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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Fadden has an estimated 3,016 residents. That puts 970 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of May 2026, the population of Fadden is estimated at approximately 3,016 by AreaSearch. This represents a minor growth of 10 residents, or 0.3%, from the 3,006 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census. This calculation is derived from ABS estimated resident population data of 3,014 in June 2025 and 3 validated new addresses recorded after the Census. Fadden's population density stands at 969 persons per square kilometer, a level typical of the regions monitored by AreaSearch. The suburb's post-census growth of 0.3% lags just 1.1 percentage points behind the broader SA3 region's 1.4% expansion, showing solid growth indicators.
Overseas migration was the primary driver of this demographic change, accounting for roughly 50.5% of all population increases recently. Projections developed by the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024, using 2022 as a baseline, are used for SA2 locations. If these are unavailable, or for periods past 2032, age cohort growth projections from the ACT Government using a 2022 baseline are applied. Based on these projections, Fadden is expected to experience low-quartile growth compared to national averages, with an estimated rise of 24 residents to 2041 based on the most recent annual ERP data, translating to a total increase of 0.7% over 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential development in Fadden has been negligible lately, with only 4 residential building approvals registered over the last 5 financial years, and 0 registered so far in FY-26. An average of 7 new residents per completed dwelling arrived over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, showing that demand is outpacing local supply, a scenario that typically drives up property prices and buyer competition. Meanwhile, newly built properties carry an average construction value of $330,000, which sits slightly higher than regional averages and points to a focus on premium construction.
Compared to the broader Australian Capital Territory, Fadden exhibits very low development volume, running 88.0% below the per-capita regional average. This restricted flow of new housing stock generally supports demand and helps maintain values for existing homes. The building rate is also lower than the national average, suggesting a mature market facing potential development limitations. Additionally, recent construction has consisted exclusively of single detached houses, preserving the suburb's established low-density feel and family appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Fadden
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 18 current infrastructure and development projects close to Fadden, worth an estimated $2.46 billion. 1 are already under construction and 4 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and urban planning changes can affect an area's trajectory. AreaSearch has identified 3 projects likely to impact this locality. These key projects include the Wanniassa Hills Primary School Modernisation, Stage 1 of the Erindale Group Centre Master Plan Implementation, The Valley Ponds - Wanniassa, and Stage 4 of the Canberra Light Rail from Woden to Tuggeranong, with the most relevant ones detailed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Wanniassa Hills Primary School Modernisation
ACT Government modernisation project at Wanniassa Hills Primary School delivering a preschool upgrade and replacement of existing gas boilers with fully electric heat pumps to improve energy efficiency, thermal comfort and learning environments. The works build on the school's earlier major modernisation program including new learning communities, administration refurbishment, hall improvements and expanded parking. Electrical supply upgrade works were tendered in 2025 to support the new HVAC system.
Erindale Group Centre Master Plan Implementation - Stage 1
A long-term revitalisation of the Erindale Group Centre focused on transforming public spaces, improving pedestrian and active travel links, and upgrading community infrastructure. The 2025-26 ACT Budget specifically funded the Erindale shops upgrade, with concept designs for public space improvements, including new lighting, paving, and furniture, expected for community feedback in 2026. The broader master plan facilitates future mixed-use development and roughly 800 new dwellings to support Tuggeranong growth.
The Valley Ponds - Wanniassa
Proposed medium-density residential estate of approximately 120-150 townhouses and apartments on former open space land between Wanniassa Hills and the Erindale Centre, part of the broader Indicative Land Release Program.
Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong
Proposed southern extension of the Canberra light rail network connecting Woden Town Centre to Tuggeranong Town Centre via the Athllon Drive corridor. Recent 2026 updates indicate the ACT Government is developing a transit-oriented development (ToD) plan for the Athllon Drive corridor, with conceptual integrated bus and light rail network options for Canberra South expected by June 2026. The project remains part of the long-term City-wide Light Rail Network plan to support a population of 500,000.
Empire Global Mixed-Use Development
Major mixed-use development comprising 299 residential apartments, 6 serviced apartments, and 1 commercial unit across two buildings up to 8 storeys. Includes three basement parking levels with 371 car spaces. The project was initially refused due to solar access concerns, but the developer plans to resubmit with amendments addressing planning authority concerns.
Wanniassa Playing Fields Irrigation & Lighting Upgrade
Installation of automated irrigation system and sports field lighting at Wanniassa District Playing Fields to support increased usage, night use, and drought resilience.
Southquay Greenway Stage 2 - Block 1 Section 80 Public Housing
Public housing development on Block 1 Section 80 in the Southquay Greenway precinct on Lake Tuggeranong, proposing 30 Class C adaptable units (12 x two-bedroom, 17 x three-bedroom, and 1 x four-bedroom) aligning with the ACT Planning Strategy for compact, efficient, and accessible developments.
Calwell Retirement Living Precinct
A retirement living precinct proposal by KBDC, featuring 30 one-storey townhouses alongside the Calwell shopping strip.
1,637 residents of Fadden are employed, from a labour force of 1,658. Unemployment sits at 1.3%, with participation at 68.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,318, about 77% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce in Fadden is highly educated, featuring a prominent professional services sector, a low unemployment rate of 1.3%, and an estimated job growth rate of 1.0% over the past year. In March 2026, there were 1,637 employed residents, and the unemployment rate was 2.8% lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%. Workforce participation stands slightly below the regional benchmark, at 68.7% compared to the territory's 70.8%. Census data indicates that 14.7% of working residents performed their duties from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of pandemic lockdowns.
The primary employment sectors for local residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Conversely, the accommodation & food services sector has a small footprint, employing 4.8% of the workforce compared to the regional figure of 6.5%. Comparison of the Census working population against the resident population suggests Fadden offers limited employment opportunities within its own boundaries. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS figures indicates that in the year ending March 2026, employment grew by 1.0% and the labour force expanded by 1.1%, resulting in a 0.1 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory saw a 0.3% rise in employment, a 1.1% increase in the labour force, and a 0.7 percentage point increase in unemployment. Future labour demand in Fadden can be contextualised by national employment forecasts published by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25. These five-year and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce composition to project potential trends. Globally, national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sectors will grow at different rates. Applying these sectoral trends to Fadden's workforce structure yields a projected local employment increase of 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, which is a weighted extrapolation that does not incorporate localised population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Fadden is $3,302 a week (about $172,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,415 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $83,100 a year against an average of $96,725. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO data at the postcode level for the 2023 financial year indicates that incomes in the Fadden SA2 sit in the highest national percentile, with a median of $83,100 and an average of $96,725. This is higher than the Australian Capital Territory averages, where the median is $72,206 and the average is $85,981. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be approximately $91,776 for the median and $106,823 for the average as of March 2026. According to Census records, household, family, and personal incomes in Fadden are ranked in the 96th to 98th national percentiles.
Income distribution data shows that 38.1% of the population, representing 1,149 people, earn over $4000, whereas the surrounding region is led by the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket at 34.3%. A high concentration of top-bracket earners exists, with 55.8% of households receiving more than $3,000 weekly, pointing to strong financial capacity. After meeting housing costs, residents retain 90.8% of their income, indicating high disposable funds, and the suburb is positioned in the 10th decile on the SEIFA index for income.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Fadden had 1,039 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 97% detached houses and 1% apartments. 48% are owned with a mortgage, 6% rented and 45% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $620 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,383 a month. Rent absorbs 18.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 16.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, Fadden's housing stock was composed of 96.8% separate houses and 3.1% alternative dwellings like townhouses and apartments, differing from the Australian Capital Territory distribution of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. The rate of outright home ownership was 45.3%, which is higher than the territory average, while 48.4% of dwellings were mortgaged and 6.3% were rented. The median monthly mortgage payment in Fadden was $2,383, and the median weekly rent was $620, both higher than the ACT averages of $2,080 and $450. Fadden's mortgage repayments also exceed the national average of $1,863, while weekly rents are higher than the Australian median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Fadden counted 1,039 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.9 people each. 44% are couples with children, more than in 87% of areas nationally, against 33% couples without children. 13% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households represent the majority of homes at 86.0%, which includes couples with children at 44.0%, couples without children at 33.1%, and single-parent households at 8.1%. The remaining 14.0% consists of non-family households, made up of lone-person households at 12.7% and group housing at 1.2%. The average household size is 2.9 people, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
47.1% of adults in Fadden hold a university qualification, including 26.0% with a bachelor degree and 14.5% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 82% of areas nationally. A further 14.0% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 233 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,081 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Fadden residents show high levels of education, with 47.1% of those aged 15 and over holding university degrees, compared to 30.4% nationally and 31.1% in the SA3 area. This provides a strong basis for professional opportunities. Within the tertiary cohort, 26.0% hold bachelor degrees, 14.5% have postgraduate qualifications, and 6.6% have graduate diplomas. Vocational education is also represented, with 25.6% of residents aged 15 and older holding qualifications, including 11.6% with advanced diplomas and 14.0% with certificates. A significant portion of the population is engaged in study, with 28.4% of residents enrolled in education.
Within this student cohort, 10.1% attend primary school, 8.6% attend secondary school, and 5.4% are in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Fadden reaches 23 stops on 39 routes, timetabled for about 3,500 services a week. The typical home sits about 180 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.9 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
There are 23 active public transport stops in Fadden, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 39 routes, which provide 3,530 passenger journeys per week. Accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 184 meters from their nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles being the main transport mode at 92%, and buses at 5%. Car ownership stands at 1.9 vehicles per household, which is above the regional average. Census data from 2021 shows that 14.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect pandemic-era arrangements.
Across all routes, service frequency averages 504 trips daily, which equates to roughly 153 weekly services at each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
69.6% of residents in Fadden report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 81% of areas nationally. 4.1% need daily assistance with core activities, and 69.7% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the occurrence of chronic conditions, health outcomes in Fadden are strong, with low rates of common health conditions across all age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 70% of the population, or 2,102 people, holding policies, compared to 62.4% in the Australian Capital Territory and 55.7% nationally. Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.7% and 8.0% of residents. Conversely, 69.6% of the population reported no chronic health conditions, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.
Health profiles for working-age residents are typical. Residents aged 65 and over make up 21.1% of the population, which is 636 people, higher than the 14.3% share in the territory. Older residents show strong health profiles, with national rankings aligning with the wider community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Fadden is largely Australian-born, at 76.2% of residents, with 15.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (26.4%) and Australian (24.0%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Fadden has moderate levels of cultural diversity, with 23.8% of the population born outside Australia and 15.3% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 52.0% of the population. Islam is practiced by 2.0% of residents, compared to 3.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. The most common ancestries reported are English at 26.4%, Australian at 24.0%, and Irish at 9.4%. Specific ethnic heritages show higher representation in Fadden than in the wider region: Croatian heritage is reported by 1.1% of residents compared to 0.9% regionally, Welsh heritage is at 0.8% compared to 0.6%, and Serbian heritage is at 0.7% compared to 0.4%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Fadden is 42. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 19.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of Fadden residents is 42, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory median of 35 and the national median of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is represented at 12.9% locally, which is higher than the territory average, while 25 - 34 year-olds are less represented at 6.6%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 4.1% to 6.6% of the population, and the 15 to 24 cohort rose from 10.9% to 13.1%. The 55 to 64 group decreased from 15.5% to 12.6%, and the 65 to 74 bracket fell from 14.1% to 12.9%.
Demographic modeling suggests the age profile will shift by 2041, with the 45 to 54 group projected to grow by 67 people, or 16%, from 415 to 483, while the 25 to 34 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Fadden
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | May 2026 3 months ago all 13 measures |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 3 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,006 at the 2021 Census → 3,016 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (801071076). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.