Pearce

Pearce is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Pearce's population is around 2,730 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 43 people (1.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,687 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,698 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,605 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Pearce's 1.6% growth since the census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 61.9% 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 175 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 65 to 74 age group, which is projected to increase by 32 people. See the age section for more details.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Pearce according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Pearce has recorded around 9 residential properties granted approval per year, totalling 48 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 1.6 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $319,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. Additionally, $269,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against the Australian Capital Territory, Pearce has significantly less development activity (78.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This activity is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 462 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Pearce may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Pearce has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total, 1 single project has been identified by AreaSearch that is likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Mawson Group Centre Upgrade, Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, Athllon Drive Duplication, and Canberra Hospital Master Plan, 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 conditions in Pearce demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Pearce has a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and 1.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,428 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.4% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (65.1% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 13.9% 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, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical. The area has a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. On the other hand, retail trade is under-represented, with only 4.8% of Pearce's workforce compared to 6.6% 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 1.5% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 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 Pearce. 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 Pearce's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% 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

The Pearce SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $71,968 and an average of $92,748 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is among the highest in Australia, 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 $78,632 (median) and $101,336 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Pearce, between the 86th and 92nd percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 28.9% of locals (788 people) in the $4000+ category, differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 34.3%. Economic strength emerges through 41.1% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Pearce, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 63.1% houses and 36.9% 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 Pearce was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 37.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (36.3%) or rented (25.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,383, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $430, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Pearce's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Pearce features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 67.6% of all households, comprising 32.2% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.4%, with lone person households at 30.1% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Australian Capital Territory average.

Pearce demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Pearce significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 50.0% 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 28.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.3%) and graduate diplomas (6.3%). Vocational pathways account for 23.9% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (12.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 6.5% 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 Pearce, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 39 individual routes, collectively providing 2,001 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 221 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 8% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. Some 13.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 285 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 222 weekly trips per individual stop.

Pearce's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Pearce, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Younger cohorts in particular see very low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (1,823 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.6 and 7.5% of residents, respectively, while 68.2% 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 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (534 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Pearce is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 25.3% of its population born overseas and 18.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Pearce is Christianity, which makes up 52.8% 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 Pearce are English, comprising 24.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 22.5% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Hungarian is notably overrepresented at 0.6% of Pearce (vs 0.3% regionally), Spanish at 0.8% (vs 0.5%) and Croatian at 1.1% (vs 0.9%).

Pearce's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 43 years, Pearce'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 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (14.9% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (9.2%). Following the 2021 Census, the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 12.8% to 14.9% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.9% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 12.8% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.9% to 11.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Pearce's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 65 to 74 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 8%, adding 18 residents to reach 266. 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 75 to 84 cohorts.