Isabella Plains
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Isabella Plains' population was 4,329 as of Nov 2021. By Nov 2025, it decreased to around 4,277, a drop of 52 people (1.2%). This change is inferred from ABS estimates: 4,277 in June 2024 and one validated new address since the Census date. Population density was 1,710 persons per square kilometer, above national averages. While Isabella Plains saw a decline of 1.2%, its SA3 area grew by 0.2%. Natural growth contributed approximately 65% of 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 and years post-2032, ACT Government's SA2 area projections with a 2022 base are adopted. Future growth is expected to be lower quartile, with an anticipated increase of 57 persons by 2041 based on latest numbers, representing a 1.3% total rise over 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 have been approved, with one more approved in FY26 so far. Despite a decline in population during this period, 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, at 90.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This trend is also reflected nationally, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints.

All new construction in the area has been detached dwellings, sustaining Isabella Plains' suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, indicating continued strong demand for family homes. Looking ahead, Isabella Plains is projected to grow by 56 residents by 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 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 likely to impact the area. Key projects are Tuggeranong Public Housing Development, Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong, Banks Gateway Estate, and Calwell Group Centre improvements. 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.

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

Isabella Plains has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.5% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4% over the past year.

As of this date, 2,306 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation in Isabella Plains is similar to that of the Australian Capital Territory at 69.6%. Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area shows 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 compared to Australian Capital Territory's 11.1%. Analysis based on AreaSearch data indicates that during the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4% and labour force increased by 1.6%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 1.9%, labour force growth of 1.6%, with unemployment falling by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% 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, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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' median income among taxpayers was $64,002, with an average of $70,933. Nationally, the median was lower at $58,150 and the average was $72,033. In Australian Capital Territory, the median was $68,678 and the average was $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Isabella Plains would be approximately $72,706 (median) and $80,580 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Isabella Plains ranked highly nationally, between the 74th and 85th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income analysis showed that the largest segment comprised 36.0% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,539 residents), aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represented 34.3%. A substantial proportion of high earners, at 31.4%, indicated strong economic capacity throughout the area. Housing accounted for 14.5% of income, while strong earnings ranked residents 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

Isabella Plains' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 75.5% houses and 24.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Australian Capital Territory's 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Isabella Plains was at 29.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 50.4% and rented ones at 20.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,880, below Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $425. Nationally, Isabella Plains' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above 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, consisting of 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% of the total. 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%, considerably lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (24.1%). Educational participation is high at 29.2%, comprising primary education (10.7%), secondary education (7.2%), and tertiary education (4.6%).

The area has two educational institutions serving 2,120 students: Isabella Plains Early Childhood School and St Mary MacKillop College. These schools demonstrate typical Australian school conditions with balanced opportunities. There are 49.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 14.9, indicating a hub for education that attracts students from surrounding communities.

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 accessibility of transport in the area is considered good, with residents on average located 226 meters from their nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 116 trips per day, which equates to about 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 being somewhat typical but higher than national averages among older residents. Approximately 55% (~2,352 people) have private health cover, compared to 57.2% across Australian Capital Territory.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent, affecting 9.3 and 9.2% of residents respectively. About 67.1% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 66.1% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 16.5% (706 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 17.6% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors 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 had a higher cultural diversity compared to 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 in Isabella Plains, comprising 47.8% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category was overrepresented in Isabella Plains at 2.3%, compared to 1.0% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (26.1%), English (25.6%), and Other (9.5%). There were also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Spanish was overrepresented at 0.9%, Serbian at 0.7%, and Macedonian at 0.5%.

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 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 now, the population aged 65-74 has grown from 7.5% to 9.2%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 4.3% to 5.5%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 has declined from 13.0% to 11.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Isabella Plains. The 65-74 age group is projected to grow by 27%, adding 105 residents to reach 500. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 72% of population growth, highlighting aging trends. Conversely, declines are projected for the 0-4 and 55-64 age cohorts.