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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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Macarthur has an estimated 1,370 residents, down from 1,405 at the 2021 Census — a change of 35 people, or 2.5%. The population has thinned by an average 0.6% a year over five years, slower than 98% of areas nationally. That puts 1,054 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
Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Macarthur's population is around 1,370 as of Nov 25. This reflects a decrease of 35 people (2.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,405 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 1,370 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,053 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Macarthur experienced a 2.5% decline since census, the SA3 area achieved 0.2% growth, highlighting divergent population trends.
Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 57.6% 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, Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 190 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 55 people. <i>See the age section for more details.</i>
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Macarthur has seen virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years , with 2 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 0 so far in FY-26. As the area has experienced population decline, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, a positive for buyers When measured against Australian Capital Territory, Macarthur has significantly less development activity (88.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.
With population expected to remain stable or decline, Macarthur should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Macarthur
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 10 current infrastructure and development projects close to Macarthur, worth an estimated $1.54 billion. 1 are already under construction and 2 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and telecommunications. 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
Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Monaro Highway Safety Upgrades, Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong, Deakin Private Hospital, and Queanbeyan Regional Integrated Transport Plan, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance. Macarthur has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally
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
Wanniassa Hills Primary School Modernisation
ACT Government modernisation project at Wanniassa Hills Primary School delivering a preschool upgrade and replacement of existing gas boilers with fully electric heat pumps to improve energy efficiency, thermal comfort and learning environments. The works build on the school's earlier major modernisation program including new learning communities, administration refurbishment, hall improvements and expanded parking. Electrical supply upgrade works were tendered in 2025 to support the new HVAC system.
Erindale Group Centre Master Plan Implementation - Stage 1
A long-term revitalisation of the Erindale Group Centre focused on transforming public spaces, improving pedestrian and active travel links, and upgrading community infrastructure. The 2025-26 ACT Budget specifically funded the Erindale shops upgrade, with concept designs for public space improvements, including new lighting, paving, and furniture, expected for community feedback in 2026. The broader master plan facilitates future mixed-use development and roughly 800 new dwellings to support Tuggeranong growth.
The Valley Ponds - Wanniassa
Proposed medium-density residential estate of approximately 120-150 townhouses and apartments on former open space land between Wanniassa Hills and the Erindale Centre, part of the broader Indicative Land Release Program.
Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong
Proposed southern extension of the Canberra light rail network connecting Woden Town Centre to Tuggeranong Town Centre via the Athllon Drive corridor. Recent 2026 updates indicate the ACT Government is developing a transit-oriented development (ToD) plan for the Athllon Drive corridor, with conceptual integrated bus and light rail network options for Canberra South expected by June 2026. The project remains part of the long-term City-wide Light Rail Network plan to support a population of 500,000.
Calwell Retirement Living Precinct
A retirement living precinct proposal by KBDC, featuring 30 one-storey townhouses alongside the Calwell shopping strip.
EV Fast Charging Infrastructure - Calwell (Calwell Shopping Centre)
Public DC fast EV charging delivered at Calwell Shopping Centre and operated by Evie Networks, supported by ACT Government grants and ARENA funding to expand Canberra's charging network.
Calwell Public Housing Development
30 new public housing townhouses (2 and 3 bedroom) built to Class C Adaptable standards. Features evaporative heating/cooling, 6-star energy rating hot water systems, double-glazed windows, and sustainable design.
Wanniassa Playing Fields Irrigation & Lighting Upgrade
Installation of automated irrigation system and sports field lighting at Wanniassa District Playing Fields to support increased usage, night use, and drought resilience.
766 residents of Macarthur are employed, from a labour force of 781. Unemployment sits at 1.9%, with participation at 69.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Macarthur possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.9%, and 0.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of June 2025, 766 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% below Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%, and workforce participation is on par with Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. In contrast, retail trade employs just 4.7% of local workers, below Australian Capital Territory's 6.6%.
The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8% and labour force increased by 1.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 1.9%, labour force growth of 1.6%, with unemployment falling 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Macarthur. 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 Macarthur's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately increase by 6.3%% 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).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Macarthur is $3,037 a week (about $158,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,334 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $75,498 a year against an average of $88,161. 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
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-22 reveals that income in Macarthur is extremely high nationally, with the median assessed at $75,498 while the average income stands at $88,161. This contrasts to Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $68,678 and an average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since FY-22, current estimates would be approximately $85,766 (median) and $100,151 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Macarthur, between the 95th and 97th percentiles nationally.
The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 31.7% of locals (434 people) in the $4000+ category, diverging from the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 34.3%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 52.7% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 90.4% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Macarthur had 488 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 97% detached houses and 0% apartments. 47% are owned with a mortgage, 10% rented and 43% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $520 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,200 a month. Rent absorbs 17.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 16.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Dwelling structure within Macarthur, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.1% houses and 2.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Australian Capital Territory's 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Macarthur was well beyond that of Australian Capital Territory, at 43.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (46.8%) or rented (10.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,200, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $520, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $2,000 and $425.
Nationally, Macarthur's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Macarthur counted 488 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.9 people each. 46% are couples with children, against 30% couples without children. 13% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households dominate at 85.5% of all households, comprising 46.1% couples with children, 30.3% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 14.5%, with lone person households at 13.1% and group households comprising 0.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
37.7% of adults in Macarthur hold a university qualification, including 23.3% with a bachelor degree and 8.5% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 18.5% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Educational qualifications in Macarthur trail regional benchmarks, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 46.8% in SA4 region. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 23.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 31.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (18.5%). Educational participation is notably high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.
Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Detail
Public transport analysis reveals 1 active transport stops operating within Macarthur comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 345 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 431 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 49 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 345 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.9% of residents in Macarthur report no long-term health condition. 3.1% need daily assistance with core activities, and 64.0% hold private health cover. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Macarthur residents with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be exceptionally high at approximately 64% of the total population (876 people). This compares to 57.2% across Australian Capital Territory. The national average is 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.0 and 7.9% of residents, respectively, while 68.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 66.1% across Australian Capital Territory.
The area has 20.4% of residents aged 65 and over (280 people), which is higher than the 17.6% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics. Overall 3.1% of the total population registered as requiring assistance with day to day activities, which is well below average. In Australian Capital Territory, 5.5% require assistance. Nationally, 5.8% require assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Macarthur is largely Australian-born, at 83.0% of residents, with 9.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (26.8%) and English (26.5%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Macarthur was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.0% of its population born in Australia, 95.8% being citizens, and 91.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Macarthur was found to be Christianity, which makes up 55.1% of people in Macarthur. This compares to 47.9% across Australian Capital Territory. In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Macarthur are Australian, comprising 26.8% of the population, English, comprising 26.5% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.1% of the population.
Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.6% of Macarthur (vs 7.7% regionally), Dutch at 1.9% (vs 1.4%) and Croatian at 1.1% (vs 0.8%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Macarthur is 40. That is 1 year older than at the 2021 Census. 21.6% 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 40-year median age in Macarthur is notably exceeding Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 and also modestly exceeding the Australian median of 38. Relative to Australian Capital Territory, Macarthur has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (14.6%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (7.6%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.8% to 14.0% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 2.5% to 5.3%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 11.3% to 7.6% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 15.3% to 13.6%.
By 2041, Macarthur is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 62% (45 people), reaching 119 from 73. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 100% of projected growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Macarthur
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 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) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2024 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 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 5 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) | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month 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 2022, 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 2024 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Nov 2025, not a 2021 count (1,405 at the 2021 Census → 1,370 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 Nov 2025. 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 2022, 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 (801071083). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.