Gowrie (ACT)

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Gowrie's population is around 3,098 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 42 people (1.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,140 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,096 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,605 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Gowrie experienced a 1.3% 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 73.9% 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. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 284 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 55 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Gowrie has averaged around 2 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 10 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 1.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, with recent figures showing this has accelerated to 9 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, suggesting increasing demand and tightening supply. New homes are being built at an average construction cost of $464,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $595,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against the Australian Capital Territory, Gowrie has significantly less development activity (72.0% below the regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This activity is also below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Meanwhile, new construction has consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's suburban character with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Gowrie may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Gowrie has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Wanniassa Hills Primary School Modernisation, Erindale Group Centre Master Plan Implementation - Stage 1, The Valley Ponds - Wanniassa, and Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong, 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 drivers in Gowrie are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Gowrie has a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 7.2%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,531 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 3.3% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (67.7% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. On the other hand, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 8.5% of Gowrie'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, the 12-month period saw the labour force increasing by 1.0% while employment declined by 0.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Gowrie. 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 Gowrie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% 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

The Gowrie SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $70,885 and an average of $82,507 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $77,449 (median) and $90,147 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Gowrie, between the 91st and 93rd percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 30.6% of locals (947 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 34.3% in the same category. Economic strength is evident as 43.1% of households achieve weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 88.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Gowrie, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 99.3% houses and 0.7% 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 Gowrie was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 35.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (49.3%) or rented (15.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $440, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Gowrie's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 82.4% of all households, comprising 38.7% couples with children, 31.0% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 17.6%, with lone person households at 15.5% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Gowrie shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (34.8%) 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 21.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 32.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (19.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 24 active transport stops operating within Gowrie, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 64 individual routes, collectively providing 3,868 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 166 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 5% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 10.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 552 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 161 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Gowrie is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Gowrie demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (1,883 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.7% and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 66.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (583 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Gowrie is above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 20.8% of its population born overseas and 15.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Gowrie is Christianity, which makes up 50.5% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.3% of the population, compared to 0.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Gowrie are Australian, comprising 27.1% of the population, English, comprising 26.7% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Spanish is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of Gowrie (vs 0.5% regionally), Russian at 0.6% (vs 0.3%) and Croatian at 0.9% (vs 0.9%).

Gowrie's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 38 years, Gowrie's median age is somewhat higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 while equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Gowrie has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (11.1%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (11.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.3% to 6.6% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.5% to 16.1%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 11.5% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 12.2% to 11.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Gowrie's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 89%, adding 32 residents to reach 69. Senior residents (65+) will drive 91% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, the 55 to 64 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.