Hughes

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

Hughes' population is approximately 3,159 as of May 2026. This shows a decrease of 51 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,210. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 3,149 in June 2025 and 21 additional validated addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,764 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth 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 ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted. Future demographic trends indicate an overall population decline by 236 persons to 2041, but specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are projected to grow by 8 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 approximately 6 new dwelling approvals each year over the past 5 financial years, totalling 34 homes. As of FY26, 8 approvals have been recorded so far. During this period, population has fallen, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good choice for buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $365,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY26, $176,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, predominantly reflecting residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Hughes has significantly less development activity, 87.0% below regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties due to limited new supply. Nationally, this is also below average, indicating the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity consists of 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points.

With around 423 people per dwelling approval, Hughes shows a developed market. Population projections indicating stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Hughes has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects expected to impact the region. Notable projects are Federal Golf Club Retirement Village, Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, Woden Community Services Hub, and Canberra Hospital Master Plan. Relevant details are listed below.

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 an educated workforce with 2.3% unemployment rate and 1.5% estimated employment growth in the past year as of December 2025. It has 1,583 residents employed with a 1.5% lower unemployment rate than Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) 3.8%. Workforce participation is 63.4%, compared to ACT's 70.5%.

Moderate home workership was reported at 14.6%. Key industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Healthcare shows strong specialization with a 1.3 times higher share than regional levels. Construction is under-represented at 4.2% compared to ACT's 6.8%.

Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by working vs resident population counts. Over one year, employment increased by 1.5%, labour force by 1.1%, reducing unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. Comparatively, ACT had 0.9% employment growth and a 0.3 percentage point unemployment rise. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hughes's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.8% in five years and 13.9% in 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Hughes SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $78,870 and an average of $111,955. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $87,104 (median) and $123,643 (average). The 2021 Census data ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Hughes between the 94th and 95th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 35.5% of residents (1,121 people) fall into the $4000+ bracket, unlike surrounding regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 34.3%. A significant 48.2% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power and reflecting the area's SEIFA income ranking in the 9th decile.

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

Hughes' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.6% houses and 26.4% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). The Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hughes was 37.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.8% and rented at 24.5%. Median monthly mortgage repayments were $2,700, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent was $400, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Hughes' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 72.1% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which 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

Hughes has a notably high level of educational attainment, with 58.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This figure is significantly higher than the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's average of 46.8%. The area's strong educational advantage is reflected in its high proportion of Bachelor degrees (31.2%), postgraduate qualifications (20.8%), and graduate diplomas (6.7%). Vocational pathways are also well-represented, with advanced diplomas accounting for 8.4% and certificates for 8.5% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and above.

Educational participation is notably high in Hughes, 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

Hughes has nine active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by twenty-two different routes, offering a total of 1580 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically living 268 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily, primarily using cars (81%). Walking and cycling account for 7% and 4% respectively. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 225 trips per day, 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 are close to national benchmarks. AreaSearch assessed mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, finding the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical but higher than the nation's average among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 76% of the total population (2,403 people), compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.9 and 8.0% of residents respectively, while 67.3% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 19.4% of residents aged 65 and over (612 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in 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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 16.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 26.4% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Hughes, accounting for 43.6% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Hughes at 0.5%, compared to 0.2% across Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 25.5%, English 25.1%, and Irish 10.7% of Hughes' population. Other ethnic groups with notable divergences included Welsh at 1.3% (vs regional 0.6%), Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%), and Polish at 1.0% (vs 0.8%).

Hughes's median age exceeds the national pattern

Hughes has a median age of 42, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 years and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. The percentage of people aged 85 and above in Hughes (4.1%) is notably higher than the Australian Capital Territory average, while the percentage of people aged 25 to 34 (9.4%) is lower compared to the territory's average. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 11.0% to 13.9%, and the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 13.0% to 14.4%. Conversely, the percentage of people aged 85 and above has declined from 6.5% to 4.1%, and the 55 to 64 age group has dropped from 12.0% to 10.8%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Hughes's age profile by 2041. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to increase by 10 (an 8% rise) from 129 to 140. Notably, all population growth will be among the combined 65+ age groups, reflecting Hughes's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 age groups are expected to experience population declines.