Palmerston

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Palmerston's population is around 5,491 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 88 people (1.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,579 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,491 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,815 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 62.3% 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 decline by 13 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 45 to 54 age group, which is projected to grow by 90 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Palmerston has seen only 2 residential development approvals in the past five years. This reflects a fully developed suburb with limited opportunities for new construction. The absence of new supply generally supports demand for established properties and can contribute to price stability.

When measured against the Australian Capital Territory, Palmerston has significantly less development activity. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings, though development activity has picked up in recent periods. This level is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

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

Palmerston has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth 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 Gungahlin Community Centre, Gold Creek Homestead Precinct, Raya Gungahlin, and Gungahlin Town Centre Improvements, with the below list 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.

The employment landscape in Palmerston shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Palmerston has a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.6%, and 0.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,082 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.8% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%. Based on Census responses, a low 11.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, professional & technical, and education & training. Conversely, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 27.7% of Palmerston'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, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 0.6% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Palmerston. 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 Palmerston's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The Palmerston SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $66,616 and an average of $75,483 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is high nationally, contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $72,785 (median) and $82,473 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Palmerston, between the 84th and 87th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 34.5% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,894 residents), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 34.3%. The locality demonstrates considerable affluence with 35.7% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 13.8% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 85th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Palmerston, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 60.3% houses and 39.7% 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 Palmerston was in line with that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 28.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.5%) or rented (28.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Australian Capital Territory average at $1,940, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Palmerston's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Palmerston has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 74.7% of all households, comprising 35.2% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.3%, with lone person households at 21.8% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Palmerston significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 41.5% 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 23.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 27.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (16.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 6.8% 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 23 active transport stops operating within Palmerston comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 62 individual routes, collectively providing 2,692 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 85%, with 7% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 11.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 384 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 117 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Palmerston demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show a low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~3,107 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.4% and 8.6% of residents, respectively, while 69.6% declared themselves as 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 13.6% of residents aged 65 and over (747 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Palmerston 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

Palmerston is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 32.2% of its population born overseas and 32.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Palmerston is Christianity, which makes up 42.9% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 4.9% 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 Palmerston are Australian, comprising 22.8% of the population, English, comprising 21.5% of the population, and Other, comprising 13.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Croatian is notably overrepresented at 1.4% of Palmerston (vs 0.9% regionally), Vietnamese at 2.3% (vs 1.0%), and Korean at 1.0% (vs 0.6%).

Palmerston's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 36 years, Palmerston's median age nearly matches the Australian Capital Territory average of 35, while being somewhat younger than Australia's 38 years. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Palmerston has a higher concentration of 55 - 64 residents (11.8%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (13.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.0% to 4.2% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 15.3% to 13.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Palmerston. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 10%, adding 77 residents to reach 819. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts.