Farrer

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

Farrer's population is 3,764 as of February 2026, a decrease of 23 people since the 2021 Census which reported 3,787 people. This change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data: 3,751 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses post-Census. The population density is 1,818 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.9% of overall population gains recently. 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, ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted. Future trends project an overall population decline by 232 persons to 2041, but specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are expected to grow 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 per year. 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 have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built during these years.

This significant demand exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost value of new properties is $301,000. In FY26, there have been $68,000 in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Farrer has 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. Nationally, 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 shift from the current housing mix of 74.0% houses reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 629 people per dwelling approval, Farrer reflects a highly mature market. Population projections showing stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

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

No factors influence an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could impact this area. Key projects 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. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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. Its unemployment rate is 2.3%. Over the past year, it maintained relative employment stability.

As of September 2025, 1,903 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation in Farrer is lower at 62.1%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. According to Census responses, 14.0% of residents work from home.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.8%, compared to the regional average of 6.8%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, Farrer's labour force increased by 0.6% while employment decreased by 0.4%, causing its unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 1.4% and a fall in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Farrer's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Farrer SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $72,027 and an average income of $92,824. These figures are high nationally, compared to ACT's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on 9.26% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Farrer as of September 2025 would be approximately $78,697 (median) and $101,420 (average). Census data places household, family, and personal incomes in Farrer between the 91st and 92nd percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 31.2% of locals earn over $4000 weekly, differing from broader area trends where the $1500-$2999 category is predominant at 34.3%. The high proportion of high earners (43.0% above $3000/week) indicates strong economic capacity. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. Farrer'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

Farrer's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Farrer stood at 41.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.6% and rented ones at 18.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Farrer was $450, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure of $450. 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, including 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 2.5.

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

In Farrer, the proportion of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications is 48.7%, significantly higher than the Australian average of 30.4%. This educational advantage is attributed to a high number of bachelor degrees (26.7%), postgraduate qualifications (16.1%), and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational pathways are also prevalent, with advanced diplomas accounting for 11.2% and certificates for 11.3% among residents aged 15 and above. Educational participation is notably high in the area, 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

Farrer has 15 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 48 routes, offering a total of 3,886 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 233 meters from the nearest stop. Residents primarily commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode at 88%, while bus usage stands at 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 14% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 555 trips daily across all routes, translating 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

Farrer's health indicators show below-average results 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. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (2,514 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.9 and 7.4% of residents respectively. 67.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. Farrer has 25.6% of residents aged 65 and over (963 people), higher than the 14.3% in 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's population showed significant cultural diversity, with 26.9% born overseas and 18.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Farrer, accounting for 47.3%. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Farrer at 0.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (26.2%), Australian (23.2%), and Irish (9.5%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Hungarian (0.4% vs regional 0.3%), Scottish (9.0% vs 7.3%), and Polish (0.9% vs 0.8%) were overrepresented in Farrer.

Farrer's median age exceeds the national pattern

Farrer's median age is 43 years, which is significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the ACT average, the 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented at 10.9% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.8%. According to the 2021 Census, the 85+ age group has grown from 5.0% to 6.5%, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 9.7% to 10.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 13.4% to 12.1%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 11.4% to 10.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Farrer's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 42%, adding 101 residents to reach 346. Residents aged 65 and older represent 79% of anticipated growth, while population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 65-74 cohorts.