Gilmore

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Gilmore's population is around 2,661 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 45 people (1.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,706 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,648 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,298 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Gilmore experienced a 1.7% decline since the census, the SA3 area achieved 0.1% growth, highlighting divergent population trends. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 68.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 165 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 45 to 54 age group, which is projected to grow by 40 people.

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

Gilmore has averaged around 5 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 28 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. Given population has fallen over the past period, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $204,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Gilmore has 11.0% less new development (per person) and ranks in the 38th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 20.0% detached dwellings and 80.0% medium and high-density housing. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 93.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. At around 1445 people per approval, Gilmore shows a mature, established area.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Gilmore should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Gilmore has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Monaro Highway Safety Upgrades, Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong, Queanbeyan Regional Integrated Transport Plan, and Deakin Private Hospital, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

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

Gilmore has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.8%, and 0.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,397 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.0% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%. Based on Census responses, a low 9.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. On the other hand, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 7.5% of Gilmore's workforce compared to 11.1% in the Australian Capital Territory. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.6% and the labour force increased by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.9%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Gilmore. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Gilmore's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 12.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Gilmore SA2's median income among taxpayers is $72,121, with an average of $78,690. This is very high nationally, and compares to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $78,799 (median) and $85,977 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Gilmore, between the 88th and 89th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 36.6% of residents (973 people), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. A significant 37.9% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Gilmore is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Gilmore, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.8% houses and 7.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Gilmore was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 30.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (46.1%) or rented (23.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,048, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $430, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Gilmore's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 80.7% of all households, comprising 38.6% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 13.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 19.3%, with lone person households at 18.6% and group households comprising 1.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (24.8%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (23.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 15 active transport stops operating within Gilmore, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 32 individual routes, collectively providing 2,359 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 202 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 9.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 337 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 157 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Gilmore is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Gilmore faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~1,554 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 9.7% and 9.4% of residents, respectively, while 66.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 14.7% of residents aged 65 and over (389 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Gilmore records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Gilmore is above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 18.5% of its population born overseas and 15.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Gilmore is Christianity, which makes up 50.5% of the population. However, there is a notable representation of Buddhism, which comprises 2.1% of the population, compared to 3.0% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Gilmore are Australian, comprising 28.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 23.0%, English, comprising 25.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Serbian is overrepresented at 0.8% of Gilmore (vs 0.4% regionally), Spanish at 0.7% (vs 0.5%), and Dutch at 1.7% (vs 1.3%).

Gilmore's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Gilmore's median age of 37 years is slightly older than the Australian Capital Territory's 35, though essentially aligned with the 38-year national average. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 13.6% compared to the Australian Capital Territory, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 12.9%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 2.4% to 4.4% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 6.1% to 7.4%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 11.7% to 9.2% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 14.9% to 13.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Gilmore. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 24 people (7%) from 348 to 373. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 75 to 84 cohorts.