Mawson

Mawson has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Mawson's population is around 3,510 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 70 people (2.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,440 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,474 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,663 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mawson's 2.0% growth since the census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 75.7% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of national areas is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 48 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 0.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Mawson has recorded around 15 residential properties granted approval annually, with 76 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 19 so far in FY-26. At an average of 1 new resident per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $281,000. Additionally, $1.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against the Australian Capital Territory, Mawson has significantly less development activity (73.0% below the regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. New development consists of 46.0% standalone homes and 54.0% townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 379 people per dwelling approval, Mawson shows a developed market.

Future projections show Mawson adding 12 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Mawson has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 2 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Mixed-Use Complex In Mawson, Phillip Swimming And Ice-Skating Centre Redevelopment, Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, and Canberra Hospital Master Plan, 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.

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

Mawson features a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.9%, and 1.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,929 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.9% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (69.0% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.1% 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, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Meanwhile, public administration & safety has a limited presence with 27.8% employment compared to 30.4% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8% and the labour force increased by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 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 Mawson. 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 Mawson's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% 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 Mawson SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $68,199 and an average of $87,891 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is extremely high nationally, contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $74,514 (median) and $96,030 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Mawson, between the 78th and 88th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 33.0% of residents (1,158 people), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. Economic strength emerges through 34.9% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 13.6% of income, while strong earnings rank residents within the 80th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Mawson displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Mawson, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 54.2% houses and 45.8% 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 Mawson was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 32.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.7%) or rented (36.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Mawson's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Mawson has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 66.9% of all households, comprising 27.4% couples with children, 28.9% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 29.2% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Educational achievement in Mawson places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Mawson significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 53.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 46.8% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 31.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.8%). Vocational pathways account for 23.6% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (12.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 7.2% in tertiary education, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 16 active transport stops operating within Mawson, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 34 individual routes, collectively providing 2,978 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 220 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 83%, with 10% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. A relatively low 10.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 425 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 186 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Mawson is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Mawson demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (2,221 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.3% and 7.6% of residents, respectively, while 70.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (661 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Mawson was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Mawson scores highly on cultural diversity, with 35.5% of its population born overseas and 30.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Mawson is Christianity, which makes up 40.9% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 8.9% of the population, compared to 4.8% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Mawson are English, comprising 20.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 19.5% of the population, and Other, comprising 17.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 12.2%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Mawson (vs 0.6% regionally), Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%) and Russian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%).

Mawson's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 38 years, Mawson'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, Mawson has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (10.1%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (14.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.9% to 11.5% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 8.6% to 10.1%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 16.6% to 14.9% and the 75 to 84 group dropped from 7.1% to 5.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Mawson's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 65 to 74 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 17%, adding 62 residents to reach 418. Senior residents (65+) will drive 66% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.