McKellar

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

McKellar's population was around 2,633 as of Nov 2025. This showed a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 2,740 people, a drop of 107 individuals (3.9%). The change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population figures and address validation since the Census date in June 2024. This resulted in a density ratio of 1,867 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 ACT Government's SA2 area projections were used, also based on 2022. Projected demographic shifts indicate an overall population decline by 2041, with the area's population expected to shrink by 499 persons. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is anticipated to increase by 42 people.

The level of residential development activity in McKellar is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

McKellar has seen approximately one new home approved annually. Between financial years 2021 (FY-21) and 2025 (FY-25), around five homes were approved, with no approvals yet in FY-26.

Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, benefiting buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $326,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, McKellar shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 94.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, which is also under the national average. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The location has approximately 2646 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Given stable or declining population forecasts, McKellar may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

McKellar has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Wayfarer Belconnen by Geocon (Stage 2), Onderra, Ginninderry Stage 3 - The Valley Release, and Bruce Innovation District. Below is a list detailing those likely to be most relevant.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals McKellar recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

McKellar has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.8% as of September 2025.

Employment stability was maintained over the preceding year. Residents' employment stood at 1,340 while the unemployment rate was 1.3% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 62.3%, compared to the ACT's 69.6%. Dominant sectors include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance.

Notably, construction employment was 1.4 times the regional average. However, public administration & safety was under-represented with only 27.8% of McKellar's workforce compared to 30.4% in the ACT. Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by Census data. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.6%, while employment declined by 0.1%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, the ACT saw employment growth of 1.4% and a fall in unemployment of 0.2%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to McKellar's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that McKellar SA2 has one of the highest incomes in Australia. The median assessed income is $64,878 and the average income stands at $78,350. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's figures where the median income is $68,678 and the average income is $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $73,701 (median) and $89,006 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in McKellar rank highly nationally, between the 88th and 93rd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 27.3% of locals (718 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income category, similar to the broader area where 34.3% occupy this bracket. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 45.3% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 89.8% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

McKellar is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In McKellar, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.3% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This differs from the Australian Capital Territory's distribution of 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in McKellar stood at 42.8%, compared to mortgaged dwellings at 38.0% and rented ones at 19.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in McKellar was $438, slightly above the Australian Capital Territory's $430. Nationally, McKellar's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $438 compared to the national figure of $375.

McKellar features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 79.4% of all households, including 35.7% composed of couples with children, 32.9% consisting of couples without children, and 10.7% being single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 20.6%, with lone person households at 17.6% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

McKellar performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

McKellar's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 42.3% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4%. The area has a significant proportion of Bachelor degree holders at 25.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational pathways account for 24.9% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 15.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.6% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows that McKellar has 24 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by three different routes, offering a total of 687 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically being located just 151 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 98 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to approximately 28 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in McKellar are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

McKellar's health indicators show below-average outcomes with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population, which consists of 1,548 people. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.7 and 7.8% of residents respectively. A majority, 68.0%, declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across the Australian Capital Territory. McKellar has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.0% (552 people), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 15.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

McKellar 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

McKellar's population showed high diversity, with 31.0% born overseas and 27.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 50.9%. Buddhism was slightly overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average (3.6% vs 3.0%).

Ancestry-wise, Australians were the largest group at 22.7%, followed by English at 21.4%, and Other at 11.2%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Croatian was overrepresented at 2.4% (vs regional 0.8%), Polish at 1.1% (vs 0.8%), and Serbian at 0.7% (vs 0.3%).

McKellar's median age exceeds the national pattern

McKellar's median age is 43 years, which is significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the ACT average, McKellar has a notably over-represented cohort of 65-74 year-olds at 12.9%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 12.3%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 4.8% to 6.7% of McKellar's population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.8% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in McKellar's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 18%, adding 31 residents to reach a total of 209. Residents aged 65 and older will represent all anticipated population growth. Conversely, declines are projected for the 0-4 and 15-24 age cohorts.