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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Isabella Plains has an estimated 4,324 residents. That puts 1,730 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Isabella Plains stands at approximately 4,324 as of May 2026. This represents a reduction of 5 residents (0.1%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 4,329 individuals. This shift is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 4,324 from June 2025 alongside 1 validated new addresses identified since the Census. Such population numbers translate to a density of 1,729 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical density of national areas analyzed by AreaSearch. In contrast to the 0.1% contraction in Isabella Plains since the census, the wider SA3 region grew by 1.4%, demonstrating contrasting demographic directions.
The primary factor in the population increase for this locality was natural increase, which accounted for roughly 61.8% of the total population gains in recent times. AreaSearch utilizes ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline. For SA2 areas excluded from this dataset, and for any timeframe after 2032, age group growth patterns are sourced from ACT Government SA2 projections using a 2022 base year. Looking ahead, growth is projected to align with the lower quartile of Australian statistical territories, with the population predicted to rise by 67 individuals by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing a 1.6% rise over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Isabella Plains averages approximately 1 new dwelling approvals per year, totaling 5 residential approvals over the preceding 5 financial years (FY-21 to FY-25) and 2 during FY-26 so far. Amidst recent population declines, construction levels have been relatively sufficient, offering opportunities for purchasers, with newly built dwellings averaging an estimated cost of $115,000—below the regional baseline—suggesting more affordable purchasing alternatives. Additionally, commercial building approvals have reached $1.1 million this financial year, highlighting a focus that is mostly residential. Isabella Plains exhibits a low level of development activity when measured against the Australian Capital Territory, tracking 90.0% below the regional average on a per capita basis.
A low volume of new home construction typically boosts interest and valuations for established housing. This rate of construction also falls below the national standard, reflecting a mature market environment and indicating potential constraints on development. Furthermore, new building completions have consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving the traditional low-density suburban aesthetic of the suburb which appeals to buyers wanting extra space. Developers are opting to build more detached homes than the historical baseline would suggest (76.0% at Census), showing that demand for single-family residences remains highly robust. Based on the most recent AreaSearch quarterly projections, Isabella Plains is forecast to add 67 residents by 2041. If building volumes remain at their current level, residential supply may not keep pace with population growth, which could increase buyer demand and support upward price trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Isabella Plains
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Isabella Plains, worth an estimated $85 million. A further 19 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $2.52 billion. 1 are already under construction and 5 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure updates, planning initiatives, and major developments have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has identified 5 projects that are anticipated to influence the local area. The key developments include the Tuggeranong Public Housing Development, Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong, Banks Gateway Estate, and the Dairy Farmers Hill Precinct (1 Dairy Road), with the following list detailing the most significant initiatives.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Tuggeranong Public Housing Development
Major public housing development in Tuggeranong providing affordable housing options for low-income families and individuals. Includes multiple apartment complexes and townhouses with community facilities and support services.
Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong
Proposed southern extension of the Canberra light rail network connecting Woden Town Centre to Tuggeranong Town Centre via the Athllon Drive corridor. Recent 2026 updates indicate the ACT Government is developing a transit-oriented development (ToD) plan for the Athllon Drive corridor, with conceptual integrated bus and light rail network options for Canberra South expected by June 2026. The project remains part of the long-term City-wide Light Rail Network plan to support a population of 500,000.
Wanniassa Hills Primary School Modernisation
ACT Government modernisation project at Wanniassa Hills Primary School delivering a preschool upgrade and replacement of existing gas boilers with fully electric heat pumps to improve energy efficiency, thermal comfort and learning environments. The works build on the school's earlier major modernisation program including new learning communities, administration refurbishment, hall improvements and expanded parking. Electrical supply upgrade works were tendered in 2025 to support the new HVAC system.
Erindale Group Centre Master Plan Implementation - Stage 1
A long-term revitalisation of the Erindale Group Centre focused on transforming public spaces, improving pedestrian and active travel links, and upgrading community infrastructure. The 2025-26 ACT Budget specifically funded the Erindale shops upgrade, with concept designs for public space improvements, including new lighting, paving, and furniture, expected for community feedback in 2026. The broader master plan facilitates future mixed-use development and roughly 800 new dwellings to support Tuggeranong growth.
Southquay Greenway Stage 2 - Block 1 Section 80 Public Housing
Public housing development on Block 1 Section 80 in the Southquay Greenway precinct on Lake Tuggeranong, proposing 30 Class C adaptable units (12 x two-bedroom, 17 x three-bedroom, and 1 x four-bedroom) aligning with the ACT Planning Strategy for compact, efficient, and accessible developments.
Empire Global Mixed-Use Development
Major mixed-use development comprising 299 residential apartments, 6 serviced apartments, and 1 commercial unit across two buildings up to 8 storeys. Includes three basement parking levels with 371 car spaces. The project was initially refused due to solar access concerns, but the developer plans to resubmit with amendments addressing planning authority concerns.
Calwell Retirement Living Precinct
A retirement living precinct proposal by KBDC, featuring 30 one-storey townhouses alongside the Calwell shopping strip.
Calwell Public Housing Development
30 new public housing townhouses (2 and 3 bedroom) built to Class C Adaptable standards. Features evaporative heating/cooling, 6-star energy rating hot water systems, double-glazed windows, and sustainable design.
2,282 residents of Isabella Plains are employed, from a labour force of 2,428. Unemployment sits at 6.0%, with participation at 69.8%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 3,312, about 77% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Isabella Plains is characterized by a skilled resident workforce with significant representation in essential service fields, a jobless rate of 6.0%, and a stable employment situation over the past year. In March 2026, there were 2,282 employed locals, with the unemployment rate tracking 2.0% higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, while workforce participation closely matched the Australian Capital Territory rate of 70.8%. Census data indicates that a modest 9.5% of workers worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by COVID-19 restriction measures. The primary employment sectors for local residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction.
The building sector shows a notable concentration, employing workers at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services account for only 7.1% of the local workforce, compared to 11.1% across the Australian Capital Territory. Comparing the number of working residents to local job availability at the Census indicates that this mostly residential suburb provides few local employment positions. Based on AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS statistics, the labor force expanded by 1.3% while total employment fell by 0.4% during the 12 months ending March 2026, leading to a 1.6 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. This trend differed from the wider Australian Capital Territory, which saw employment rise by 0.3%, the labor force expand by 1.1%, and unemployment increase by 0.7 percentage points. Future local demand trends can be understood through national employment projections released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce mix to model future trajectories. Nationally, employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying greatly by industry. Applying these national sector trends to Isabella Plains suggests local employment could grow by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years (this represents a basic weighted projection for illustration and does not incorporate local demographic forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Isabella Plains is $2,131 a week (about $111,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,084 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $67,164 a year against an average of $73,281. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The most recent ATO postcode data analyzed by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 indicates that local incomes in the Isabella Plains SA2 exceed national averages, with a median of $67,164 and an average of $73,281. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded a median of $72,206 and an average of $85,981. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.44% since financial year 2023 yields estimated values of approximately $74,176 for the median and $80,932 for the average as of March 2026. Census results from 2021 show that household, family, and individual incomes are high, placing the area between the 74th and 85th percentiles nationally.
Looking at the income distribution, 36.0% of the population (1,556 residents) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, which aligns with the wider region where 34.3% fall into this bracket. A significant group of high earners (31.4% receiving more than $3,000 weekly) demonstrates robust financial resources in the suburb. Housing costs consume 14.5% of income, while strong weekly earnings place locals in the 76th percentile for disposable funds, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 6th decile for income.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Isabella Plains had 1,613 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 76% detached houses and 0% apartments. 50% are owned with a mortgage, 20% rented and 29% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $450 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,880 a month. Rent absorbs 21.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The housing stock in Isabella Plains at the last Census consisted of 75.5% separate houses and 24.5% semi-detached properties, townhouses, apartments, or other residences, compared to the Australian Capital Territory split of 63.3% separate houses and 36.7% alternative housing options. Home ownership levels in Isabella Plains exceeded the territory average at 29.3%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (50.4%) or rented (20.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,880 was lower than the ACT median of $2,080, while the median weekly rent was $450, matching the ACT median of $450.
When compared nationally, mortgage payments in Isabella Plains are above the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are notably higher than the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Isabella Plains counted 1,613 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 36% are couples with children, against 24% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 74.3%, consisting of couples with children (35.5%), couples without children (24.4%), and single-parent households (13.2%). Non-family households account for the remaining 25.7%, with single-person households representing 23.3% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household occupancy of 2.6 people is slightly larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
26.3% of adults in Isabella Plains hold a university qualification, including 17.7% with a bachelor degree and 5.7% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 24.1% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 2,120 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,048 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The suburb displays lower levels of tertiary education, with university graduation rates (26.3%) tracking well below the wider SA4 regional average of 46.8%. This gap highlights a clear area of focus for educational programs. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are most common at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.7% and graduate diplomas at 2.9%. Practical and technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 36.2% of residents aged 15 or older holding vocational credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (24.1%). Engagement in learning is high, with 29.2% of the local population currently enrolled in education.
This includes 10.7% attending primary schools, 7.2% in secondary education, and 4.6% enrolled in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Isabella Plains reaches 24 stops on 52 routes, timetabled for about 3,000 services a week. The typical home sits about 230 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
An assessment of public transport shows there are 24 active transit stops within Isabella Plains, which consist of bus services. These stops are connected to 52 routes, providing a total of 3,032 passenger trips each week. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 226 meters from the nearest stop. Because the suburb is primarily residential, most workers travel out of the area, with private vehicles being the main travel mode at 93% and bus travel at 5%. Car ownership averages 1.6 vehicles per household, which is higher than the regional baseline.
A relatively low 9.5% of the population work from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions. Transit services average 433 daily trips across all routes, which corresponds to approximately 126 weekly departures for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
67.1% of residents in Isabella Plains report no long-term health condition. 5.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 55.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health outcomes for residents are generally favorable, with AreaSearch's assessment of death rates and medical conditions showing statistics that align with national averages. The prevalence of common illnesses is low among the general population, although it is higher than the national baseline within older, vulnerable age groups. The rate of private health insurance coverage is high, representing approximately 55% of the population (~2,395 people), compared to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. Asthma and mental health conditions are the most prevalent diagnoses, affecting 9.3% and 9.2% of residents respectively, while 67.1% of the population reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 70.2% in the Australian Capital Territory.
Residents of working age display a higher than average rate of chronic health problems. Seniors aged 65 and over constitute 17.7% of the population (764 residents), exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of 14.3%. Seniors face some health challenges, though these index lower nationally than the overall local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Isabella Plains is largely Australian-born, at 76.4% of residents, with 20.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (26.1%) and English (25.6%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Isabella Plains displays greater cultural diversity than most property markets, with 23.6% of residents born outside Australia and 20.8% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 47.8% of the population. The most distinct statistical anomaly is in the Other category, which represents 2.3% of residents compared to 1.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. Regarding parental country of birth, the primary ancestral backgrounds are Australian (26.1% of the population), English (25.6%), and Other (9.5%). There are also notable differences in specific ancestral groups, with Spanish heritage overrepresented at 0.9% of the population (compared to 0.5% regionally), Serbian at 0.7% (compared to 0.4%), and Macedonian at 0.5% (compared to 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Isabella Plains is 36. 25.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 36 years in Isabella Plains is close to the Australian Capital Territory median of 35 and slightly younger than the Australian average of 38 years. Compared to the ACT, Isabella Plains has a larger cohort of residents aged 65 - 74 (9.8%) and a smaller proportion aged 25 - 34 (14.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 demographic has increased from 7.5% to 9.8% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 4.3% to 5.9%. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 age bracket declined from 15.9% to 14.2% and the 55 to 64 group decreased from 13.0% to 11.7%.
Projections for 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts, with the 65 to 74 cohort expected to grow by 21% (adding 88 people to reach 511). Older residents (65+) are projected to account for 66% of total population growth, highlight the aging of the local community, while contractions are anticipated in the 0 to 4 and 55 to 64 demographics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Isabella Plains
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2025 about a year ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2025. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 1 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (4,329 at the 2021 Census → 4,324 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (801071081). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.