Lyneham
Statistical Area - sa2

Lyneham lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Lyneham's population is around 6,505 as of August 2025. This reflects an increase of 802 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,703 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,875 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 449 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,187 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lyneham's growth of 14.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the state average of 5.7%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in Lyneham, with an expected expansion of 2,513 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting an increase of 28.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Lyneham among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Lyneham has averaged around 122 new dwelling approvals per year. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 614 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, and none so far in FY26. Over these five years, an average of 0.3 people moved to Lyneham for each dwelling built, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $310,000.

This financial year has seen $7.8 million in commercial development approvals recorded, suggesting the area's residential character compared to other developments. Lyneham shows 55.0% higher new home approvals per person than the Australian Capital Territory, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 2.0% detached houses and 98.0% townhouses or apartments, focusing on higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which currently consist of 27.0% houses, potentially due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. With around 109 people per dwelling approval, Lyneham exhibits characteristics of a growth area. By 2041, Lyneham is expected to grow by 1,883 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Looking ahead, Lyneham is expected to grow by 1,883 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Lyneham has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 27 such projects that could impact the area. Notable among these are Fox Place Multi-Unit Development, Bethany Lyneham, Northbourne Village - De Burgh, and Yowani Grounds Estate Development. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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

The employment environment in Lyneham shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Lyneham has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 3.2%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) average of 3.4%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.7%. As of June 2025, there are 3,669 residents employed with a workforce participation rate similar to ACT's 69.6%. The dominant employment sectors in Lyneham include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, the area specializes in education & training, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 3.8% compared to the regional average of 6.8%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data analysis. Between Jul-24 and Jun-25, employment increased by 2.7% while labour force grew by 1.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. Meanwhile, ACT experienced employment growth of 1.9% with a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. As of Sep-25, ACT's employment contracted by 0.33%, losing 1,480 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National unemployment stands at 4.5%, with national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lyneham's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.3% 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows that Lyneham has extremely high incomes nationally. The median assessed income is $67,498 and the average income stands at $83,440. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory figures of a median income of $68,678 and an average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year ending June 2022, current estimates would be approximately $74,774 for the median income and $92,435 for the average income as of March 2025. According to Census figures from 2021, individual earnings in Lyneham stand out at the 91st percentile nationally with $1,200 weekly. Income brackets indicate that the predominant cohort spans 37.3% of locals (2,426 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, aligning with regional trends where this cohort also represents 34.3%. A significant 30.3% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting areas of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 73rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Lyneham, as per the latest Census, consisted of 27.0% houses and 73.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lyneham was at 23.5%, similar to the Australian Capital Territory figure. Dwellings were either mortgaged (26.8%) or rented (49.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Lyneham was $1,800, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Lyneham was $425, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's $476 and the national figure of $375.

Lyneham features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 52.5% of all households, including 17.0% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 47.5%, with lone person households at 37.8% and group households comprising 9.4%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.2.

Lyneham shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Lyneham is notably high, with 60.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 31.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.7%) and graduate diplomas (6.1%). Vocational pathways account for 16.3%, with advanced diplomas at 7.2% and certificates at 9.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.4% in tertiary, 5.7% in primary, and 4.9% in secondary education. Lyneham's three schools have a combined enrollment of 2,712 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1139). It includes one primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. Lyneham functions as an education hub with 41.7 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 15.4, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Lyneham has 46 active public transport stops, consisting of both lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 17 individual routes that collectively facilitate 2,257 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transport options is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 164 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 322 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Lyneham is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Lyneham faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but particularly high among older cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61%, compared to 65.3% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 11.4% and asthma impacting 7.9% of residents.

However, 67.0% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the ACT's 70.8%. Lyneham has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.3%, compared to the ACT's 11.4%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to specific challenges they face.

Lyneham is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Lyneham's cultural diversity is notable, with 34.7% of its population born overseas and 28.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Lyneham, comprising 30.4% of the population. Notably, Buddhism is overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, making up 5.1% of Lyneham's population versus the regional 3.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (23.4%), Australian (19.7%), and Other (13.6%). Divergences include Welsh (0.8% vs regional 0.7%), Serbian (0.6% vs 0.3%), and Russian (0.5% vs 0.4%) groups being notably more prevalent in Lyneham than the Australian Capital Territory average.

Lyneham's population is younger than the national pattern

Lyneham's median age is 34 years, comparable to the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and lower than the national average of 38. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Lyneham has a higher concentration of 25-34 residents at 26.2%, but fewer 5-14 year-olds at 7.3%. This 25-34 concentration is above the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group grew from 24.0% to 26.2%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.5% to 16.3%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort declined from 13.7% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Lyneham's age profile will evolve significantly. The 35 to 44 cohort is projected to grow by 33%, adding 353 residents to reach 1,413.