Gungahlin

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Gungahlin's population is around 10,201 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,615 people (18.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,586 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,193 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 910 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,237 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Gungahlin's 18.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (6.7%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 64.5% 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. Regarding demographic trends, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to increase by 6,484 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 53.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Gungahlin has seen around 313 new homes approved each year, with 1,568 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 1 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 1 new resident per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $297,000. Additionally, $31.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Gungahlin has 261.0% more new home approvals (per person), creating greater choice for buyers. This is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of attached dwellings. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 36.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 4450 people per dwelling approval, Gungahlin reflects a highly mature market.

Future projections show Gungahlin adding 5,475 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 21stth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 57 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Gungahlin Community Centre, Gungahlin Marketplace Expansion, Moncrieff East Residential Estate, and Raya Gungahlin, 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.

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

Gungahlin has a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.9%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,904 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.0% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (79.2% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 9.7% 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, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. The area has a particular employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. On the other hand, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 23.4% of Gungahlin's workforce compared to 30.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of the Census working population relative to the local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.5% and the labour force increased by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 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 Gungahlin. 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 Gungahlin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The Gungahlin SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $61,752 and an average of $70,678 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is higher than average nationally, 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 $67,470 (median) and $77,223 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Gungahlin, between the 78th and 82nd percentiles nationally. The data shows 38.7% of the population (3,947 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 34.3% in the same category. A significant 31.3% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. High housing costs consume 17.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 76th percentile and the area'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

Dwelling structure within Gungahlin, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 35.7% houses and 64.3% 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 Gungahlin lagged that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 13.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.9%) or rented (53.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Australian Capital Territory average at $1,801, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Gungahlin's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 68.0% of all households, comprising 29.6% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 25.1% and group households comprising 6.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 48.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 26.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational pathways account for 23.2% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (12.4%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 35 active transport stops operating within Gungahlin, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 68 individual routes, collectively providing 5,119 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 184 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 74%, with 8% by bus and 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 9.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 731 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 146 weekly trips per individual stop.

Gungahlin's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Gungahlin, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~5,518 people), compared to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.4% and 6.5% of residents, respectively, while 78.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 8.6% of residents aged 65 and over (872 people), which is lower than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 49.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 49.8% born overseas. The main religion in Gungahlin is Christianity, which makes up 32.4% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 11.4% of the population, substantially higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Gungahlin are Other, comprising 19.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 12.2%, English, comprising 17.2% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 23.3%, and Australian, comprising 17.1% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 23.0%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 2.7% of Gungahlin (vs 0.6% regionally), Chinese at 11.0% (vs 4.2%) and Indian at 5.8% (vs 3.3%).

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

At 32 years, Gungahlin's median age is slightly younger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and is substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Gungahlin has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (25.2%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (8.6%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 4.2% to 5.8% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 7.3% to 8.8%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 27.8% to 25.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Gungahlin's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 35 to 44 age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 964 people (54%) from 1,791 to 2,756.