McKellar

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, McKellar's population is around 2,633 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 107 people (3.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,740 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,633 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,867 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 56.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 499 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 increase by 42 people. See the age section for more details.

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

McKellar has seen around 1 new home approved annually, with 5 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, which is a positive for buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $326,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, McKellar shows substantially reduced construction (94.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely 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, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

McKellar has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

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 Wayfarer Belconnen by Geocon (Stage 2), Ginninderry Stage 3 - The Valley Release, Bruce Innovation District, and Belconnen Lakeshore - Connected Waterfront Precinct, 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates McKellar faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

McKellar features a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 5.5%. As of December 2025, 1,334 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.6% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (64.1% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 13.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. On the other hand, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 27.8% of McKellar's workforce compared to 30.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. 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, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.0% alongside a 0.7% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.6 percentage points. By comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.9%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within McKellar. 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 McKellar's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the McKellar SA2 is among the highest in Australia, with the median assessed at $69,692 while the average income stands at $80,802. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $76,145 (median) and $88,284 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in McKellar, between the 88th and 93rd percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 27.3% of locals (718 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the broader area where 34.3% occupy this bracket. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 45.3% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 89.8% of 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

Dwelling structure within McKellar, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.7% houses and 6.3% 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 McKellar was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 42.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (38.0%) or rented (19.2%). 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 $438, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, McKellar's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 79.4% of all households, comprising 35.7% couples with children, 32.9% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.6%, with lone person households at 17.6% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people 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

Educational attainment in McKellar significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead 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+; advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (15.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.6% of residents 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 high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 21 active transport stops operating within McKellar, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 59 individual routes, collectively providing 3,841 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 158 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 6% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 13.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 548 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 182 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in McKellar is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

McKellar demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (1,566 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.7% and 7.8% of residents, respectively, while 68.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 21.5% of residents aged 65 and over (566 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 31.0% of its population born overseas and 27.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in McKellar is Christianity, which makes up 50.9% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 3.6% of the population, compared to 3.0% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in McKellar are Australian, comprising 22.7% of the population, English, comprising 21.4% of the population, and Other, comprising 11.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Croatian is notably overrepresented at 2.4% of McKellar (vs 0.9% regionally), Polish at 1.1% (vs 0.8%) and Serbian at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).

McKellar's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 43 years, McKellar's median age is significantly above the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 as well as considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (12.6% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (11.9%). Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.8% to 7.7% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.8% to 13.1%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.1% to 14.0%. Demographic modeling suggests McKellar's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 3%, adding 6 residents to reach 209. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 100% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 cohorts.