Isabella Plains

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

Isabella Plains' population is 4,277 as of Nov 2025. This shows a decrease of 52 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,329. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 4,277 in June 2024 and one validated new address since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,710 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Isabella Plains saw a 1.2% decline since census, the SA3 area grew by 0.2%, indicating differing population trends. Natural growth contributed approximately 65.0% to overall population gains recently.

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 the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. Future population dynamics anticipate lower quartile growth for Australian statistical areas, with the area expected to expand by 57 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a 1.3% increase over the 17 years.

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

Isabella Plains has recorded approximately one residential property approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, five homes were approved, with one more granted in FY26. During this period, the population has decreased, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $115,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year, $1.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Isabella Plains records significantly lower building activity, with 90.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction in the area has been detached dwellings, sustaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

Notably, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, indicating continued strong demand for family homes. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Isabella Plains is expected to grow by 56 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely to affect the region. Notable projects include Tuggeranong Public Housing Development, Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong, Banks Gateway Estate, and Dairy Farmers Hill Precinct (1 Dairy Road). The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Isabella Plains shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Isabella Plains has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2%.

As of September 2025, there are 2,288 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 4.7%, which is 1.6% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation in Isabella Plains is similar to ACT's at 69.6%. Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area has a strong specialization in construction with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services employ only 7.1% of local workers, below ACT's 11.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.2%, and labour force increased by 1.3%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 4.7%. By comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.4% and a fall in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from November 25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Isabella Plains' employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Isabella Plains SA2 had a median income of $64,002 and an average of $70,933 among taxpayers. Nationally, the median was $58,172 and the average was $77,551. In Australian Capital Territory, the median was $68,678 and the average was $83,634. With a 13.6% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $72,706 (median) and $80,580 (average). Census figures from 2021 ranked Isabella Plains' household, family, and personal incomes between the 74th and 85th percentiles nationally. Income analysis showed that 36.0% of residents earned $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, aligning with regional levels at 34.3%. A substantial proportion, 31.4%, earned above $3,000 weekly, indicating strong economic capacity. Housing accounted for 14.5% of income, and residents ranked within the 76th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Isabella Plains is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Isabella Plains, as per the latest Census, 75.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 24.5% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is compared to the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) dwelling structure of 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Isabella Plains stood at 29.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 50.4% and rented ones at 20.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,880, lower than the ACT average of $2,000, while the median weekly rent was $450, higher than the ACT's $425. Nationally, Isabella Plains' mortgage repayments were slightly higher at $1,880 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $450 versus the national figure of $375.

Isabella Plains has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 74.3% of all households, including 35.5% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.7%, with lone person households at 23.3% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

The educational profile of Isabella Plains exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 26.3%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.7% and graduate diplomas at 2.9%. Vocational credentials are held by 36.2% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 24.1%. Educational participation is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.7% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Isabella Plains has 25 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 10 different routes that together facilitate 816 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average being located 226 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 116 trips per day, which equates to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Isabella Plains are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Isabella Plains shows below-average health outcomes, with common conditions typical but higher than average among older residents. Private health cover is high at approximately 55%, compared to 57.2% in Australian Capital Territory.

The most prevalent conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 9.3% and 9.2% respectively. 67.1% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the ACT average of 66.1%. 16.5% of residents are aged 65 and over, lower than the ACT's 17.6%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention.

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

Isabella Plains, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 23.6% of its population born overseas and 20.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 47.8% of Isabella Plains' population as of June 2016. The 'Other' category showed an overrepresentation in Isabella Plains, comprising 2.3% compared to 1.0% across Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 26.1%, English 25.6%, and Other 9.5% of the population. Notable divergences included Spanish (0.9% vs regional 0.7%), Serbian (0.7% vs 0.4%), and Macedonian (0.5% vs 0.2%).

Isabella Plains's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Isabella Plains's median age is nearly 36 years, close to the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but younger than Australia's average of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Isabella Plains has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (11.8%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.5%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 65-74 has grown from 7.5% to 9.2%, while the population aged 75-84 has increased from 4.3% to 5.5%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 55-64 has declined from 13.0% to 11.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Isabella Plains. The population aged 65-74 is projected to grow by 27%, adding 105 residents to reach a total of 500. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 72% of population growth, indicating a trend towards an aging demographic. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 55-64 age cohorts.