Gungahlin
Statistical Area - sa2

Gungahlin lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Gungahlin's population was approximately 10,119 as of August 2025. This represents an increase of 1,533 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,586. The change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 9,202 in June 2024 and an additional 875 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,219 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Gungahlin's growth rate of 17.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state (5.7%) and SA4 region averages, making it a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections were used, also based on 2022 figures. Based on demographic trends, Gungahlin is predicted to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas by 2041. The population is expected to increase by 6,484 persons by then, representing a total increase of 54.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Gungahlin among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Gungahlin has seen approximately 238 new homes approved annually. Development approval data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics is on a financial year basis: 1,193 dwellings were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-20 to FY-25, with no approvals so far in FY-26. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-20 and FY-25 is 1.0, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions. New dwellings are developed at an average cost value of $249,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

In this financial year, there have been $31.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Gungahlin has 320.0% more new home approvals per person, offering greater choice for buyers and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent development has consisted entirely of attached dwellings, departing from the current housing pattern of 36.0% houses. This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, potentially responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Gungahlin's population density is around 4450 people per dwelling approval, reflecting a highly mature market. Future projections suggest Gungahlin will add 5,557 residents by 2041, with current development patterns indicating that new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Future projections show Gungahlin adding 5,557 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Gungahlin has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 56 projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Nue Development Gungahlin, Raya Gungahlin, Gungahlin Community Centre, and Gungahlin Town Centre Refresh. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

Gungahlin has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Gungahlin has a highly educated workforce. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 4.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7% over the past year.

There are 5,824 residents in work, and the unemployment rate is 0.9% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation is at 76.0%, compared to the ACT's 69.6%. Leading employment industries among residents include public administration & safety, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. The area has a particular specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety is under-represented, at 23.4% compared to the ACT's 30.4%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.7%, and labour force increased by 1.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, the ACT experienced employment growth of 1.9% and a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment. As of Sep-25, ACT employment contracted by 0.33%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts suggest employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Gungahlin's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

Gungahlin had a median taxpayer income of $56,805 and an average of $67,291 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is higher than national averages, with ACT's median income at $68,678 and average income at $83,634. By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $62,929 (median) and $74,545 (average), based on a 10.78% growth in Wage Price Index since financial year 2022. Census data shows Gungahlin's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 79th and 83rd percentiles nationally. In Gungahlin, 38.7% of individuals (3,916 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with regional trends at 34.3%. Notably, 31.3% earn above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 17.1% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 77th percentile. Gungahlin's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Gungahlin features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Gungahlin, as per the latest Census, 35.7% of dwellings were houses, with 64.3% being other types such as semi-detached and apartments. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's dwelling structure of 66.3% houses and 33.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gungahlin stood at 13.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented ones at 53.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,801, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,123. The median weekly rent figure in Gungahlin was $450, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $462. Nationally, Gungahlin's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Gungahlin features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.0% of all households, including 29.6% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households making up 25.1% and group households comprising 6.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.9.

Educational achievement in Gungahlin places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Gungahlin is notable, with 48.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 26.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 18.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Vocational pathways account for 23.2% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 12.4%. Educational participation is high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.3% in tertiary education, 7.0% in primary education, and 6.1% pursuing secondary education. Gungahlin College and Burgmann Anglican School serve a total of 2,785 students in the area. The International Comparative Statistics Education Centre for Australia (ICSEA) score for Gungahlin is 1111, indicating significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement. There is one secondary school and one K-12 school in the area. Gungahlin functions as an education hub with 28.0 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 14.9. This attracts students from surrounding communities.

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

The analysis shows that as of June 2023, there are 40 active public transport stops operating in Gungahlin. These include a mix of light rail and bus services. The stops are served by 23 individual routes, collectively providing 4,037 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 179 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 576 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 100 weekly trips per stop.

Gungahlin's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows exceptional results in Gungahlin, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (around 5,403 people), compared to 58.6% across the Australian Capital Territory.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.4% and 6.5% of residents respectively. Around 78.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. The area has 8.0% of residents aged 65 and over (808 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in the broader population.

Gungahlin is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Gungahlin has high cultural diversity, with 49.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 49.8% born overseas. The dominant religion is Christianity, at 32.4%. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, comprising 11.4% of Gungahlin's population versus 9.5% regionally.

Top ancestry groups include Other (19.9%), English (17.2%), and Australian (17.1%). Korean, Indian, and Vietnamese ethnicities are notably higher in Gungahlin than the regional average: Korean at 2.7% vs 1.2%, Indian at 5.8% vs 6.4%, and Vietnamese at 2.0% vs 1.5%.

Gungahlin hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Gungahlin has a median age of 32 years, which is younger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Gungahlin has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (26.1%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.6%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the population aged 65-74 has grown from 4.2% to 5.4%, while the 55-64 age group increased from 7.3% to 8.3%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 27.8% to 26.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that Gungahlin's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 35-44 age cohort projected to expand considerably, increasing by 998 people (57%) from 1,757 to 2,756.