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 3,315 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 88 people (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,227 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,295 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,700 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, which contributed approximately 83.5% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to increase by 0 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 76 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Hackett has averaged around 12 new dwelling approvals per year, with 61 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 3 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.4 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $375,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $144,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Hackett shows substantially reduced construction (73.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Recent construction comprises 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% townhouses or apartments, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges, from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 76.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 311 people per dwelling approval, Hackett shows characteristics of a low density area.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Hackett should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 5 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Establishment Watson, Watson Gasworks Arts Precinct, Watson Place Precinct Redevelopment, and Majura Primary School Modernisation (Watson), 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.

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

Hackett possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of only 4.0%, and 1.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,769 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.1% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (68.2% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 15.5% 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, education & training, and professional & technical. On the other hand, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 8.6% of Hackett's workforce compared to 11.7% in the Australian Capital Territory. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.3% while the labour force increased by 1.3%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. By comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.9%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Hackett. 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 Hackett's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Hackett SA2's median income among taxpayers is $80,357 and the average income stands at $97,137, which compares to figures for the Australian Capital Territory's of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, 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 (1,057 individuals) 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, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. 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

Dwelling structure within Hackett, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 76.3% houses and 23.6% 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 Hackett was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 38.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (39.0%) or rented (22.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,500, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $374, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Hackett's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 70.5% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people 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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 59.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 46.8% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead 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+; advanced diplomas (6.6%) and certificates (9.1%).

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

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

Public transport analysis reveals 14 active transport stops operating within Hackett, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 61 individual routes, collectively providing 5,372 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 200 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 77%, with 14% cycling and 6% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. Some 15.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 767 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 70% of the total population (2,310 people), compared to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.0% and 7.6% of residents, respectively, while 67.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 16.2% of residents aged 65 and over (538 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory, though ranking lower nationally than 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 is above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 21.2% of its population born overseas and 13.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Hackett is Christianity, which makes up 31.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.9% of the population, compared to 0.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Hackett are English, comprising 27.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 23.9% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.3% of Hackett (vs 7.3% regionally), Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.6%) and Croatian at 0.8% (vs 0.9%).

Hackett's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The 40-year median age in Hackett is notably higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 and also modestly exceeds the Australian median of 38. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Hackett has a higher concentration of 45 - 54 residents (15.6%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (10.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.1% to 14.0% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 11.6% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 15.3% to 13.3% and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 14.7% to 13.1%. By 2041, Hackett is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 65 to 74 group will grow by 23% (62 people), reaching 336 from 273. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 80% of projected growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 cohorts.