Latham

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Latham's population is around 3754 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 13 people (0.3%) 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 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1375 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. 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. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce 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 increase 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 averaged approximately 6 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 30 homes. As of FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 3.4 new residents per year has been associated with each home built.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is $246,000. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Latham has considerably less development activity, 72.0% below the regional per capita average. This scarcity of new homes often strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This level is also beneath the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

Recent construction comprises 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% attached dwellings, indicating an expanding range of medium-density options across various price brackets. This marks a significant shift from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses at 88.0%. Population projections showing stability or decline may reduce housing demand pressures in Latham, benefiting potential buyers.

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

AreaSearch has identified three projects that could impact the area's performance: Kippax Fair Expansion & Upgrade, The Valley Ponds - Stage 3 & Future Stages, Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara), and Macgregor Primary School Expansion & Modernisation. These are considered key projects with potential relevance to the area.

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

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Employment performance in Latham has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Latham has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.7%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year. As of September 2025, 1,907 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation in Latham is lower at 68.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. According to Census responses, a low 12.8% of residents work from home. Key employment sectors are public administration & safety, construction, and education & training. Construction has notable concentration with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

However, public administration & safety is under-represented at 28.0% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 30.4%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.7%, labour force grew by 0.7%, with unemployment remaining unchanged. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Latham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simple 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 Latham SA2 had a median income of $67,333 and an average income of $74,306 among taxpayers in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures were higher than those for the Australian Capital Territory, which stood at $72,206 (median) and $85,981 (average). By September 2025, estimates based on a 9.26% increase from the Wage Price Index suggest median income could reach approximately $73,568 and average income $81,187. The 2021 Census placed Latham's household, family, and personal incomes between the 74th and 85th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicated that 34.9% of residents earned between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, consistent with surrounding regions at 34.3%. Economic strength was evident with 31.1% of households earning more than $3,000 weekly, supporting higher consumer spending. Housing accounted for 14.0% of income, while residents ranked in the 76th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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, the Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% 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, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Latham was $400, compared to $450 in the Australian Capital Territory. Nationally, Latham's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure 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 make up the remaining 27.5%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 3.3%. 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's university qualification rate is 32.9%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 33.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (21.5%). Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.6% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 5.5% in tertiary education.

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.

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

Latham has 21 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a total of 57 different routes that facilitate 4,509 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of these stops is rated as good, with the average resident living just 245 meters from their nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outwards, primarily by car (91%), with only 5% using public transport. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in Latham, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, just 12.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages 644 trips per day, equating to approximately 214 weekly trips per stop.

Latham's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Latham's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen at a fairly standard level across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover is found to be very high at approximately 56% of the total population (around 2,105 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.7 and 9.3% of residents respectively. 64.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 16.6% of residents aged 65 and over (625 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. National rankings are broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Latham was found to be slightly 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 main religion in Latham, comprising 46.1% of people. However, the most notable overrepresentation was in Other religions, which made up 1.2% of the population compared to 1.4% across Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups were Australian (27.0%), English (25.3%), and Irish (10.1%). There were also notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Hungarian was overrepresented at 0.4% compared to 0.3% regionally, Polish at 0.9% compared to 0.8%, and Dutch at 1.6% compared to 1.3%.

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 the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Latham has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 4.6% to 7.0%, while the 35-44 age group increased from 15.3% to 16.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 13.9% to 11.8%, and the 65-74 age group has dropped from 10.2% to 8.3%. By 2041, Latham's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 110%, adding 54 residents to reach a total of 104. Residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups are expected to experience population declines.