Latham

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Latham's population is around 3,754 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 13 people (0.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,767 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,741 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,375 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, which contributed approximately 58.8% 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, 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. See the age section for more details.

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

Latham has averaged around 6 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 30 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 3.4 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $246,000.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Latham has significantly less development activity (72.0% below the regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This level is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% attached dwellings, showing an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 88.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

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

Latham 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, 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include 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, 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.

Employment drivers in Latham are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Latham possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 6.2%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,900 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.4% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (68.9% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, construction, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. On the other hand, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 28.0% of Latham's workforce compared to 30.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.1% and the labour force increased by 1.0%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.9 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 Latham. 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 Latham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.0% 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

The Latham SA2's income level is higher than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Latham SA2's median income among taxpayers is $67,333 and the average income stands at $74,306, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $73,568 (median) and $81,187 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Latham, between the 74th and 85th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 34.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,310 residents), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 34.3% in the same category. Economic strength is evident as 31.1% of households achieve high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income, while strong earnings rank residents within the 76th percentile for disposable income and 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 within Latham, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.9% houses and 12.1% 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 Latham was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 32.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (45.7%) or rented (21.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Latham's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 72.5% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people 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 (32.9%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 33.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including 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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 21 active transport stops operating within Latham, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 57 individual routes, collectively providing 4,509 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 245 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 5% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 12.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 644 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 214 weekly trips per individual 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 sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~2,105 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 10.7% and 9.3% of residents, respectively, while 64.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the 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 the Australian Capital Territory, with national rankings 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 is above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 20.5% of its population born overseas and 16.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Latham is Christianity, which makes up 46.1% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Other, which comprises 1.2% of the population, compared to 1.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Latham are Australian, comprising 27.0% of the population, English, comprising 25.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Hungarian is notably overrepresented at 0.4% of Latham (vs 0.3% regionally), Polish at 0.9% (vs 0.8%) and Dutch at 1.6% (vs 1.3%).

Latham's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 38 years, Latham's median age is somewhat higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 while equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Latham has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (14.0%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (11.8%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.6% to 7.0% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 15.3% to 16.7%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 13.9% to 11.8% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 10.2% to 8.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Latham's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 110%, adding 54 residents to reach 104. Senior residents (65+) will drive 100% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.