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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Lawson has an estimated 2,967 residents, up from 2,739 at the 2021 Census — a change of 228 people, or 8.3%. Growth has averaged 2.7% a year over five years. Natural increase accounts for 58.4% of that increase. That puts 963 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to demographic findings from AreaSearch, the resident count in Lawson stands at roughly 2,967 as of Aug 2026. This represents a gain of 228 people (8.3%) compared to the 2,739 people recorded in the 2021 Census. The updated figure draws upon ABS estimated resident population numbers of 2,913 recorded as of June 2025 alongside 18 validated new addresses registered following the Census. Consequently, local density sits at 963 persons per square kilometer, tracking closely with broader benchmarks evaluated across AreaSearch territories. Expanding by 8.3% since the 2021 census, Lawson outpaced the wider SA3 area (4.2%) to rank as an outstanding regional growth performer.
Internal natural increase formed the primary component of this upward trajectory, underpinning roughly 58.4% of total population additions in recent cycles. Forecast modeling utilizes joint ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a baseline of 2022 across each SA2 locality. Where local data is missing or extends post-2032, the framework integrates ACT Government cohort trajectories using 2022 as their origin. Under this forward-looking methodology, future population trajectories point toward contraction, forecasting a net loss of 314 persons by 2041. In contrast to the broader downward trend, specific segments will experience expansion, most notably the 45 to 54 demographic, which is slated to add 56 people. Refer to the age section for further analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Construction activity in Lawson has remained subdued, recording only 1 approval throughout a five-year timeframe. This pattern indicates an established urban fabric with scarce developable land remaining. In such fully settled pockets, established dwellings typically benefit from sustained buyer interest due to the lack of newly constructed alternatives. Building activity across Lawson trails far behind the wider Australian Capital Territory. Such restricted additions to local stock frequently underpin buyer competition and reinforce pricing across established real estate. Furthermore, approval rates sit below national norms, underscoring local maturity while highlighting potential urban planning constraints.
With forward demographic forecasts pointing toward plateauing or contracting resident numbers, Lawson could see an easing of residential pressure, potentially enhancing purchasing leverage for prospective buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Lawson
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 58 current infrastructure and development projects close to Lawson, worth an estimated $18.8 billion. 14 are already under construction and 23 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and communities. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local economic and spatial performance is fundamentally shaped by public works, zoning updates, and strategic infrastructure programs. AreaSearch has pinpointed 19 distinct initiatives positioned to influence the immediate surroundings. Prominent ventures include the Mona Tait Gardens & Bullecourt Retirement Village Expansion, AIS Podium Project, Bruce Sports, Health and Education Precinct, and the Bruce Innovation District, with key projects detailed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Bruce Sporting Complex Upgrade
Progressive upgrade of sporting facilities in Bruce including playing fields, lighting, pavilions, changerooms and supporting infrastructure. The works form part of the ACT Government's ongoing sportsground improvement program to improve community and competition sporting facilities.
Radford College Master Plan Implementation
Ongoing implementation of the Radford College Master Plan at the Bruce campus. Major recent works include the completed Collegians Centre (multi-purpose hall) and the Boorer Family Cricket Centre. As of mid-2025 the College Board confirmed the final stage of works was progressing, comprising the completion of the school ovals, presentation upgrades to the Haydon Drive and College Street boundaries, a new Foundation Walk, and a feature pedestrian entrance and path linking College Street to the Collegians Centre with shelter, seating, lighting and an avenue of trees.The College anticipated the design becoming visible by the end of Term 3 2025 following earthworks and landscaping across multiple worksites.
Bruce Precinct
A masterplanned mixed-use urban precinct and residential land release located centrally in Bruce. Aligning with the Bruce Sports, Health and Education Precinct masterplan, it aims to deliver 250-500 new dwellings alongside commercial, hospitality, innovation hubs, and retail opportunities.
Mona Tait Gardens & Bullecourt Retirement Village Expansion
Expansion of the Bullecourt Retirement Village within the Mona Tait Gardens seniors living precinct. Stage 1 comprising 20 independent living units has been completed. The revised Stage 2 development is now under construction and will deliver 83 additional retirement homes (72 apartments and 11 townhouses), a community hub, landscaped open space and associated infrastructure following a redesign that reduced building heights along Warrego Circuit after community consultation.
AIS Podium Project
A 249.7 million dollar redevelopment of the Australian Institute of Sport campus to modernize infrastructure for the Brisbane 2032 Games. The project includes a new High Performance Testing and Training Centre, a multi-sport indoor dome, and a 200-bed accessible athlete residence. As of May 2026, the project is in a critical planning and procurement phase with major works tenders closing this month and demolition of the original 1985 Athletes Village scheduled for June 2026.
Ethos Belconnen
Ethos is the second stage of Per Se Developments' Cirrus lakeside precinct at Belconnen. The project comprises 88 premium apartments with ground floor commercial tenancies overlooking Lake Ginninderra. Construction is well advanced with display apartments open and commercial space being marketed ahead of expected completion in 2026.
University of Canberra Sports Precinct
Major expansion of University of Canberra sports facilities, including the development of Sports Hub 2, new aquatic centre, indoor sports courts, outdoor playing fields, gymnasium upgrades, and athlete training facilities. It focuses on community access programs and elite athlete development.
Kaleen Environmental Restoration Project
Restoration of natural habitats and delivery of water sensitive urban design works in Kaleen to improve creek health, reduce stormwater pollutants entering Lake Ginninderra, and enhance local biodiversity and amenity.
2,160 residents of Lawson are employed, from a labour force of 2,192. Unemployment sits at 1.5%, with participation at 85.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,913, about 64% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour pool exhibits notable professional credentials, highlighted by high representation in corporate services, a jobless rate standing at merely 1.5%, and an annual employment uptick estimated at 0.7%. By March 2026, 2,160 residents were actively employed, while unemployment sat 2.6% below the 4.1% recorded for the Australian Capital Territory, accompanied by an exceptionally strong participation rate of 85.6% versus 70.6% across the Australian Capital Territory. Census returns indicated that a modest 8.9% of workers conducted their duties from home, though historical Covid-19 restrictions must be weighed against this figure.
Local workers are predominantly engaged across public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, alongside professional & technical disciplines. The suburb exhibits an outsized presence in accommodation & food, where local representation stands at 1.5 times the wider regional benchmark. In comparison, public administration & safety captures a smaller local footprint of 20.9% against the regional baseline of 30.4%. Contrasting local resident numbers with Census workplace counts suggests that internal employment opportunities within the immediate area remain relatively sparse. AreaSearch evaluation of ABS and SALM metrics indicates that in the year leading to March 2026, local headcount expanded by 0.7% while the workforce expanded by 1.0%, lifting local unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Over the identical timeframe, the Australian Capital Territory recorded a 0.3% rise in employment and a 1.1% gain in labour force participation, yielding a 0.7 percentage point increase in joblessness. National forward projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide additional context on future local labour requirements over five- and ten-year horizons when aligned with local industry representation. Across Australia, total positions are projected to grow by 6.6% across five years and 13.7% over a decade, though performance varies widely across sectors. Applying this sectoral composition to Lawson's profile yields estimated workforce growth of 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (note that this model represents an illustrative weighted application and omits localized demographic shifts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Lawson is $2,492 a week (about $130,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,190 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $71,494 a year against an average of $82,891. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode-based records compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 place the median taxpayer earnings in the Lawson SA2 at $71,494, with the mean reaching $82,891. These tallies rank among the upper tiers nationwide, comparing with a median of $72,206 and an average of $85,981 throughout the Australian Capital Territory. Factoring in Wage Price Index gains of 10.44% since financial year 2023, updated estimates as of March 2026 approximate $78,958 for median earnings and $91,545 on average. Findings from the Census 2021 position local household, family, and individual incomes between the 90th and 90th percentiles nationally.
Distribution is heavily concentrated in the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly band, accounting for 40.7% of residents (1,207 people), mirroring metropolitan patterns where 34.3% fall within this tier. Local economic strength is underscored by 40.3% of workers securing upwards of $3,000 weekly, underpinning quality commerce. While residential outlays claim 18.6% of income, strong remuneration places disposable funds at the 87th percentile, securing an overall SEIFA income placement in the 10th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Lawson had 990 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 20% detached houses and 17% apartments. 46% are owned with a mortgage, 46% rented and 8% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $548 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month, a total housing cost higher than 97% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 22.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 18.5%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census findings regarding structural composition show that Lawson consists of 19.7% separate houses alongside 80.3% other dwellings (incorporating semi-detached homes, units, and non-traditional dwellings), contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory balance of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Outright ownership in Lawson lagged territory standards at 8.1%, with remaining properties held under a mortgage (45.8%) or occupied by tenants (46.0%). Monthly mortgage commitments averaged a median of $2,000 locally versus $2,080 across the Australian Capital Territory, whereas median weekly rental outlays reached $548 compared to the territory figure of $450.
On a nationwide scale, monthly loan repayments exceed the Australian benchmark of $1,863, and weekly rents outstrip the national median of $375 by a considerable margin.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Lawson counted 990 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,072 today, averaging 2.6 people each. 22% are couples with children, fewer than in 82% of areas nationally, against 32% couples without children. 20% of households are people living alone, and families average 0.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the majority of dwellings at 62.4%, comprised of 21.5% couples with children, 31.5% couples without children, and 5.9% single parent households. Independent arrangements make up the remaining 37.6%, featuring single-person households at 19.6% and shared residences at 17.5%. Average household occupancy sits at 2.6 people, marginally exceeding the Australian Capital Territory norm of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
62.7% of adults in Lawson hold a university qualification, including 35.5% with a bachelor degree and 23.1% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 9.1% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Academic credentials in Lawson exceed standard measures by a wide margin, with 62.7% of the population aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees, compared against 30.4% across Australia and 43.8% across the broader SA3 area. This intellectual profile equips the suburb exceptionally well for high-skill industries. Bachelor degree recipients form the largest contingent at 35.5%, followed by postgraduate award holders (23.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Meanwhile, technical and vocational training accounts for 16.6% of residents aged 15+, divided between advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (9.1%). Active participation in educational programs is substantial, encompassing 38.4% of the local population enrolled in formal study.
Tertiary programs engage 20.1% of residents, while primary schooling and secondary education account for 5.6% and 3.6%, respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Lawson reaches 9 stops on 38 routes, timetabled for about 2,600 services a week. The typical home sits about 170 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport connectivity within Lawson encompasses 9 active transport stops accommodating bus services. These points are connected across 38 individual routes, providing an aggregate of 2,597 weekly passenger trips. Overall transit access is rated as excellent, with typical resident proximity to the nearest transit point averaging 168 meters. Given its primarily residential character, commuter flow is oriented outward, with private vehicles accounting for 88% of journeys and buses capturing 8%. Vehicle access stands at an average of 1.4 per household, while a modest 8.9% of workers operated from home at the 2021 Census, subject to potential COVID-19 pandemic effects.
Transit schedules deliver an average of 371 trips per day through the complete network, representing approximately 288 weekly trips across each dedicated stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
84.0% of residents in Lawson report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 91% of areas nationally. 1.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 60.8% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators across Lawson reflect exceptional well-being, evidenced by AreaSearch metrics tracking mortality rates alongside chronic disease incidence. Diagnosed conditions remain minimal across all age demographics, while private health insurance adoption is exceptionally widespread, covering roughly 61% of the overall community (1,803 people) against the national baseline of 55.7%. The primary ongoing health concerns recorded locally include mental health conditions (6.7%) and asthma (6.5%), while 84.0% of the community reported having no long-term illnesses, compared with 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Residents aged 65 and over represent 3.1% of the local population (91 people), well below the 14.2% proportion across the Australian Capital Territory.
The older demographic exhibits particularly robust vitality, achieving national health standings consistent with the broader suburb.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
53.0% of Lawson residents were born overseas and 54.0% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 92% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are Chinese (17.6%) and English (15.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Lawson ranks among the nation's most multicultural suburbs, with 54.0% of inhabitants speaking a non-English language at home and 53.0% originating from overseas. Christianity forms the largest faith tradition, observed by 25.4% of the community. The most notable statistical variation is seen in Hinduism, which represents 11.3% of residents, markedly outstripping the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%. Looking at ancestral backgrounds based on parental birthplace, the leading classifications in Lawson are Other backgrounds at 18.6% (compared to 12.2% across the region), Chinese at 17.6% (well above the regional 4.2%), and English at 15.2% (lower than the regional proportion of 23.3%).
Distinct demographic concentrations also appear across other heritages, including Indian at 7.7% locally (against 3.3% regionally), Korean at 1.6% (versus 0.6%), and Vietnamese at 2.8% (against 1.0%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Lawson is 29, younger than 99% of areas nationally. That is 1 year older than at the 2021 Census. 51.8% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The demographic profile of Lawson concentrates heavily around childless younger adults. According to AreaSearch calculations for August 2026, 57.1% of the local base falls within the young to middle aged bracket (25 - 44), compared to 32.8% throughout the Australian Capital Territory, whereas senior cohorts (65+) represent 3.1% versus 14.2% across the territory. These figures establish a median age of 29, up from 28 at the 2021 Census, sitting 6 years below the territory benchmark of 35 and beneath the nationwide median of 38 from that Census. Since then, the share of youth and young adults (0 - 24) declined from 34.0% to 26.6%.
Looking toward 2041, middle aged and mature cohorts (45 - 64) are anticipated to record the greatest numerical gain, adding 37 people (10%) to reach 429, while the senior group will experience the fastest proportional surge, growing 28% to 117. Conversely, young to middle aged adults along with younger demographics are projected to contract over the projection period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Lawson
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 18 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (2,739 at the 2021 Census → 2,967 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (801011018). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.