Farrer

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 stands at approximately 3,764, indicating a decrease of 23 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,787. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,751 as of June 2024 and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 1,818 persons per square kilometer, surpassing the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.9% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts 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 used, also based on 2022. Future population trends project an overall decline by 232 persons to 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 per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, 37 homes were approved, with one so far in FY-26. On average, about 4.5 people moved to the area each year for each dwelling built during these years.

This high demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $301,000. There have been $68,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Farrer records notably lower building activity, 88.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, 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 marks a considerable shift from the current housing mix, which is 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. Given population projections showing stability or decline, Farrer should see reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Farrer has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

No factors impact an area's performance more than local infrastructure changes. AreaSearch identified zero projects potentially affecting this region. Notable initiatives are 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 details those most relevant.

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

Farrer has an educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.3%.

Employment stability was maintained over the past year. As of September 2025, 1903 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3%, below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation in Farrer is 60.2%, compared to ACT's 69.6%.

Key industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Construction employment is lower at 5.8% versus the regional average of 6.8%. The residential area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, Farrer's labour force increased by 0.6%, while employment decreased by 0.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 1 percentage point. In comparison, ACT had employment growth of 1.4% and unemployment fell by 0.2%. As of 25-November-25, ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Farrer's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant 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 latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2022, Farrer SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $69,379 and an average income of $92,775. These figures are high compared to national levels of $68,678 and $83,634 for the Australian Capital Territory respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year ending June 2022, current estimates would be approximately $78,815 (median) and $105,392 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Farrer rank highly nationally, between the 91st and 92nd percentiles. Income distribution indicates that 31.2% of locals (1,174 people) earn $4000 or more per week, differing from the broader area where the $1500 - $2999 category predominates at 34.3%. A substantial proportion of residents (43.0%) earn above $3000 per week, suggesting strong economic capacity in the district. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of their 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

The dwelling structure in Farrer, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 58.4% houses and 41.7% 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 in the area was $2,600, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, slightly above the Australian Capital Territory'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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 24.5% and group households at 1.7%. 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. Among residents aged 15+, 48.7% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4%. University graduates make up the largest group at 26.7%, followed by postgraduate holders (16.1%) and graduate diploma holders (5.9%). Vocational pathways account for 22.5% of qualifications in this age group, 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 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

The analysis of public transportation in Farrer shows that there are currently fifteen active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with six individual routes providing service. Together, these routes facilitate 1,712 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 233 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 244 trips per day across all routes, which equates to around 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 shows 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 declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.1% in Australian Capital Territory. Farrer has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.7% (928 people), 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.

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 shows high cultural diversity, with 26.9% born overseas and 18.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Farrer, making up 47.3% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Farrer compared to Australian Capital Territory, comprising 0.6% versus 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.2%), Australian (23.2%), and Irish (9.5%). Some ethnic groups show significant divergences: Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.4% in Farrer compared to the regional average of 0.3%, Scottish at 9.0% versus 7.8%, and Polish at 0.9% versus 0.8%.

Farrer's median age exceeds the national pattern

Farrer's median age is 43 years, significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 years and considerably older than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented at 10.4%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 12.0% to 13.1% of the population, 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%. Demographic modeling suggests Farrer's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 52%, adding 118 residents to reach 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.