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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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O'Malley has an estimated 952 residents. That puts 365 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, O'Malley's population is around 952 as of Nov 25. This reflects an increase of 24 people (2.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 928 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 952 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 364 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. O'Malley's 2.6% growth since census positions it within 3.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals.
Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 67.5% 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 reduce by 158 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 16 people. <i>See the age section for more details.</i>
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
O'Malley has seen virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years , totalling 2 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. Given population has fallen over the past period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $1,250,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Compared to Australian Capital Territory, O'Malley records markedly lower building activity. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though building activity has accelerated in recent years.
This is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. With population projections showing stability or decline, O'Malley should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around O'Malley
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 44 current infrastructure and development projects close to O'Malley, worth an estimated $6.01 billion. 7 are already under construction and 8 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and health & medical. 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 5 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Canberra Hospital Master Plan, Garran Primary School Modernisation and Expansion, Mixed-Use Complex In Mawson, and Mixed-Use Development Proposal, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance. O'Malley has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% 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
Woden Community Services Hub
A new four-storey facility in Woden Town Centre that will centralise community and government services under one roof, bringing together services currently operating from multiple buildings in the region. It will include child and family services, meeting rooms, a multi-purpose hall, and workshop spaces. Construction is expected to commence in 2026-27.
Canberra Hospital Master Plan
A 20-year strategic transformation (2021-2041) of the Canberra Hospital campus to modernize clinical facilities and improve campus integration. Following the 2024 completion of the $640 million Critical Services Building (Building 5), current works focus on the demolition of Buildings 6 and 23 to facilitate the new Pathology and Clinical Support Building. The plan ultimately organizes the campus into seven distinct clinical precincts, including new inpatient buildings and expanded parking infrastructure to support long-term regional health demand.
The Oaks - Yamba Sports Club Redevelopment
Redevelopment of community sports club facilities with modern amenities and expanded capacity for recreational activities.
Skye by Trilogy (Section 117 Phillip)
A landmark 20-storey mixed-use residential tower comprising 188 luxury apartments with ground-floor retail and commercial space, located directly opposite Westfield Woden in the Phillip town centre. Developed by Zapari, the project forms part of the broader high-rise transformation of the Woden Town Centre precinct.
Ivy by Morris (Section 54 Phillip)
A premium 18-storey residential tower offering 212 apartments with rooftop amenities, ground-floor retail and direct connection to the redeveloped Woden Town Square.
Woden Pool Project (Phillip Swimming and Ice-Skating Centre Redevelopment)
Staged redevelopment of the Phillip Swimming and Ice-Skating Centre site in Woden by Geocon. Stage one, approved by the ACT Territory Planning Authority on 16 December 2025, comprises two 13-storey residential towers with 286 apartments above a new public aquatic centre featuring a 25-metre, eight-lane indoor lap pool, warm water program pool, splash pad, learn-to-swim and toddler areas, cafe, and steam and sauna facilities. The existing outdoor 50-metre pool and the ice-skating rink will remain operational during stage one construction, with their future considered in later stages.Geocon intends to eventually deliver around 696 to 700 apartments across five buildings in three stages on the 1.29 hectare site. Minor structural amendments to the approved stage one design remain under assessment.
Woden Town Centre Public Realm Upgrades
ACT Government public realm improvements to Woden Town Square and surrounding streets in Phillip, delivered in stages as part of the broader Woden renewal program. Works include new landscaping and tree planting, street furniture, wayfinding signage, improved pedestrian connectivity and active travel links around the CIT Woden Campus and town centre. The initial Woden Experiment placemaking activation (2019) informed subsequent permanent upgrades. The new Woden Public Transport Interchange became operational in April 2026, completing the active travel connectivity precinct.
Woden Bus Depot and Transport Interchange
The Woden Bus Depot and Transport Interchange are fully completed and operational as of April 2026. The new interchange on Callam Street serves over 10,000 Canberrans daily with 10 platforms, improved amenities, and future-proofed light rail capabilities. The Woden Bus Depot is Australia's largest electric bus depot, featuring charging infrastructure for up to 100 zero-emission buses alongside modern maintenance facilities.
542 residents of O'Malley are employed, from a labour force of 548. Unemployment sits at 1.1%, with participation at 61.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.4% 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
O'Malley features a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.1%, and 1.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of June 2025, 542 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.3% below Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%, and workforce participation lags significantly (61.4% compared to Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%). The dominant employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical. The area has particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.
On the other hand, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 23.1% of O'Malley's workforce compared to 30.4% in Australian Capital Territory. 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, over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.7% while labour force increased by 1.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory, where employment rose by 1.9%, the labour force grew by 1.6%, and unemployment fell 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 can offer further insight into potential future demand within O'Malley. 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 O'Malley's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately increase by 7.4%% over five years and 15.1% 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 O'Malley is $4,476 a week (about $233,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,497 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $80,787 a year against an average of $100,894. 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
As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-22, O'Malley's median income among taxpayers is $80,787, with an average of $100,894. This is exceptionally high nationally, and compares to Australian Capital Territory's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since FY-22, current estimates would be approximately $91,774 (median) and $114,616 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in O'Malley, between the 98th and 100th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $4000+ bracket dominates with 52.5% of residents (499 people), contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 34.3%.
Economic strength emerges through 62.8% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 92.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
O'Malley had 318 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 98% detached houses and 0% apartments. 30% are owned with a mortgage, 10% rented and 60% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $975 a week and the median mortgage repayment $3,413 a month. Rent absorbs 21.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 17.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Dwelling structure within O'Malley, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.4% houses and 1.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Australian Capital Territory's 58.4% houses and 41.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within O'Malley was well beyond that of Australian Capital Territory, at 60.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.1%) or rented (9.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Australian Capital Territory average at $3,413, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $975, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $2,167 and $440.
Nationally, O'Malley'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
O'Malley counted 318 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.9 people each. 41% are couples with children, against 38% couples without children. 14% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households dominate at 83.6% of all households, comprising 41.0% couples with children, 37.5% couples without children, and 6.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 16.4%, with lone person households at 13.9% and group households comprising 1.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
55.4% of adults in O'Malley hold a university qualification, including 30.9% with a bachelor degree and 20.4% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 7.9% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Educational attainment in O'Malley significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 55.4% 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 30.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational pathways account for 15.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (7.9%). Educational participation is notably high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in secondary education, 8.6% in tertiary education, and 7.9% pursuing primary 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
Public transport in O'Malley reaches 11 stops on 2 routes, timetabled for about 330 services a week. The typical home sits about 290 m from its nearest stop. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport analysis reveals 11 active transport stops operating within O'Malley comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 330 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 289 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 47 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 30 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
72.1% of residents in O'Malley report no long-term health condition. 5.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 71.7% hold private health cover. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout O'Malley with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions , and the rate of private health cover found to be exceptionally high at approximately 72% of the total population (682 people). This compares to 68.1% 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 8.9 and 5.3% of residents, respectively, while 72.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.1% across Australian Capital Territory.
The area has 27.5% of residents aged 65 and over (261 people), which is higher than the 18.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics. Overall 5.3% of the total population registered as requiring assistance with day to day activities, which is slightly above average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
45.2% of O'Malley residents were born overseas and 45.0% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 87% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are English (16.3%) and Australian (12.8%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
O'Malley scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 45.2% of its population born overseas and 45.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in O'Malley was found to be Christianity, which makes up 54.1% of people in O'Malley. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.7% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Australian Capital Territory. In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in O'Malley are English, comprising 16.3% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 23.0%, Other, comprising 16.0% of the population, and Australian, comprising 12.8% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 21.3%.
Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Spanish is notably overrepresented at 1.9% of O'Malley (vs 0.5% regionally), Croatian at 2.8% (vs 0.8%) and Russian at 1.0% (vs 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of O'Malley is 50, older than 93% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 22.6% 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
At 50 years, O'Malley's median age is significantly above the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 55 - 64 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.6%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (8.8%) than in Australian Capital Territory. In the period since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 7.5% to 10.1% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 6.7% to 8.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.4% to 7.3% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 16.1% to 13.2%.
Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for O'Malley. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 24%, adding 8 residents to reach 42. Senior residents (65+) will drive 100% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 cohorts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for O'Malley
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 (937 at the 2021 Census → 952 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 (801091107). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.