Hackett

An assessment of population growth drivers in Hackett reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Hackett's population was approximately 3,227 as of February 2021. By February 2026, this had increased to around 3,315 people, reflecting a rise of 88 individuals (2.7%). This growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,295 in June 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was approximately 1,700 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed about 83.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also based on 2022. According to these projections, Hackett's population is expected to increase by 0 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 65 to 74 age group, which is projected to rise by 76 people.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Hackett recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Hackett averaged approximately 12 new dwelling approvals annually from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling 61 homes. In FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded so far. Each dwelling has supported an average of 2.4 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $375,000, indicating a focus on premium market developments. This financial year, $144,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting Hackett's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Hackett has shown substantially reduced construction activity, being 73.0% below the regional average per person. The recent construction mix comprises 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% townhouses or apartments, demonstrating a shift from the current housing mix of 76.0% houses. Hackett has around 311 people per dwelling approval, indicating low-density characteristics.

With population stability or decline expected, reduced pressure on housing is anticipated, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Hackett has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that may impact the area. Notable projects are The Establishment Watson, Watson Gasworks Arts Precinct, Watson Place Precinct Redevelopment, and Majura Primary School Modernisation (Watson). Relevant projects are listed below.

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

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Employment conditions in Hackett remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Hackett has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.6%. As of September 2025, 1,766 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation was 68.1% in Hackett, below ACT's 72.5%. According to Census responses, 15.5% of residents worked from home as of September 2025. Leading employment industries were public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical services.

Healthcare & social assistance was under-represented at 8.6%, compared to ACT's 11.7%. Over the year to September 2025, Hackett's employment increased by 1.6% while labour force grew by 1.4%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Nationally, employment growth was forecast at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hackett's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The Hackett SA2's income level is among the top percentile nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Hackett is $80,357 and the average income stands at $97,137. These figures compare to those for Australian Capital Territory's of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $87,798 (median) and $106,132 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Hackett, between the 92nd and 96th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows 31.9% of the population fall within the $4000+ income range, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 34.3%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 46.8% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 88.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power within the community. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

In Hackett, as per the latest Census evaluation, 76.3% of dwellings were houses while 23.6% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from the Australian Capital Territory's breakdown of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hackett stood at 38.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.0% and rented ones at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, surpassing the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in Hackett was $374, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Hackett's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $374.

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

Family households constitute 70.5% of all households, consisting of 37.1% couples with children, 22.8% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 25.7% and group households making up 3.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Hackett demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Hackett is notably high, with 59.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares to national figures of 30.4% for Australia and 46.8% for the SA4 region. The area's educational advantage is reflected in its knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 29.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.4%) and graduate diplomas (7.5%).

Vocational pathways account for 15.7% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 6.6% and certificates at 9.1%. Educational participation is high, with 34.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (11.0%), secondary education (10.3%), and tertiary education (7.4%).

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

The analysis of public transport in Hackett indicates there are currently 14 operational transport stops serving the area. These stops facilitate a variety of bus routes totalling 61, which together accommodate approximately 5,372 weekly passenger journeys. The accessibility of these transport services is assessed as good, with residents generally situated within 200 metres of their nearest stop. Predominantly residential, Hackett's inhabitants primarily commute outward from the area. Private cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 77% of residents. Cycling and public bus usage stand at 14% and 6%, respectively.

On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, approximately 15.5% of Hackett residents work from home. The service frequency across all routes averages around 767 trips daily, translating to roughly 383 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Hackett is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Hackett demonstrates above-average health outcomes, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions among the general population is low but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 70% of Hackett's total population (2,310 people) has private health cover, compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, impacting 10.0% and 7.6% of residents respectively. 67.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. Hackett has 16.2% of residents aged 65 and over (538 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory but ranks lower nationally compared to the broader population.

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

Hackett's population was found to have above-average cultural diversity, with 21.2% born overseas and 13.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Hackett, comprising 31.2% of its population. However, Judaism showed significant overrepresentation, making up 0.9% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (27.1%), Australian (23.9%), and Irish (11.6%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.3%, Welsh at 0.7%, and Croatian at 0.8% compared to regional averages of 7.3%, 0.6%, and 0.9%, respectively.

Hackett's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Hackett is notably higher than that of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which has an average median age of 35 years. It also modestly exceeds the national median age of 38 years. Compared to ACT, Hackett has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54, with 15.6%, but fewer residents aged 25-34, at 10.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the latest data, the population aged 15-24 grew from 11.1% to 14.0%, while the 55-64 age group increased from 11.6% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 15.3% to 13.3% and the 35-44 age group decreased from 14.7% to 13.1%. By 2041, significant shifts in Hackett's age composition are expected. The 65-74 age group is projected to grow by 23%, adding 62 people and reaching a total of 336. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 80% of the projected population growth. Meanwhile, declines are projected for the 15-24 and 0-4 age cohorts.