Hughes
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Hughes' population was 3,210 as of the 2021 Census. By Aug 2025, it decreased to around 3,163, a drop of 47 people (1.5%). This change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 3,150 in June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was 1,767 persons per square kilometer, above national averages according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration primarily drove recent population growth.

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, ACT Government's SA2 area projections with a 2022 base are adopted. Future trends indicate a population decline by 242 persons to 2041, with the 65 to 74 age group projected to grow 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 recorded approximately 12 residential properties granted approval per year. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 61 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY-20 to FY-25, and none so far in FY-26. The area has experienced population decline, but development activity has been adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $381,000.

There have also been $176,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to the Australian Capital Territory, where Hughes records 88.0% lower building activity per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a mix of medium-density options across price brackets. Hughes indicates a mature market with around 423 people per approval. Population projections showing stability or decline should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Hughes has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Area's performance is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to impact the area: Trilogy Apartments, Federal Golf Club Retirement Village, Woden Bus Depot and Transport Interchange, and Woden Community Services Hub. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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

AreaSearch assessment positions Hughes ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Hughes has an educated workforce with key sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.5% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.4%.

As of June 2025, 1,624 residents were employed at a rate 0.9% below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation was 61.4%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services are key industries for residents. Health care & social assistance is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

However, construction is under-represented at 4.2% compared to ACT's 6.8%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4%, labour force by 1.6%, raising unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9% with a falling unemployment rate. By Sep-25, ACT's employment had contracted by 0.33%, losing 1,480 jobs, at an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National unemployment was 4.5% with national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hughes's industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple 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 2022 shows Hughes's median income among taxpayers is $74,575, with an average of $103,767. This places it in the top percentile nationally, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year 2022, current estimates as of March 2025 would be approximately $82,614 (median) and $114,953 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Hughes rank highly nationally, between the 95th and 95th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 35.5% of locals (1,122 people) fall into the $4000+ category, differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 34.3%. A substantial proportion of high earners (48.2% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity in the area. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of their 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

In Hughes, as per the latest Census evaluation, 73.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 26.4% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is in contrast to the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) dwelling structure, which had 58.4% houses and 41.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hughes stood at 37.7%, with mortgaged properties at 37.8% and rented dwellings at 24.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,700, exceeding the ACT average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure in Hughes was recorded at $400, slightly higher than the ACT's $398. Nationally, Hughes' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also exceeding the national figure of $357.

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% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.4.

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 higher educational attainment than broader averages: 58.7% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. The area is well-positioned for knowledge-based opportunities due to this advantage. Bachelor degrees are most common at 31.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.8%) and graduate diplomas (6.7%). Vocational pathways account for 16.9% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.4% and certificates at 8.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.9% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.1% in primary, 9.0% in secondary, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education. Hughes Primary School serves the local area, enrolling 433 students. The school demonstrates strong educational performance (ICSEA score: 1151), placing it among the most advantaged nationally. It focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. There are fewer school places per 100 residents in Hughes (13.7) compared to the regional average (18.7), suggesting some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Hughes has nine active public transport stops in operation. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with two routes providing service to the area. Together, these routes facilitate 341 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of public transport is rated as good, with residents on average located 268 meters from their nearest stop. Service frequency across all routes averages 48 trips per day, which equates to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hughes is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Hughes faces significant health challenges. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 73% of the total population (2,296 people), compared to 68.1% across Australian Capital Territory.

The national average is 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.9 and 8.0% of residents respectively. Sixty-seven point three percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.1% across Australian Capital Territory. Nineteen point four percent of residents are aged 65 and over (614 people), which is higher than the 18.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Hughes was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Hughes had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 26.4% of its residents born overseas and 16.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Hughes, comprising 43.6% of the population. Notably, Judaism was more prevalent in Hughes at 0.5%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (25.5%), English (25.1%), and Irish (10.7%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Welsh comprised 1.3% of Hughes' population, higher than the regional average of 0.6%; Hungarian was at 0.5%, compared to 0.3% regionally; and Polish stood at 1.0%, slightly above the regional average of 0.8%.

Hughes hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Hughes has a median age of 42, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and significantly higher than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, Hughes has an over-representation of the 85+ cohort (4.8% locally) and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group (9.5%). Between 2021 and the present, the percentage of the population aged 15 to 24 increased from 11.0% to 13.8%, while those aged 35 to 44 rose from 13.0% to 14.6%. Conversely, the 85+ cohort declined from 6.5% to 4.8%, and the 55-64 age group dropped from 12.0% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Hughes's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand by 7 people (5%), from 150 to 158. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 75-84 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.