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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Jacka's population is around 1,707 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 995 people (139.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 712 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 678 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 355 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 586 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Jacka's 139.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (6.7%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 68.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. As we examine future population trends, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of national areas, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to expand by 769 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting 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 experienced around 18 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 93 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26158 approvals have been recorded. Given population has fallen over the past period, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, which is a positive for buyers, while new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $375,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Jacka has 164.0% more construction activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice. This is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. Further, new construction has been completely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (44.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 178 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

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

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 9 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Gungahlin Tennis Facility (Amaroo Tennis Centre), Jacka Social Housing Apartments, Gold Creek Homestead Precinct, and North Gungahlin Community Health Centre, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Jacka has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Jacka possesses a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.1%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025416 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.3% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (83.8% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 9.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. In contrast, public administration & safety employs just 23.5% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's 30.4%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.9% while employment declined by 0.5%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 1.4 percentage points. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory, where employment rose by 0.9%, the labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Jacka. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Jacka's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23 reveals that income in the Jacka SA2 is very high nationally, with the median assessed at $67,776 while the average income stands at $76,862. This contrasts with the 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 FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $74,052 (median) and $83,979 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Jacka, between the 75th and 89th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 48.3% of the community (824 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the area showing 34.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 18.5% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 72nd percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Jacka, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 44.5% houses and 55.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Jacka lagged that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 5.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (61.0%) or rented (33.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Australian Capital Territory average at $1,772, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Jacka's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 75.1% of all households, comprising 48.1% couples with children, 14.3% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.9%, with lone person households at 19.0% and group households comprising 3.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people 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

Educational attainment in Jacka significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 44.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 26.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 28.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (17.3%).

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 reveals 2 active transport stops operating within Jacka, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 11 individual routes, collectively providing 579 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 322 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 87%, with 8% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. A relatively low 9.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; 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 indicates relatively positive outcomes for Jacka residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with the prevalence of common health conditions being quite low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~972 people), compared to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.0% and 6.4% of residents, respectively, while 80.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The area has 5.1% of residents aged 65 and over (86 people), which is lower than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than 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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 46.5% of its population born overseas and 52.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Jacka is Christianity, which makes up 32.0% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 15.5% of the population, substantially higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Jacka are Other, comprising 26.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 12.2%, Australian, comprising 16.9% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 23.0%, and English, comprising 15.9% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 23.3%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Indian is notably overrepresented at 13.2% of Jacka (vs 3.3% regionally), South Australian at 1.3% (vs 0.3%) and Korean at 1.5% (vs 0.6%).

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

At 32 years, Jacka's median age is slightly younger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and is substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Jacka has a higher concentration of 35 - 44 residents (24.8%) but fewer 55 - 64 year-olds (2.4%). This 35 - 44 concentration is well above the national 14.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows demographic aging is evident, with the median age advancing from 30 to 32 years. Notable shifts include the 45 to 54 age group, which has grown from 10.8% to 14.6% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 2.1% to 4.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 20.9% to 14.8% and the 0 to 4 group 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 168%, adding 69 residents to reach 111. In contrast, both 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 age groups will see reduced numbers.