Isabella Plains
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Isabella Plains' population was approximately 4,329 as of August 2021, according to the census. By June 2024, it had decreased to around 4,276, a drop of 53 people (1.2%). This decrease is inferred from ABS data and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was approximately 1,710 persons per square kilometer as of June 2024. While Isabella Plains experienced a decline, the SA3 area saw a growth of 0.2% during the same period. Natural growth contributed about 65.0% to the overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, ACT Government's SA2 area projections with a 2022 base are adopted. Future population growth is anticipated to be lower than the quartile average for Australian statistical areas. Based on current numbers, Isabella Plains is expected to increase by approximately 57 persons to reach around 4,336 by 2041, marking a total increase of about 1.3% over the 17-year period.

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. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, showing five approvals over the past five years from FY21 to FY25, with one approval so far in FY26. The area's population decline has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

Commercial approvals totaling $1.1 million have been registered this financial year, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Isabella Plains has significantly less development activity, 90.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Nationally, it is also below average, indicating the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction has consisted of detached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban character by catering to space-seeking buyers.

This preference for detached housing exceeds current patterns (76.0% at Census), suggesting strong demand for family homes. Population forecasts predict Isabella Plains will gain 57 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Isabella Plains has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that may impact this region. Key projects include Tuggeranong Public Housing Development, Light Rail Stage 4 to Tuggeranong, Calwell Group Centre improvements, and Calwell Retirement Living Precinct. The following list details those most relevant:.

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

Employment conditions in Isabella Plains remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Isabella Plains has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.5% over the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4%.

As of June 2025, 2,306 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 1.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation was similar to ACT's 69.6%. Key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Construction particularly stands out with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented at 7.1% compared to ACT's 11.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data showing fewer working residents than residents overall. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.4%, while the labour force grew by 1.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9% with a 0.3 percentage point decrease in unemployment. State-level data to Sep-25 shows ACT employment contracted by 0.33%, losing 1,480 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, and employment grew by 0.26%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Isabella Plains' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022. Isabella Plains had a median income among taxpayers of $64,002 and an average income of $70,933. These figures were above the national average. In Australian Capital Territory, the median income was $68,678 and the average was $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for March 2025 are approximately $70,901 (median) and $78,580 (average). The 2021 Census showed that household, family, and personal incomes in Isabella Plains ranked between the 74th and 85th percentiles nationally. Income analysis revealed that 36.0% of individuals earned between $1,500 and $2,999, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represented 34.3%. Economic strength was evident with 31.4% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000. Housing accounted for 14.5% of income, and residents ranked in 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

Isabella Plains' dwellings were 75.5% houses and 24.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other') as of the latest Census, compared to Australian Capital Territory's 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Isabella Plains was 29.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 50.4% and rented ones at 20.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,880, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,000. Median weekly rent was $450, higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of $425. Nationally, Isabella Plains' mortgage repayments were higher at $1,880 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise 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 account for 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%, substantially lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (24.1%).

Educational participation is high at 29.2%, including 10.7% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education. Isabella Plains Early Childhood School and St Mary MacKillop College serve a total of 2,120 students. Isabella Plains has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1048) with balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub with 49.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 14.9, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

The analysis of public transport in Isabella Plains indicates that there are currently 25 active transport stops operating within the area. All these stops service buses, with a total of 10 individual routes providing 816 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility to transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 226 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 116 trips per day across all routes, equating 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

Health indicators suggest below-average health outcomes in Isabella Plains. The prevalence of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Approximately 55% (~2,351 people) have private health cover, which is high compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 57.2%. Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.3% and 9.2% of residents respectively. About 67.1% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.1% across the Australian Capital Territory. The area has 16.5% (706 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 17.6%. Health outcomes among seniors in Isabella Plains present some challenges and require more attention than the broader population.

Isabella Plains 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

Isabella Plains has 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 is the predominant religion in Isabella Plains, making up 47.8% of its population. The category 'Other' shows an overrepresentation compared to Australian Capital Territory figures, with 2.3% versus 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, Australians make up 26.1%, English 25.6%, and Other 9.5%. Notably, Spanish (0.9%), Serbian (0.7%), and Macedonian (0.5%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in Isabella Plains compared to regional figures.

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

Isabella Plains's median age is nearly 36 years, closely matching the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but slightly younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Isabella Plains has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (11.8%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.5%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 65-74 has grown from 7.5% to 9.2%, while the 75-84 age group has increased from 4.3% to 5.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has declined from 13.0% to 11.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes for Isabella Plains. The 65-74 age group is projected to grow by 27%, adding 105 residents to reach a total of 500. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 71% of population growth, reflecting ongoing demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 55-64 age groups.