Farrer

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

Farrer's population was 3,816 as of May 2026, an increase of 29 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,787. This change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 3,816 in June 2025 and 17 validated new addresses post-Census date. The population density was 1,843 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.8% to recent population gains. 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 with a 2022 base are adopted. Future trends indicate an overall population decline by 274 persons by 2041, but specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are projected to grow by 104 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 four more approved so far in FY26. On average, 4.5 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over 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. 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 change from the current housing mix, which is currently 74.0% houses.

Farrer reflects a highly mature market with around 629 people per dwelling approval. 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 24thth percentile nationally

No factors impact an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially affect 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 detailing those most likely to be relevant.

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

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

Farrer's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.7% as of December 2025. In this month, 1,898 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.1% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Farrer was 61.3%, compared to the ACT's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 14.0% of residents worked from home. The key industries of employment among residents were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Conversely, construction showed lower representation at 5.8% compared to the regional average of 6.8%. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, Farrer's labour force increased by 0.9%, while employment decreased by 0.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.5 percentage points. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a smaller increase in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Farrer's employment mix indicates that 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 2023, Farrer SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $72,027. The average income stood at $92,824. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to the ACT's median and average incomes of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Farrer SA2 would be approximately $79,547 (median) and $102,515 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Farrer rank highly nationally, between the 91st and 92nd percentiles. The predominant income cohort spans 31.2% of locals (1,190 people) in the $4000+ category, differing from broader area trends where the $1,500 - 2,999 category is dominant at 34.3%. A 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

Farrer's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared 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, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Farrer was $450, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure. Nationally, Farrer's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 compared to 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 2.5.

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

In Farrer, residents aged 15 and above have a notably higher level of educational attainment compared to national averages. Specifically, 48.7% of residents hold university qualifications, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. This educational advantage is reflected in various qualification types: Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 26.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational pathways also play a significant role, with advanced diplomas accounting for 11.2% and certificates for 11.3%.

Educational participation is 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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 48 different routes that together facilitate 3,886 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living within 233 meters of the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 88% of residents, while 8% use buses. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 555 trips per day, equating to approximately 259 weekly trips per 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 outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average for both younger and older age cohorts. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent in Farrer compared to averages.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (2,549 people), which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's 62.4% and the 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. Under-65 population health outcomes are better than average. The area has 24.1% of residents aged 65 and over (920 people), higher than the Australian Capital Territory's 14.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than those of 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, surveyed in the period from July 2016 to June 2021, exhibited higher cultural diversity compared to 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, accounting for 47.3% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, comprising 0.6% of the population compared to 0.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (26.2%), Australian (23.2%), and Irish (9.5%). Significant differences existed in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Hungarian was notably overrepresented at 0.4%, Scottish at 9.0%, and Polish at 0.9%.

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 and the Australian median of 38. Locally, the 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented at 10.4%, while the 25-34 cohort is under-represented at 8.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has grown from 12.0% to 13.6% of Farrer's population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 11.4% to 10.3%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 13.4% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Farrer's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 41%, adding 89 residents to reach 307. Residents aged 65 and older represent 78% of anticipated growth. However, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 65-74 cohorts.