Farrer
Statistical Area - sa2

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 was around 3761 as of Aug 2025. This reflected a decrease of 26 people (0.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3787 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3751 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 1816 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 82.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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 were adopted, using 2022 as a base year. Future population trends indicated an overall decline with the area's population expected to decrease by 232 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts showed anticipated growth, notably the 85 and over age group projected 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 43 residential properties granted approval per year. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 219 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY-20 to FY-25, and none so far in FY-26. On average, 4.5 new residents are expected for every home built annually over this period. This supply is substantially lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $518,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $68,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Farrer shows substantially reduced construction activity, at 88.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this is lower than average, reflecting market maturity and possible development 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 shows a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 74.0% houses.

Farrer reflects a highly mature market with approximately 629 people per dwelling approval. With population projections showing stability or decline, Farrer should see reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified zero projects likely to affect the region. Notable projects include Mixed-Use Complex in Mawson, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, The Centenary Hospital for Women and Children Expansion Project, and Light Rail Stage 4 to Tuggeranong. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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

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 was 1.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2%.

As of June 2025, 1,978 residents were in work, and the unemployment rate was 1.8% below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 60.2%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Key industries of employment among residents were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Construction was under-represented with only 5.8% of Farrer's workforce compared to ACT's 6.8%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending 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. By comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9% and a fall in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. As of Sep-25, state-level data showed ACT employment contracted by 0.33% (losing 1,480 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, compared favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 projected a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Farrer's employment mix suggested 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 data for financial year 2022 shows that Farrer has one of the highest incomes in Australia. The median income is $69,379, while the average income stands at $92,775. This compares to Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and an average income of $83,634. By March 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $76,858 and the average income will be around $102,776, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Farrer rank highly nationally, between the 91st and 92nd percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis reveals that 31.2% of the community earns over $4,000 (1,173 individuals), unlike regional levels where earnings between $1,500 and $2,999 dominate at 34.3%. Farrer's affluent population, with 43.0% earning over $3,000 per week, supports premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. 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 recorded in the latest Census, 73.5% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 26.5% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types of dwellings. This compares to 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 dwellings making up 40.6% and rented dwellings comprising 18.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,600, higher than the ACT average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Farrer was $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 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 making up 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, 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 fifteen or above, 48.7% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 26.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational pathways account for 22.5% of qualifications in this age group - advanced diplomas comprise 11.2% and certificates make up 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 local community, enrolling 261 students. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited (6.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 18.7), leading many families to travel for schooling. Farrer demonstrates strong socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, indicated by an ICSEA score of 1107.

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

The analysis of public transport in Farrer shows that there are currently 15 active transport stops operating, all of which serve buses. These stops are covered by six different routes, collectively facilitating 1,712 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically residing just 233 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 244 trips made daily across all routes, which translates to about 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 more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. The area has an exceptionally high private health cover rate of 67%, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.9% of residents) and asthma (7.4%). 67.4% of residents report being 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%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 18.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, generally aligning with the overall 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's population showed high cultural diversity, with 26.9% born overseas and 18.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Farrer, accounting for 47.3%. Notably, Judaism had a higher representation in Farrer at 0.6%, compared to 0.3% in Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (26.2%), Australian (23.2%), and Irish (9.5%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences included Hungarian (Farrer: 0.4% vs regional: 0.3%), Scottish (Farrer: 9.0% vs regional: 7.8%), and Polish (Farrer: 0.9% vs regional: 0.8%).

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 older than the Australian median of 38. The 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented in Farrer at 10.4%, compared to the ACT average, 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 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 to reach 346. Residents aged 65 and older represent 81% of anticipated growth, while population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts.