Latham
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Latham's population is around 3751 as of Aug 2025. This reflects a decrease of 16 people (0.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3767 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3741 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1374 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Latham experienced a 0.4% decline since census, the SA3 area achieved 2.4% growth, highlighting divergent population trends. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 58.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 494 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to expand by 57 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Latham according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Latham has seen approximately seven new homes approved annually. Development approval data from the ABS covers financial years, with 39 approvals recorded between FY20 and FY25, including two in FY26 to date. On average, over these five years, 3.4 people have moved to the area per dwelling built, indicating significant demand exceeding new supply.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Latham's construction levels are 73.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Nationally, Latham's construction level is also below average, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity comprises 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% medium to high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering varied price points. This marks a shift from the current housing mix, which is 88.0% houses, reflecting reduced development site availability and evolving lifestyle demands and affordability needs. Latham's population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures, potentially benefiting buyers.

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

Latham has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Notable projects include New Northside Hospital, Parkwood Urban Release, Deakin Private Hospital, and Ngurra Cultural Precinct, with the following list specifying those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Latham shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Latham's workforce is well-educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.1% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1%.

As of June 2025, 1,971 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 6.8%, which is 3.4 percentage points above the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation in Latham was 66.1%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. The leading employment industries among residents were public administration & safety, construction, and education & training. Notably, construction had an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety had a limited presence with 28.0% employment compared to the regional figure of 30.4%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment in Latham increased by 2.1%, while the labour force grew by 1.6%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9%, labour force growth of 1.6%, and a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points during the same period. By Sep-25, ACT's employment had contracted by 0.33% (losing 1,480 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, and employment growth was 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Latham's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 Latham's median income among taxpayers is $63,909 and average income is $72,240. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates for Latham would be approximately $70,798 (median) and $80,027 (average) as of March 2025. According to the 2021 Census, Latham's incomes rank highly nationally between the 74th and 85th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 34.9% of locals (1,309 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to surrounding regions where 34.3% occupy this range. Economic strength is evident with 31.1% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income, and strong earnings place residents within the 77th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Latham is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Latham, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.9% houses and 12.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Latham was 32.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.7% and rented dwellings at 21.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Latham was $2,000, similar to Australian Capital Territory's average. Median weekly rent in Latham was $400, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $430. Nationally, Latham's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 than the Australian average of $1,863. Latham's median weekly rent figure exceeded the national average of $375.

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

Family households constitute 72.5% of all households, including 33.1% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.5%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Latham exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 32.9%, significantly below the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 19.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 33.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (21.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education. Latham Primary School provides local educational services within Latham, with an enrollment of 339 students as of the latest data. The school demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1028) with balanced educational opportunities. It focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 9.0, falling below the regional average of 15.1, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Analysis shows 25 active public transport stops in Latham, served by buses via four routes. These routes facilitate 782 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good, with residents typically 241 meters from the nearest stop.

Services average 111 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 31 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Latham are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Latham, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (around 2,074 people). Mental health issues are the most common medical condition, impacting 10.7% of residents, followed by asthma at 9.3%. Approximately 64.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 16.5% of residents aged 65 and over (618 people), which is higher than the 15.3% in Australian Capital Territory. This places Latham's health profile broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Latham was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Latham's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 20.5% of its population born overseas and 16.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Latham as of August 2016, comprising 46.1% of its population. Notably, the category Other comprised 1.2% of Latham's population, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 1.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Latham were Australian at 27.0%, English at 25.3%, and Irish at 10.1%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Hungarian was overrepresented at 0.4% compared to 0.3% regionally, Polish at 0.9% versus 0.8%, and Dutch at 1.6% against the regional average of 1.2%.

Latham's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Latham's median age is 38 years, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but equivalent to Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Latham has a higher proportion of residents aged 0-4 (7.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.2%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 75-84 increased from 4.6% to 6.8%, while the 35-44 cohort grew from 15.3% to 16.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 13.9% to 12.2%, and the 65-74 group decreased from 10.2% to 8.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Latham's age profile, with the strongest growth expected for the 85+ cohort (a 159% increase adding 63 residents to reach 104). The senior resident population aged 65 and above will drive all of Latham's projected population growth. However, the 55-64 and 75-84 cohorts are expected to experience population declines by this time.