Isaacs
Statistical Area - sa2

Isaacs has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Isaacs's population was 2,379 as of August 2021. By June 2024, it decreased to 2,346, a change of -33 people (-1.4%) from the 2021 Census figure. This decrease is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data and address validation since the Census date. The population density was 759 persons per square kilometer in June 2024. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas, 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. By 2041, the population is projected to decline by 220 persons. The 85 and over age group is expected to expand by 41 people during this period.

The level of residential development activity in Isaacs is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Isaacs averaged approximately zero new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, totalling zero approvals across the past five financial years from 2019-20 to 2024-25, with no approvals recorded so far in the current financial year ending June 30, 2026. The declining population over recent years suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good choices for buyers.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $100,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Isaacs has significantly less development activity. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, although there has been increased development activity in recent periods.

This lower-than-average national activity reflects the area's maturity and may suggest possible planning constraints. With population projections indicating stability or decline, Isaacs is expected to experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence performance. One major project impacts the area, identified by AreaSearch: Canberra Hospital Master Plan. Key projects include Mixed-Use Complex In Mawson, Affordable Housing Project Fund, The Centenary Hospital for Women and Children Expansion Project.

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

The employment environment in Isaacs shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Isaacs has an educated workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.6% as of a certain period, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9% over the past year.

As of June 2025, there are 1,168 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation in Isaacs is at 57.5%, significantly lower than ACT's 69.6%. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Notably, health care & social assistance employs 1.4 times more residents than the regional average, while retail trade employs only 4.5% of local workers, below ACT's 6.6%.

The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by Census data on working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 0.9%, alongside labour force growth of 1.6%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9% and a fall in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows ACT employment contracted by 0.33% (losing 1,480 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, favourably comparing to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Isaacs's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 income in Isaacs is among the top percentile nationally. The median assessed income is $74,144 and the average income stands at $99,147. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $68,678 and an average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $82,137 (median) and $109,835 (average) as of March 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Isaacs, between the 93rd and 95th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $4000+ bracket dominates with 31.7% of residents (743 people). Unlike trends in the surrounding region where 34.3% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, higher earners represent a substantial presence with 45.3% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 90.5% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Isaacs' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Australian Capital Territory's 58.4% houses and 41.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Isaacs was 51.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.6% and rented ones at 17.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, above the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure was $520, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $440. Nationally, Isaacs' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 76.4% of all households, including 32.0% couples with children, 34.5% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 23.6%, with lone person households at 20.7% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Isaacs aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Isaacs is notably high, with 53.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications. This compares to national figures of 30.4% and regional figures of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 28.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational pathways account for 19.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.2% and certificates at 11.6%.

Educational participation is also high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education. Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access educational facilities in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 19 active stops operating in Isaacs. These are mixed bus services. Two routes serve these stops, offering a total of 330 weekly passenger trips.

Transport access is rated excellent, with residents typically located 164 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 47 daily trips across all routes, which equals approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Isaacs faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 71% of the total population (1,665 people) has private health cover, compared to 68.1% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.9 and 7.0% of residents respectively.

66.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.1% in Australian Capital Territory. The area has 28.2% of residents aged 65 and over (662 people), which is higher than the 18.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Isaacs is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Isaacs has a high level of cultural diversity, with 36.6% of its population born overseas and 31.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Isaacs, making up 51.1% of people in the suburb. However, Hinduism shows an overrepresentation, comprising 6.6% of Isaacs's population compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 6.6%.

The top three ancestry groups in Isaacs are English (21.9%), Australian (18.0%), and Other (13.5%). Some ethnic groups have notable divergences: Polish is overrepresented at 1.6% compared to the regional figure of 0.8%, Hungarian at 0.6% versus 0.3%, and Croatian at 1.4% against the regional average of 0.8%.

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

The median age in Isaacs is 48 years, notably higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and also above the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 75-84 age cohort is significantly over-represented in Isaacs at 13.2%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.4%. The concentration of the 75-84 cohort is well above the national average of 6.0%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 10.2% to 13.2% of the population, while the 15 to 24 age group has risen from 9.7% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 16.1% to 14.4%, and the 65 to 74 cohort has dropped from 14.4% to 12.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Isaacs, with the 85+ age cohort projected to grow by 44 people (an increase of 85%) from 53 to 98. The aging population trend is evident, as those aged 65 and above will comprise all of the projected growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.