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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Gowrie (ACT) has an estimated 3,100 residents, down from 3,140 at the 2021 Census — a change of 40 people, or 1.3%. That puts 1,606 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to research conducted by AreaSearch, the resident population of Gowrie stands at approximately 3,100 as of Aug 2026. Compared to the 2021 Census tally of 3,140 people, this represents a reduction of 40 people (1.3%). This updated figure is derived from the ABS estimated resident population of 3,100 recorded in June 2025 alongside 7 validated new addresses registered following the Census. Gowrie's population density reaches 1,606 persons per square kilometer, placing it above the national benchmark observed by AreaSearch. In contrast to Gowrie's 1.3% contraction post-census, the broader SA3 region expanded by 1.4%, underscoring contrasting demographic trajectories.
Natural increase served as the primary growth driver locally, generating roughly 65.9% of all recent population additions. Projections utilized by AreaSearch incorporate ABS/Geoscience Australia models released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline for each SA2. For periods beyond 2032 or areas not captured by these datasets, age-cohort growth estimates from ACT Government SA2 projections (also anchored to 2022) are applied. Looking ahead, this framework projects a downward demographic path, forecasting that the local population will contract by 266 persons by 2041. Nevertheless, selected cohorts will experience expansion, most notably residents aged 85 and over, who are forecast to add 43 people. See the age section for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building approvals in Gowrie have averaged around 1 dwellings annually, totaling 6 homes permitted across the preceding 5 financial years (from FY-22 to FY-26). In the context of recent demographic shrinkage, this level of construction has maintained adequate relative supply to the benefit of purchasers. Furthermore, approved residences carry an average construction cost of $774,000, demonstrating that builders are concentrating on the upper-tier residential market with higher-end stock. Concurrently, non-residential activity has been subdued, with $595,000 in commercial approvals registered during the current financial year. Relative to Australian Capital Territory, Gowrie registers substantially subdued construction volumes (trailing the regional per-capita benchmark by 73.0%).
This constrained pipeline of new stock typically reinforces pricing and demand across the established market. Volumes also lag the national standard, reflecting an established urban fabric alongside potential statutory planning restrictions. Furthermore, recent development has been exclusively dedicated to freestanding houses, reinforcing the suburb's low-density profile and appealing to buyers seeking standalone space. With demographic forecasts indicating population contraction or stability, reduced residential demand may alleviate pressure on local housing and generate advantageous conditions for prospective purchasers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Gowrie (ACT)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 18 current infrastructure and development projects close to Gowrie (ACT), worth an estimated $2.46 billion. 1 are already under construction and 4 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Changes to major infrastructure, strategic planning frameworks, and local capital works exert a significant influence on district performance. AreaSearch has highlighted 3 projects that will shape the local area. Notable initiatives 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 subsequent list detailing the most significant developments.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Wanniassa Hills Primary School Modernisation
ACT Government modernisation project at Wanniassa Hills Primary School delivering a preschool upgrade and replacement of existing gas boilers with fully electric heat pumps to improve energy efficiency, thermal comfort and learning environments. The works build on the school's earlier major modernisation program including new learning communities, administration refurbishment, hall improvements and expanded parking. Electrical supply upgrade works were tendered in 2025 to support the new HVAC system.
Erindale Group Centre Master Plan Implementation - Stage 1
A long-term revitalisation of the Erindale Group Centre focused on transforming public spaces, improving pedestrian and active travel links, and upgrading community infrastructure. The 2025-26 ACT Budget specifically funded the Erindale shops upgrade, with concept designs for public space improvements, including new lighting, paving, and furniture, expected for community feedback in 2026. The broader master plan facilitates future mixed-use development and roughly 800 new dwellings to support Tuggeranong growth.
Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong
Proposed southern extension of the Canberra light rail network connecting Woden Town Centre to Tuggeranong Town Centre via the Athllon Drive corridor. Recent 2026 updates indicate the ACT Government is developing a transit-oriented development (ToD) plan for the Athllon Drive corridor, with conceptual integrated bus and light rail network options for Canberra South expected by June 2026. The project remains part of the long-term City-wide Light Rail Network plan to support a population of 500,000.
The Valley Ponds - Wanniassa
Proposed medium-density residential estate of approximately 120-150 townhouses and apartments on former open space land between Wanniassa Hills and the Erindale Centre, part of the broader Indicative Land Release Program.
Empire Global Mixed-Use Development
Major mixed-use development comprising 299 residential apartments, 6 serviced apartments, and 1 commercial unit across two buildings up to 8 storeys. Includes three basement parking levels with 371 car spaces. The project was initially refused due to solar access concerns, but the developer plans to resubmit with amendments addressing planning authority concerns.
Southquay Greenway Stage 2 - Block 1 Section 80 Public Housing
Public housing development on Block 1 Section 80 in the Southquay Greenway precinct on Lake Tuggeranong, proposing 30 Class C adaptable units (12 x two-bedroom, 17 x three-bedroom, and 1 x four-bedroom) aligning with the ACT Planning Strategy for compact, efficient, and accessible developments.
Calwell Retirement Living Precinct
A retirement living precinct proposal by KBDC, featuring 30 one-storey townhouses alongside the Calwell shopping strip.
Wanniassa Playing Fields Irrigation & Lighting Upgrade
Installation of automated irrigation system and sports field lighting at Wanniassa District Playing Fields to support increased usage, night use, and drought resilience.
1,541 residents of Gowrie (ACT) are employed, from a labour force of 1,656. Unemployment sits at 6.9%, with participation at 68.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,426, about 78% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour pool in Gowrie is characterized by high levels of education, substantial engagement in essential public services, an unemployment level of 6.9%, and steady conditions across the previous twelve months. As of March 2026, 1,541 residents are employed; however, the local unemployment rate exceeds the Australian Capital Territory mark of 4.1% by 2.9%, while the participation rate sits slightly below the regional benchmark at 68.1% compared to 70.6% across Australian Capital Territory. According to Census findings, a modest 10.8% of workers operated from home, though prevailing Covid-19 restrictions during that period must be noted.
The dominant employment sectors among local workers comprise public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, alongside education & training. The community exhibits a notable concentration in construction, where its workforce share stands at 1.4 times the regional proportion. On the other hand, professional & technical roles are comparatively underrepresented, accounting for 8.5% locally versus 11.1% across the wider region. Given its largely residential character, the suburb provides scarce internal employment opportunities, as reflected in the disparity between the local working population and resident workers at the Census. AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS and SALM metrics indicates that throughout the 12 months leading to March 2026, employment expanded by 0.5% while the local labour force grew by 1.2%, driving a 0.7 percentage points increase in the jobless rate. Across Australian Capital Territory over the same timeframe, jobs grew by 0.3%, the labour pool increased by 1.1%, and unemployment expanded by 0.7 percentage points. Medium- to long-term labour demand can be evaluated using Jobs and Skills Australia's Mar-26 nationwide forecasts, which project five- and ten-year sectoral trajectories against the local employment baseline. Nationally, total employment is projected to expand by 6.6% across five years and 13.7% over ten years, though industry variations remain pronounced. When calibrated to Gowrie's specific sector distribution, local employment is modeled to increase by 6.4% across five years and 13.2% over ten years (note that this represents an illustrative weighting calculation rather than a localized demographic forecast).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Gowrie (ACT) is $2,674 a week (about $139,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,207 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $70,885 a year against an average of $82,507. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxation records compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 place Gowrie SA2 among the most affluent localities across Australia. Taxpayers in Gowrie SA2 record a median income of $70,885 and an average income of $82,507, compared against Australian Capital Territory benchmarks of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Factoring in a 10.44% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, modeled earnings as of March 2026 sit at approximately $78,285 for the median and $91,121 for the average. Census statistics show personal, family, and household earnings all positioning between the 91st and 93rd percentiles nationally.
Income distribution data indicates that 30.6% of local residents (948 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, aligning closely with the broader regional figure of 34.3%. High earning capacity is underscored by the 43.1% of residents receiving over $3,000 per week, underpinning demand for high-end retail and commercial services. Residents retain 88.2% of income following housing outlays, highlighting robust discretionary capacity and placing the suburb in the 8th decile on the SEIFA income scale.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Gowrie (ACT) had 1,106 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 99% detached houses and 0% apartments. 49% are owned with a mortgage, 16% rented and 35% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $440 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,167 a month. Rent absorbs 16.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 18.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The local housing stock at the most recent Census was overwhelmingly dominated by separate houses, which accounted for 99.3% of dwellings, while apartments, semi-detached properties, and 'other' dwellings comprised 0.7%, compared with Australian Capital Territory's distribution of 63.3% separate houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Outright home ownership in Gowrie substantially exceeded the territory level, reaching 35.2%, with the balance of homes held under a mortgage (49.3%) or rented (15.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment stood at $2,167, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory standard of $2,080, while median weekly rent was $440 compared to $450 territory-wide.
When compared nationally, local mortgage repayments sit well above the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents notably surpass the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Gowrie (ACT) counted 1,106 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.8 people each. 39% are couples with children, more than in 76% of areas nationally, against 31% couples without children. 16% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units represent the overwhelming majority of local households at 82.4%, consisting of couples with children (38.7%), couples without children (31.0%), and single parent families (12.2%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 17.6%, comprising lone person households at 15.5% and group households at 2.0%. The typical household size sits at 2.8 people, surpassing the territory-wide average of 2.5 across Australian Capital Territory.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
34.8% of adults in Gowrie (ACT) hold a university qualification, including 21.9% with a bachelor degree and 8.6% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 80% of areas nationally. A further 19.7% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 855 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,057 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment profiles indicate that tertiary graduation rates in the area stand at 34.8%, lagging the SA4 regional benchmark of 46.8%. This gap highlights both an educational challenge and a focal point for targeted local learning programs. Bachelor degrees form the largest segment at 21.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 8.6% and graduate diplomas at 4.3%. Concurrently, vocational and technical credentials feature strongly, with 32.4% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, comprising certificates (19.7%) and advanced diplomas (12.7%). Participation across formal learning programs is high, with 28.8% of the community actively engaged in study.
This includes 11.2% attending primary schools, 6.5% enrolled in secondary education, and 4.7% undertaking tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Gowrie (ACT) reaches 24 stops on 60 routes, timetabled for about 3,900 services a week. The typical home sits about 170 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.8 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Gowrie's public transport network features 24 active transport stops providing bus connectivity across the suburb. These stops are served by 60 individual routes that deliver 3,858 weekly passenger trips in aggregate. Accessibility is rated as excellent, with typical walking distances of 166 meters to the closest stop. Reflecting the suburb's residential orientation, external commuting is standard; private vehicles remain the primary travel mode at 91%, while 5% commute by bus. Vehicle density stands at 1.8 per dwelling, exceeding the regional standard. A modest 10.8% of the local workforce worked from home at the 2021 Census, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 settings.
Across all operating routes, bus service frequency reaches an average of 551 trips per day, translating to roughly 160 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
66.0% of residents in Gowrie (ACT) report no long-term health condition. 4.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 60.8% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health metrics in Gowrie outperform national standards across mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence as assessed by AreaSearch, with low incidence of common ailments recorded across both younger and older demographics. Furthermore, private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, encompassing roughly 61% of residents (1,884 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most widely diagnosed health conditions locally are mental health issues (affecting 9.7% of residents) and asthma (affecting 8.4%), while 66.0% of the population reported no medical ailments, compared with 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Among working-age individuals, chronic disease rates sit above average.
Seniors aged 65 and over represent 19.3% of the community (598 people), exceeding the 14.2% proportion in Australian Capital Territory. Older residents exhibit above-average health results, with overall national rankings tracking closely with the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Gowrie (ACT) is largely Australian-born, at 79.2% of residents, with 15.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (27.1%) and English (26.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Gowrie is above average, with 20.8% of residents born overseas and 15.4% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, encompassing 50.5% of the local population. Meanwhile, Judaism shows a clear relative concentration, accounting for 0.3% of residents compared to 0.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Regarding ancestral background based on parental country of birth, the primary groups in Gowrie comprise Australian at 27.1%, English at 26.7%, and Irish at 9.3%. Notable variations also appear among other ancestries, with Spanish representation reaching 0.8% (versus 0.5% regionally), Russian standing at 0.6% (versus 0.3%), and Croatian accounting for 0.9% (versus 0.9%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Gowrie (ACT) is 38. 21.9% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age distribution of Gowrie leans older than the regional baseline. Estimates from AreaSearch as of August 2026 indicate that retirement-age and senior cohorts (65+) make up 19.3% of the community compared to 14.2% across Australian Capital Territory, while young to middle aged adults (25 - 44) represent 28.4% against a territory average of 32.8%. The estimated median age remains at 38 as at August 2026, matching the 2021 Census figure and exceeding the Australian Capital Territory Census median of 35 by 3 years. Looking at specific age brackets, mature adults and early retirees (45 - 64) have decreased since the Census, dropping from 23.4% to an estimated 20.7%.
Projections to 2041 anticipate virtually no net inflow across broad age groups, with young to middle aged adults expected to shrink alongside children and young adults.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Gowrie (ACT)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 7 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (3,140 at the 2021 Census → 3,100 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (801071079). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.