O'Connor (ACT)

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

As of November 2025, O'Connor's population is approximately 5,880, a decrease of 37 people from the 2021 Census figure of 5,917. This change is inferred from ABS estimates: 5,868 residents in June 2024 and an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 1,192 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.3% of recent population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted. Future population dynamics suggest an increase just below the median for Australian statistical areas, with an expected rise to 6,178 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 4.8%.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in O'Connor, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

O'Connor has recorded approximately 24 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 122 homes were approved, with an additional 16 approved so far in FY-26. Despite a population decline in recent years, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.

The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $394,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This year, there have also been $2.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, O'Connor has significantly less development activity, 71.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

Recent construction comprises 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. With around 364 people per dwelling approval, O'Connor shows a developed market. Population forecasts indicate that O'Connor will gain 283 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

O'Connor has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 33 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Yowani Grounds Estate Development, Yowani Country Club - New Clubhouse, Northbourne Village - De Burgh, and Public Housing Renewal: 44 David Street, Turner. The following list details those 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.

Employment performance in O'Connor exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

O'Connor's workforce is highly educated with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 3.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9%.

As of September 2025, 3,552 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, 0.3% below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation is similar to ACT's 69.6%. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, professional & technical, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance has limited presence at 8.5% compared to the regional 11.7%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, labour force by 1.0%, raising unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, ACT saw employment rise by 1.4%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with a state unemployment rate of 4.5%. National forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to O'Connor's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's analysis of ATO data from financial year 2022 shows O'Connor SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $71,027 and an average income of $87,803. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the ACT's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. By September 2025, estimated incomes based on a 13.6% Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $80,687 (median) and $99,744 (average). Census 2021 data ranks O'Connor's household, family, and personal incomes between the 90th and 93rd percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 31.2% of residents earn over $4,000 weekly, unlike metropolitan trends where most fall within a lower bracket. This indicates strong economic capacity with 42.9% earning above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 13.7% of income and residents rank in the 91st percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

In O'Connor, as per the latest Census evaluation, 65.9% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 34.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in O'Connor stood at 31.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.2% and rented ones at 39.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in O'Connor was $451, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $476. Nationally, O'Connor's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

O'Connor features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 62.5% of all households, including 27.7% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.5%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 11.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.2.

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

Educational attainment in O'Connor shows significant superiority over broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 61.0% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% in the SA4 region. This educational advantage is evident in various qualifications: bachelor degrees (31.5%), postgraduate qualifications (23.2%), and graduate diplomas (6.3%). Technical qualifications make up 14.1%, with advanced diplomas at 6.3% and certificates at 7.8%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 36.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.0% in tertiary education, 8.2% in primary education, and 8.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 29 active public transport stops in O'Connor. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 6 different lines. Together, these routes facilitate 370 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 187 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 52 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

O'Connor's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows positive outcomes for O'Connor residents with low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover rate is high at approximately 64% of the total population (3751 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.7% and 8.2% of residents respectively. 69.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.8% across Australian Capital Territory. 15.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (910 people), higher than the 11.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in O'Connor was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

O'Connor's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 25.6% born overseas and 17.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in O'Connor, comprising 31.5% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in O'Connor compared to the Australian Capital Territory, making up 0.3% versus 0.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.6%), Australian (22.9%), and Other (10.6%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Polish at 1.3% in O'Connor compared to the regional average of 0.9%, Croatian at 1.1% versus 0.7%, and Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.3%.

O'Connor's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in O'Connor is 35 years, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure but slightly lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, O'Connor has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (17.6%), but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.3%). This 15-24 concentration is significantly higher than the national average of 12.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 15.7% to 17.6%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 3.3% to 5.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 11.7% to 10.3%, and the 35 to 44 age group has also dropped from 11.7% to 10.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in O'Connor. The 55 to 64 cohort is expected to show the strongest growth, increasing by 25% to reach 860 residents. This growth will contribute significantly to the overall aging of the population, with residents aged 65 and older representing 63% of the anticipated growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.