Gilmore
Statistical Area - sa2

Gilmore has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Gilmore's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 2,648 people by August 2025. This figure represents a decrease of 58 individuals from the 2021 Census count of 2,706 persons. The decline is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 2,648 in June 2024 and the addition of 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,291 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages according to AreaSearch assessments. Although Gilmore experienced a 2.1% population decrease from the census, the SA3 area saw a 0.2% growth, indicating divergent trends within the region. Natural growth contributed about 68.3% 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 by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. According to these projections, Gilmore's population is expected to decrease by 165 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 45-54 group are projected to grow, with an increase of 40 people anticipated in this cohort over the period.

The level of residential development activity in Gilmore is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Gilmore has averaged approximately one new dwelling approval per year. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, totalling nine approvals across the past five financial years from FY20 to FY25, with zero approvals so far in FY26. The population has declined over recent years, suggesting that new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $79,000, which is under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers when measured against purchase prices. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Gilmore has 15.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 38th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and potentially pointing to planning constraints. New building activity shows 20.0% detached dwellings and 80.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 93.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With approximately 1445 people per approval, Gilmore shows characteristics of a mature, established area.

Given that population is expected to remain stable or decline, Gilmore should see reduced pressure on housing in the future, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Gilmore has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that might impact this area. Notable projects include Monaro Highway Safety Upgrades, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, Queanbeyan Regional Integrated Transport Plan, and Deakin Private Hospital. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

Employment performance in Gilmore has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Gilmore's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.6% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 1.8%.

As of June 2025, 1,430 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, above Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation was on par with ACT's 69.6%. Leading employment industries among Gilmore residents comprised public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Construction showed strong specialization, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services were under-represented at 7.5% compared to ACT's 11.1%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8%, labour force grew by 1.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. Comparatively, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9% with a 0.3 percentage point decrease in unemployment. By Sep-25, ACT employment had contracted by 0.33% (losing 1,480 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, favourable compared to the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Gilmore's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 12.9% 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 latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Gilmore's median income among taxpayers is $68,725, with an average of $76,168. These figures are high nationally, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year 2022, estimates for March 2025 would be approximately $76,134 (median) and $84,379 (average). The 2021 Census reveals household, family, and personal incomes in Gilmore rank highly nationally, between the 88th and 89th percentiles. Income analysis shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 36.6% of residents (969 people), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. Notably, 37.9% earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating prosperity that fuels local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Gilmore is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Gilmore's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.8% houses and 7.2% other dwellings. The Australian Capital Territory average was 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gilmore stood at 30.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.1% and rented ones at 23.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Gilmore was $2,048, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,000. Weekly rent median in Gilmore was $430, compared to the Australian Capital Territory figure of $425. Nationally, Gilmore's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Gilmore features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 80.7% of all households, including 38.6% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 13.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up 19.3%, with lone person households at 18.6% and group households comprising 1.2%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.6.

Gilmore shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Gilmore has lower university qualification rates at 24.8%, significantly below the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (23.4%). Educational participation is high at 27.4%, including 9.9% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Gilmore Primary School serves the area with an enrollment of 130 students. It offers balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 969) but has limited capacity (4.9 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 14.9), causing many families to seek schooling in nearby areas for secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis conducted in Gilmore identified 16 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 4 individual routes. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 526.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 202 meters from their nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 75 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Gilmore 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 Gilmore with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 58% of the total population (1,530 people). The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 9.7% and 9.4% of residents respectively. 66.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 66.1% across Australian Capital Territory. Gilmore has 13.8% of residents aged 65 and over (366 people), which is lower than the 17.6% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Gilmore has above-average cultural diversity, with 18.5% of its population born overseas and 15.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Gilmore, comprising 50.5% of people. However, Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Australian Capital Territory, making up 2.1% of Gilmore's population.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (28.0%), English (25.4%), and Irish (9.3%). Notable divergences include Serbian at 0.8%, Spanish at 0.7%, and Dutch at 1.7%.

Gilmore's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Gilmore's median age is 37 years, slightly older than Australian Capital Territory's 35 but aligned with the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises 14.1% of Gilmore's population, higher than Australian Capital Territory's figure, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 13.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 2.4% to 3.9%, and the 0 to 4 cohort has increased from 6.1% to 7.4%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 11.7% to 9.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Gilmore. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to increase by 39 people (12%), from 333 to 373. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts.