Jacka

Jacka lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Jacka's population is around 1,707 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 995 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 712 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 678 in June 2024 and an additional 355 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 586 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Jacka's growth rate of 139.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the state's growth rate of 6.7%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 68.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted. Future population trends predict exceptional growth placing Jacka in the top 10 percent of national areas by 2041, with an expected expansion of 769 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers. This reflects a decrease of 15.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Jacka recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Jacka has received approximately 18 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 93 homes. In FY26 so far, there have been 150 recorded approvals. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population change, which is positive for buyers.

The average construction value of new homes is $375,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Jacka has 164% more construction activity per person, providing ample choice for buyers and suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. All new constructions have been detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (44% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. There are approximately 178 people per dwelling approval in Jacka, suggesting an expanding market.

With population projections showing stability or decline, housing demand pressures should reduce, benefiting potential buyers.

Jacka has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely impacting the region. Key projects include the Gungahlin Tennis Facility (Amaroo Tennis Centre), Jacka Social Housing Apartments, Gold Creek Homestead Precinct, and North Gungahlin Community Health Centre. 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 performance in Jacka has been broadly consistent with national averages

Jacka has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) 3.6%. As of September 2025418 residents are employed, representing an 83.6% participation rate compared to ACT's 72.5%.

Only 9.5% work from home. Major industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Health care & social assistance is notably concentrated with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. However, public administration & safety has limited presence at 23.5%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.5% while labour force grew by 0.7%, raising unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, ACT saw employment grow by 1.4% with a 0.2 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Jacka's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The latest postcode level ATO data from AreaSearch for financial year 2023 shows that Jacka SA2 has very high incomes nationally. The median assessed income is $67,776 and the average income stands at $76,862. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Jacka as of September 2025 would be approximately $74,052 (median) and $83,979 (average). The 2021 Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Jacka all rank highly nationally, between the 75th and 89th percentiles. The earnings profile indicates that the largest segment comprises 48.3% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (824 residents), which is consistent with broader trends across the region showing 34.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 18.5% of income, however strong earnings still place disposable income at the 72nd percentile nationally.

Jacka displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Jacka, as assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 44.5% houses and 55.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Jacka was 5.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 61.0% and rented dwellings at 33.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,772, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080, while the median weekly rent figure was $450, equal to the Australian Capital Territory's figure but higher than the national average of $375. Nationally, Jacka's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

Jacka has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 75.1% of all households, including 48.1% couples with children, 14.3% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.9%, with lone person households at 19.0% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Jacka shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

In Jacka, residents aged 15+ with university qualifications comprise 44.8%, outstripping the national average of 30.4%. This notable educational advantage includes 26.5% holding bachelor degrees, 16.0% postgraduate qualifications, and 2.3% graduate diplomas. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 28.5% of residents possessing them, including 11.2% advanced diplomas and 17.3% certificates. Educational participation is high, with 42.4% currently enrolled in formal education: 15.3% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 42.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.3% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows two active transport stops operating within Jacka, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by eleven individual routes, collectively offering 579 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 322 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 87%, while bus accounts for 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 82 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 289 weekly trips per individual stop.

Jacka's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows Jacka residents have relatively positive health outcomes. AreaSearch's analysis found mortality rates and health conditions are broadly in line with national benchmarks.

The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 57% (~972 people) of Jacka residents have private health cover, compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.0% and 6.4% of residents respectively. 80.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. As of 5th January 20XX, 5.1% (86 people) of Jacka residents are aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

Jacka is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Jacka has a high cultural diversity, with 46.5% of its population born overseas and 52.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Jacka, comprising 32.0% of people. Hinduism is overrepresented, making up 15.5%, substantially higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (26.3%), Australian (16.9%), and English (15.9%). Other notable divergences include Indian (13.2% vs regional 3.3%), South African (1.3% vs 0.3%), and Korean (1.5% vs 0.6%) ethnic groups.

Jacka hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Jacka's median age is 32 years, which is slightly younger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 years and substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Jacka has a higher concentration of residents aged 35-44 (24.8%), but fewer residents aged 55-64 (2.4%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.3%. According to post-2021 Census data, demographic aging is evident in Jacka, with the median age advancing from 30 years to 32 years between censuses. Notable shifts include the 45 to 54 age group growing from 10.8% to 14.6%, and the 65 to 74 cohort increasing from 2.1% to 4.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group declined from 20.9% to 14.8%, and the 0 to 4 age group dropped from 10.1% to 8.8%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Jacka, with the 55-64 age cohort projected to grow by 168%, adding 69 residents to reach a total of 111. In contrast, both the 15-24 and 65-74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.