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 approximately 1,707 as of November 2025. This represents a growth of 995 people, which is an increase of 139.7% since the 2021 Census that recorded a population of 712. 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 results in a density ratio of 586 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Jacka's growth rate exceeded both the state (5.9%) and its SA4 region, making it a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 68.2% to overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also using 2022 as a base year. Future population trends predict exceptional growth, placing Jacka in the top 10 percent nationally, with an expected expansion of 769 persons by 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a decrease of 15.2% over the 17-year period.

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 around 18 dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling 93 homes. In FY26 so far, 139 approvals have been recorded. 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, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location and ample choice for buyers nationally. 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 at Census (44%), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 178 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Jacka should see reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Jacka has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Gungahlin Tennis Facility (Amaroo Tennis Centre), Jacka Social Housing Apartments, Gold Creek Homestead Precinct, and Casey Emergency Services Station. 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%, showing relative stability over the past year.

As of September 2025418 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.1% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation in Jacka is high at 79.9%, compared to the ACT's 69.6%. Major employment industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Notably, health care & social assistance has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, public administration & safety has limited presence, with 23.5% employment compared to 30.4% regionally. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.5% while labour force grew by 0.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory saw employment grow by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points during this period. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts for May-25 suggest that while overall employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Jacka's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that median income in Jacka SA2 is $64,666 and average income stands at $73,994. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Jacka SA2 would be approximately $73,461 (median) and $84,057 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Jacka rank highly nationally, with household income between the 75th and 89th percentiles, family income at the 86th percentile, and personal income at the 84th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 48.3% of residents earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. High housing costs consume 18.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 72nd percentile nationally.

Jacka displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Jacka, as per the latest Census, consisted of 44.5% houses and 55.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Australian Capital Territory had 66.3% houses and 33.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Jacka stood at 5.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (61.0%) or rented (33.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,772, lower than Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,123 and national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Jacka was $450, higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of $462 and substantially above the national average of $375.

Jacka has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 24.9%, with lone person households at 19.0% and group households comprising 3.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

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

Educational attainment in Jacka is notably higher than national averages. As of the latest data, 44.8% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This educational advantage is reflected in various qualification levels: Bachelor degrees are held by 26.5%, postgraduate qualifications by 16.0%, and graduate diplomas by 2.3%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 28.5% of residents aged 15 years and above holding them; advanced diplomas account for 11.2%, while certificates make up 17.3%.

Educational participation is high in Jacka, 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

The analysis of public transport in Jacka shows two active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of bus services, with two individual routes serving them collectively providing 355 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 322 meters from the nearest transport stop.

The service frequency averages 50 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 177 weekly trips per individual stop.

Jacka's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health outcomes data shows notable results across Jacka, with various health conditions affecting both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 56% of the total population (~964 people) has private health cover, compared to 58.6% in the Australian Capital Territory.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, impacting 8.0 and 6.4% of residents respectively. 80.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. As of 2021, 4.8% of residents are aged 65 and over (82 people), which is lower than the 8.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention 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, accounting for 32.0% of people. Hinduism is overrepresented, comprising 15.5%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 9.5%.

In ancestry, the top groups are Other (26.3%), Australian (16.9%), and English (15.9%). Notably, Indian ethnicity is overrepresented at 13.2% in Jacka versus 6.4% regionally, South African at 1.3% compared to 0.4%, and Korean at 1.5% compared to 1.2%.

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

Jacka's median age is 31, which is younger than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Jacka has a higher concentration of residents aged 35-44 (24.2%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (2.5%). This 35-44 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.2%. Between 2021 and present, Jacka's median age has increased by 1.4 years from 30 to 31, indicating an aging population. Key changes in this period show that the 45 to 54 age group has grown from 10.8% to 14.0%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has increased from 2.1% to 4.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 20.9% to 14.9%, and the 0 to 4 group has dropped from 10.1% to 8.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Jacka. The 55 to 64 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 155%, adding 67 residents to reach 111. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts.