Farrer
Statistical Area - sa2

Farrer has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of November 2025, Farrer's population is approximately 3,764, a decrease of 23 people from the 2021 Census figure of 3,787. This change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 3,751 in June 2024 and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 1,818 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 82.9% of overall population gains in recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also based on 2022 data. Future population trends indicate an overall decline by 232 persons by 2041, with specific age cohorts expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group by 129 people.

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

Farrer has recorded approximately seven residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 37 homes were approved, with one more approved so far in FY26. On average, 4.5 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these five years.

This significant demand exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $301,000. In FY26, there have been $68,000 in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Farrer records markedly lower building activity, 88.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Relative to national averages, this is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

This represents a considerable shift from the current housing mix of 74.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 629 people per dwelling approval, Farrer reflects a highly mature market. Population projections indicating stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Farrer has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

No factor impacts an area's performance more than local infrastructure changes. AreaSearch identified zero projects potentially affecting this region. Notable initiatives include Mixed-Use Complex In Mawson, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, The Centenary Hospital for Women and Children Expansion Project, and Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong. Most relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Farrer significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Farrer has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate in the area was 1.6% as of June 2025.

This is lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.2%. As of June 2025, there were 1,978 residents in work.

Workforce participation in Farrer was 60.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Construction is under-represented in Farrer, with only 5.8% of its workforce compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 6.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, while labour force increased by 1.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 1.9% with a fall in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points over the same period. 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 Farrer's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Farrer is among the highest in Australia, with a median of $69,379 and an average of $92,775. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $68,678 and an average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $78,815 (median) and $105,392 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Farrer rank highly nationally, between the 91st and 92nd percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 31.2% of the community earns over $4,000 (1,174 individuals), differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 34.3%. Farrer demonstrates considerable affluence with 43.0% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Farrer is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Farrer, as per the latest Census evaluation, 73.5% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 26.5% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) figures of 58.4% houses and 41.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Farrer stood at 41.1%, with mortgaged properties making up 40.6% and rented dwellings accounting for 18.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,600, exceeding the ACT average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Farrer was recorded at $450, compared to the ACT's $440. Nationally, Farrer's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Farrer has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.2% of all households, consisting of 36.6% couples with children, 28.4% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 24.5% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.4.

Educational achievement in Farrer places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Farrer's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages, with 48.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4%. The area's bachelor degree holders lead at 26.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational pathways account for 22.5% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 11.3%. Educational participation is high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.4% in primary, 8.7% in secondary, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education. Farrer Primary School serves the area, enrolling 261 students, and demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages with an ICSEA score of 1107. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 6.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 18.4, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Farrer has 15 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six distinct routes that together facilitate 1,712 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 233 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 244 trips per day, which translates to approximately 114 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Farrer are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Farrer has below-average health outcomes, with common conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (2,525 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.9 and 7.4% of residents respectively. 67.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.1% across Australian Capital Territory. Farrer has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.7%, with 928 people in this age group, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 18.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

Farrer 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

Farrer had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 26.9% of its population born overseas and 18.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Farrer, making up 47.3% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Farrer at 0.6%, compared to 0.3% across the Australian Capital Territory.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (26.2%), Australian (23.2%), and Irish (9.5%). There were also significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Hungarian was overrepresented at 0.4%, Scottish at 9.0%, and Polish at 0.9%.

Farrer hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Farrer's median age is 43 years, significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and considerably above the Australian median of 38. Comparing with the ACT average, the 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented at 10.4%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.4%. Post-2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 12.0% to 13.1%, and the 85+ cohort increased from 5.0% to 6.0%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 11.4% to 10.2%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 13.4% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Farrer's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 52%, adding 118 residents for a total of 346. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 81% of the population growth, while declines are anticipated for the 65-74 and 55-64 age groups.