (527 people), which is lower than the 20.6% in 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 Duffy was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Duffy's population showed high cultural diversity, with 21.1% born overseas and 15.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 42.7%. Judaism, however, had an overrepresentation of 0.4%, compared to 0.2% in the Australian Capital Territory.

Ancestry-wise, Australians topped the list at 26.7%, followed by English at 26.4% and Irish at 9.3%. Notably, Hungarian (0.8%), Polish (1.5%) and Welsh (0.9%) ethnicities were more prevalent in Duffy than in the region overall.

Duffy's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Duffy's median age is 38 years, which is slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but equivalent to Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Duffy has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.8%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, younger residents caused the median age to decrease by 1 year to 38 years old. Significant changes include the growth of the 5-14 age group from 13.6% to 16.3% of the population, and the increase of the 35-44 cohort from 13.6% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group decreased from 8.9% to 7.3%, and the 45-54 age group dropped from 15.3% to 14.0%. Population projections for 2041 indicate substantial demographic shifts in Duffy, with the 45-54 age cohort expected to grow by 51 people (an 11% increase) from 480 to 532 residents. Conversely, both the 65-74 and 55-64 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.