Oxley (ACT)

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Oxley's population is around 1,667 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 36 people (2.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,703 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 1,665 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,529 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Oxley experienced a 2.1% decline since the census, the SA3 area achieved 0.1% growth, highlighting divergent population trends. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 65.5% 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. Regarding demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 52 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 64 people. See the age section for more details.

Residential dwelling approval activity has been practically non-existent in Oxley

Oxley has seen only 1 residential development approval in the past five years. This suggests the area is largely built out, with minimal vacant land for development. Such established areas often see steady demand for existing properties, as buyers have few new-build alternatives.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Oxley shows substantially reduced construction. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Oxley should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Oxley has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Dairy Farmers Hill Precinct (1 Dairy Road), Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong, Erindale Group Centre Master Plan Implementation - Stage 1, and Tuggeranong Foreshore Improvements, 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.

Employment drivers in Oxley are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Oxley possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 8.2%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025844 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 4.3% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (66.4% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 7.2% employment compared to 11.1% 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 0.1% and the labour force increased by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory, where employment grew by 0.9%, the labour force expanded 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 Oxley. 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 Oxley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Oxley SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $69,065 with the average level standing at $78,426. This is well above average nationally and compares to levels of $72,206 and $85,981 across the Australian Capital Territory respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $75,460 (median) and $85,688 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Oxley, between the 87th and 87th percentiles nationally. The data shows the largest segment comprises 33.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (555 residents), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 34.3% in the same category. Economic strength emerges through 38.3% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 87.3% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Oxley, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.5% houses and 7.5% 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 Oxley was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 34.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.9%) or rented (23.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,150, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Oxley's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 79.2% of all households, comprising 35.5% couples with children, 29.6% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.8%, with lone person households at 19.9% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Oxley exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (33.0%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 33.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (21.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 9 active transport stops operating within Oxley, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 37 individual routes, collectively providing 2,029 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 184 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 12.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 289 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 225 weekly trips per individual stop.

Oxley's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Oxley residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. A fairly standard level of common health conditions is seen across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~966 people), compared to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.9% and 8.6% of residents, respectively, while 64.7% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 19.9% of residents aged 65 and over (332 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Oxley records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Oxley was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 19.2% of its population born overseas and 15.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Oxley is Christianity, which makes up 48.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.4% of the population, compared to 0.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Oxley are Australian, comprising 27.5% of the population, English, comprising 25.6% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 0.7% of Oxley (vs 0.5% regionally), Sri Lankan at 0.5% (vs 0.4%) and Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.6%).

Oxley's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

At 38 years, Oxley'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, Oxley has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (13.6%) but fewer 35 - 44 year-olds (12.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 2.5% to 5.2% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 12.6% to 15.1%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.7% to 12.3% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 14.2% to 11.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Oxley's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 52%, adding 44 residents to reach 131. Senior residents (65+) will drive 83% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.