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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 research conducted by AreaSearch, the population count for Isabella Plains stands at roughly 4,324 as of Aug 2026. Compared to the 4,329 residents recorded in the 2021 Census, this indicates a reduction of 5 people (0.1%). Such adjustments are derived using ABS estimated resident population figures from June 2025 alongside 1 validated new addresses registered following the Census. The suburb exhibits a population density of 1,729 persons per square kilometer, outpacing the national benchmark evaluated by AreaSearch. In contrast to the 0.1% contraction seen in Isabella Plains since census, the wider SA3 region expanded by 1.4%, underscoring contrasting demographic trajectories.
Natural increase served as the primary demographic driver locally, accounting for roughly 61.8% of aggregate population gains in recent times. SA2 projections utilized by AreaSearch stem from the 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia dataset using 2022 as its baseline. Whenever specific SA2 districts lack coverage, or for intervals beyond post-2032, models incorporate ACT Government SA2 cohort growth calculations based on 2022. Future trajectory expectations align with the lower quartile growth of Australian statistical areas, anticipating an addition of 67 persons to 2041 relative to current annual ERP figures, which represents a cumulative gain of 1.6% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building authorisations in Isabella Plains have averaged roughly 1 new dwelling approvals per annum, representing 5 homes across the preceding 5 financial years. Given the local contraction in resident numbers, this incoming volume has probably matched prevailing requirements to preserve buyer choice, with newly sanctioned residences recording an average expected build cost of $270,000—a figure lower than regional numbers that points to relatively affordable additions. Concurrently, commercial approvals amounted to $1.1 million this financial year, reinforcing the suburb's focus on residential living. When evaluated against Australian Capital Territory, building activity across Isabella Plains is markedly subdued (84.0% below regional average per person).
Such restrained additions typically bolster buyer interest and underpin prices across the existing housing stock. These levels fall below the national standard as well, highlighting the suburb's established nature alongside possible zoning and planning boundaries. Moreover, recent building authorisations have consisted exclusively of separate houses, preserving a suburban character with family-oriented properties for residents seeking space. Current construction demonstrates a stronger orientation toward standalone residences than historical Census distributions (76.0% at Census), reflecting continued appetite for family housing. Demographic projections suggest Isabella Plains will add 67 residents through to 2041 according to the newest quarterly figures from AreaSearch. Should construction persist at current volumes, residential additions could lag behind population growth, which may heighten buyer competition and reinforce capital appreciation.
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 economic momentum and property performance are heavily shaped by civil infrastructure, public planning, and major developments. AreaSearch has pinpointed 5 key projects positioned to influence the area. Primary undertakings encompass the Tuggeranong Public Housing Development, Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong, Banks Gateway Estate, and Dairy Farmers Hill Precinct (1 Dairy Road), with principal initiatives outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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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 69.6%. 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 maintains a capable local workforce featuring solid representation across community and essential services, an unemployment rate of 6.0%, and stable employment conditions over the preceding year. As of March 2026, employed residents total 2,282, while local unemployment sits 2.0% above Australian Capital Territory's benchmark of 4.1%, accompanied by a participation rate closely tracking the broader territory mark of 70.6%. Census figures showed only 9.5% of workers operating from home, though pandemic lockdowns during that period must be factored into interpretation. Resident employment centers predominantly around public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction.
Concentration is notably pronounced within construction, where local representation is 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, the professional & technical sector is less prominent, capturing 7.1% of local workers relative to 11.1% across Australian Capital Territory. As an area that is largely residential, on-site employment options remain limited, evidenced by comparing working population counts against resident numbers from the Census. AreaSearch assessment of data from the ABS and SALM indicates that during the 12 months to March 2026, the available workforce expanded by 1.3% while net jobs contracted by 0.4%, lifting local unemployment by 1.6 percentage points. Over the identical timeframe, Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise 0.3%, the labor pool grow 1.1%, and jobless numbers climb 0.7 percentage points. Additional perspective on future labor requirements across Isabella Plains is provided by Jobs and Skills Australia projections from Mar-26. These five- and ten-year models are mapped against the local industry profile to anticipate employment trends. Nationally, overall employment is anticipated to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying widely across sectors. Applying this sectoral outlook to the local workforce composition indicates local jobs could grow by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years (noting this represents a weighted calculation for illustrative reference rather than localized demographic modeling).
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
Aggregated ATO postcode statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 place the median taxpayer income in the Isabella Plains SA2 at $67,164, alongside an average earning figure of $73,281. Both metrics exceed nationwide norms and compare against $72,206 and $85,981 recorded across Australian Capital Territory. Factoring in Wage Price Index increases of 10.44% since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of approximately $74,176 (median) and $80,932 (average) as of March 2026. In the 2021 Census, personal, family, and household earnings all placed strongly between the 74th and 85th percentiles across the country.
In terms of earnings brackets, the largest group comprises 36.0% of residents (1,556 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the metropolitan baseline where 34.3% occupy this tier. Local economic capacity is further highlighted by 31.4% of households recording weekly incomes above $3,000, underpinning local purchasing power. Mortgage and rental costs absorb 14.5% of income, while strong personal earnings position locals in the 76th percentile for disposable funds, placing the area in the 6th decile on the SEIFA income index.
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
Census assessments show the housing stock in Isabella Plains was made up of 75.5% houses alongside 24.5% other dwellings (incorporating apartments, semi-detached properties, and 'other' accommodation), compared with 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings across Australian Capital Territory. Outright home ownership stood at 29.3%, exceeding the regional benchmark, while remaining properties were either mortgaged (50.4%) or rented (20.3%). Typical monthly mortgage costs were $1,880, below the Australian Capital Territory median of $2,080, whereas median weekly rents matched the territory level at $450. On a national scale, mortgage obligations in Isabella Plains surpass the Australian benchmark of $1,863, and weekly rents track considerably above the countrywide figure 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 constitute 74.3% of all households, divided between couples with children at 35.5%, couples without children at 24.4%, and single parent families representing 13.2%. The remaining 25.7% consists of non-family arrangements, with lone person households accounting for 23.3% and group households making up 2.3%. Average household occupancy stands at 2.6 people, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure 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
Tertiary attainment presents a distinct profile locally, with the proportion of residents holding university qualifications (26.3%) trailing the wider SA4 region figure of 46.8%. This gap highlights key possibilities for community education programs. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees represent 17.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.7% and graduate diplomas at 2.9%. Technical and vocational training is strongly represented, with 36.2% of individuals aged 15+ possessing vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (24.1%). Student participation in formal schooling is substantial, with 29.2% of the local population engaged in study.
This group comprises 10.7% attending primary school, 7.2% enrolled in secondary education, and 4.6% undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Isabella Plains reaches 24 stops on 51 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
Public transit infrastructure across Isabella Plains features 24 operational transport stops servicing various bus routes. Commuters have access to 51 individual routes delivering 3,030 weekly passenger trips. Transit access is favourable, with residents situated an average of 226 meters from their nearest boarding point. Due to the area's residential profile, outward commuting is standard, with private cars representing 93% of journeys and buses accounting for 5%. Vehicle ownership sits at an average of 1.6 per dwelling, higher than the regional norm, while 9.5% of the workforce indicated working from home during the 2021 Census under prevailing pandemic conditions.
Transit schedules across all local lines provide an average of 432 daily services, which translates to roughly 126 weekly departures for each designated boarding location.
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
General health indicators for Isabella Plains remain favourable, with mortality patterns and medical condition prevalence tracking nationwide standards according to AreaSearch data. Common illnesses are relatively infrequent across the broader population, though older demographic cohorts experience higher incidence than national averages. Furthermore, private health insurance coverage is extensive, held by approximately 55% of residents (~2,395 people), compared against 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory. The primary diagnosed ailments reported locally are asthma and mental health issues, which touch 9.3 and 9.2% of the population, respectively, while 67.1% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory.
Chronic ailments show elevated prevalence among working-age individuals. Seniors aged 65 and over comprise 17.5% of the community (758 people), exceeding the ACT mark of 14.2%. Health measures among older residents present notable difficulties, ranking somewhat lower on a national comparative scale than the wider 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
Cultural diversity in Isabella Plains outpaces most regional communities, with 23.6% of residents born abroad and 20.8% communicating in a language other than English within the home. Christianity represents the primary religious affiliation, accounting for 47.8% of the populace. Meanwhile, the category Other demonstrates the most distinct local divergence, making up 2.3% of the community compared to 1.4% throughout Australian Capital Territory. Regarding ancestral background based on parental birthplace, the leading origins in Isabella Plains are Australian (26.1%), English (25.6%), and Other (9.5%). Notable deviations also appear across other cultural backgrounds, with Spanish background accounting for 0.9% locally (against 0.5% regionally), Serbian making up 0.7% (against 0.4%), and Macedonian representing 0.5% (against 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Isabella Plains is 36. 26.0% 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 age distribution of Isabella Plains aligns closely with Australian Capital Territory across standard brackets, displaying a maximum variation of 3.9 percentage points. The median age is estimated at 36, identical to the 2021 Census and 1 year older than the territory benchmark of 35 from that period. Since the Census, the cohort of retirees and seniors (65+) has risen from 13.7% to an estimated 17.5%. Through to 2041, senior brackets are forecast to register the largest increase, expanding by 141 residents (19%) to reach 899, whereas numbers for young to middle-aged adults, children, and youth are anticipated to shrink.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Isabella Plains
8 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 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 8 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 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 Sep 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 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 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 3 sections | ||
| 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. | ||
| 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 Aug 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 Aug 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.