Hackett

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Hackett's population is around 3,352 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 125 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,227 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,345 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,719 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 83.6% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population of 11 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 65 to 74 age group, which is projected to grow by 70 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 over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with a total of 61 homes approved during this period and an additional 3 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling has supported an average of 2.4 new residents per year over these five years, indicating consistent demand that contributes to property value stability. The average expected construction cost for new dwellings is $375,000, suggesting a focus on premium market developments by builders.

In FY-26, $144,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Hackett has shown significantly reduced construction activity, with 73.0% below the regional average per person, which typically supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Recent construction comprises 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% townhouses or apartments, demonstrating a shift towards attached housing types to cater to varying price ranges and lifestyle demands. This change is notable compared to the current housing mix of 76.0% houses, likely due to reduced development site availability. Hackett's population density, with approximately 311 people per dwelling approval, indicates a low-density area.

With population stability or decline expected, there may be reduced pressure on housing in Hackett, potentially presenting buying opportunities.

Hackett has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These key projects include The Establishment Watson, Watson Place Precinct Redevelopment (Watson On Aspinall), Majura Primary School Modernisation (Watson), and Watson Gasworks Arts Precinct.

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 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 4.0% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.3%. As of December 2025, 1,769 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, compared to Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) 3.8%.

Workforce participation was 67.0% in Hackett, below ACT's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 15.5% of residents worked from home as of December 2025. Leading employment industries were public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical services.

Health care & social assistance was under-represented at 8.6%, compared to ACT's 11.7%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 1.3% while labour force grew by 1.3%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. In comparison, ACT saw employment growth of 0.9% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hackett's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a 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 ending June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Hackett is $80,357 and average income stands at $97,137. These figures compare with those for Australian Capital Territory which are $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $88,746 (median) and $107,278 (average) as of March 2026. 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 and 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

The dwelling structure in Hackett, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.3% houses and 23.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hackett stood at 38.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.0% and rented dwellings at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than 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 mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 70.5% of all households, including 37.1% couples with children, 22.8% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 25.7% and group households comprising 3.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, 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

Hackett's educational attainment exceeds national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 59.7% possess university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 29.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.4%) and graduate diplomas (7.5%). Vocational pathways account for 15.7%, with advanced diplomas at 6.6% and certificates at 9.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.1% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary, 10.3% in secondary, and 7.4% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 14 active stops in Hackett. These are served by 61 routes, offering 5372 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated good, with residents typically 200 meters from the nearest stop. Most commute outward, with car being dominant at 77%, cycling at 14% and bus at 6%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.2 per dwelling. In 2021 Census data, 15.5% of residents worked from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 767 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 383 weekly trips per 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, based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low among the general population but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 70% of the total population (2,336 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.0 and 7.6% of residents respectively, while 67.9% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 16.3% of residents aged 65 and over (545 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 cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 21.2% of its population born overseas and 13.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion in Hackett is Christianity, comprising 31.2% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.9% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 0.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (27.1%), Australian (23.9%), and Irish (11.6%). Some ethnic groups show notable variations: Scottish is overrepresented at 9.3%, Welsh at 0.7%, and Croatian at 0.8%.

Hackett's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Hackett is notably higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and also modestly exceeds the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Hackett has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (15.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.5%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the age group of 15 to 24 years has grown from 11.1% to 14.3%, while the age group of 55 to 64 has increased from 11.6% to 12.6%. Conversely, the age group of 5 to 14 has declined from 15.3% to 13.2%, and the age group of 35 to 44 has dropped from 14.7% to 13.0%. By the year 2041, Hackett is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the age group of 65 to 74 years is projected to grow by 23%, reaching 337 people from a previous count of 273. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 80% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the age groups of 15 to 24 years and 0 to 4 years.