Farrer

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Farrer's population is around 3,764 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 23 people (0.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,787 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,751 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,818 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 82.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 232 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 129 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Farrer has recorded around 7 residential properties granted approval per year, with 37 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 1 so far in FY-26. With an average of 4.5 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $301,000. There have also been $68,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Farrer records markedly lower building activity (88.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 74.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 629 people per dwelling approval, Farrer reflects a highly mature market.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Farrer should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Farrer has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Mixed-Use Complex in Mawson, the Canberra Hospital Master Plan, the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children Expansion Project, and Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch assessment positions Farrer ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Farrer has a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. As of December 2025, 1,898 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.1% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (62.2% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.8% versus the regional average of 6.8%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force increasing by 0.9% combined with employment decreasing by 0.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.5 percentage points. By comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.9%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Farrer. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Farrer's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Farrer SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $72,027 with the average level standing at $92,824. This is extremely high nationally and compares to levels of $72,206 and $85,981 across the Australian Capital Territory respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $78,697 (median) and $101,420 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Farrer, between the 91st and 92nd percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 31.2% of locals (1,174 people) in the $4000+ category, diverging from the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 34.3%. The substantial proportion of high earners (43.0% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the district. 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

Dwelling structure within Farrer, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Farrer was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 41.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (40.6%) or rented (18.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,600, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Farrer's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 73.2% of all households, comprising 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 of 2.6 people is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Farrer significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 48.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees 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+ – advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (11.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 15 active transport stops operating within Farrer, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 48 individual routes, collectively providing 3,886 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 233 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 8% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 14.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 555 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 259 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

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Farrer, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (2,514 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.9% and 7.4% of residents, respectively, while 67.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 25.6% of residents aged 65 and over (963 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Farrer was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Farrer is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 26.9% of its population born overseas and 18.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Farrer is Christianity, which makes up 47.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.6% of the population, compared to 0.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Farrer are English, comprising 26.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 23.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Hungarian is notably overrepresented at 0.4% of Farrer (vs 0.3% regionally), Scottish at 9.0% (vs 7.3%) and Polish at 0.9% (vs 0.8%).

Farrer's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 43 years, Farrer's median age is significantly above the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 as well as considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (10.9% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (8.8%). Following the 2021 Census, the 85+ age group has grown from 5.0% to 6.5% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 9.7% to 10.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.4% to 12.1% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 11.4% to 10.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Farrer's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 42%, adding 101 residents to reach 346. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 79% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 65 to 74 cohorts.