Hughes

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Hughes's population is around 3,176 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 34 people (1.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,210 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,150 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,774 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 was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 242 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 expand by 10 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Hughes, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Hughes has averaged around 6 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 34 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. Given population has fallen over the past period, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $365,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Additionally, $176,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Hughes has significantly less development activity (87.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. With around 423 people per dwelling approval, Hughes shows a developed market.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Hughes should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Hughes has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Federal Golf Club Retirement Village, Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, Woden Experiment Stage 2 - Public Realm & Active Travel Upgrades, and the Woden Community Services Hub, 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Hughes well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Hughes has a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, and 1.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,583 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (63.3% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.6% 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, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical. The area shows particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. On the other hand, construction is under-represented, with only 4.2% of Hughes's workforce compared to 6.8% 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, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.5% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.1%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.4 percentage points. 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 Hughes. 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 Hughes's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% 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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Hughes SA2's median income among taxpayers is $78,870, with an average of $111,955. This is exceptionally high nationally, and compares to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $86,173 (median) and $122,322 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Hughes, between the 94th and 95th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $4000+ bracket dominates with 35.5% of residents (1,127 people), diverging from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 34.3%. A significant 48.2% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Hughes, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 73.6% houses and 26.4% 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 Hughes was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 37.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.8%) or rented (24.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,700, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Hughes's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Hughes has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 72.1% of all households, comprising 36.7% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.9%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households comprising 2.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Hughes 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 Hughes significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 58.7% 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 31.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.8%) and graduate diplomas (6.7%). Vocational pathways account for 16.9% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (8.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 9 active transport stops operating within Hughes, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 22 individual routes, collectively providing 1,580 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 268 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 81%, with 7% walking and 4% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. Some 14.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 225 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 175 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hughes's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Hughes's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical, though higher than the national average among older cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 76% of the total population (2,416 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.9% and 8.0% of residents, respectively, while 67.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 19.5% of residents aged 65 and over (620 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Hughes was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Hughes is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 16.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 26.4% born overseas. The main religion in Hughes is Christianity, which makes up 43.6% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.5% 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 Hughes are Australian, comprising 25.5% of the population, English, comprising 25.1% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 1.3% of Hughes (vs 0.6% regionally), Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%) and Polish at 1.0% (vs 0.8%).

Hughes's median age exceeds the national pattern

With a median age of 42, Hughes is considerably higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and similarly significantly higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 85+ cohort is notably over-represented (4.7% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (9.4%). In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.0% to 13.6% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 13.0% to 14.6%. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has declined from 6.5% to 4.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Hughes's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, expanding by 9 people (7%) from 148 to 158. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.