Reid

An assessment of population growth drivers in Reid reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Reid's population is around 1,957 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 413 people (26.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,544 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 1,957 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,081 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Reid's 26.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (6.7%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 62.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 668 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 34.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Reid has seen around 1 new homes approved each year, with 9 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 0 so far in FY-26. At an average of 41.4 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new homes are being built at an average value of $524,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Reid records markedly lower building activity (92.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (36.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. At around 1212 people per approval, Reid shows a mature, established area.

Future projections show Reid adding 668 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Reid has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 19 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Academy Close Redevelopment - Campbell, Australian War Memorial Redevelopment, UNSW Canberra City Campus - Stage 1, and Marcus Clarke Street Office Complex, 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.

Reid has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Reid has a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 4.3%, and 1.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,194 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.5% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (70.0% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 15.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, professional & technical, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 6.9% versus the regional average of 11.7%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of the Census working population relative to the local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.7% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall 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 Reid. 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 Reid'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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Reid SA2's median income among taxpayers is $71,978, with an average of $87,314. This is among the highest in Australia, and compares to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $78,643 (median) and $95,399 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Reid, between the 81st and 95th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the largest segment comprises 31.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (624 residents), aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 34.3%. Economic strength emerges through 38.0% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 83rd percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Reid features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Reid, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 36.4% houses and 63.7% 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 Reid was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 31.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (22.1%) or rented (46.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $430, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Reid's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Reid features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 47.9% of all households, comprising 15.2% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 4.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 52.1%, with lone person households at 40.9% and group households comprising 10.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.0 people is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Reid performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Educational attainment in Reid significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 61.5% 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 31.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (23.1%) and graduate diplomas (6.9%). Vocational pathways account for 16.0% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (7.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.0% in tertiary education, 4.2% in primary education, and 4.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 15 active transport stops operating within Reid, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 40 individual routes, collectively providing 3,175 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 168 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 48%, with 26% walking and 13% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 15.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 453 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 211 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Reid demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (1,238 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 11.6 and 8.1% of residents, respectively, while 65.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 16.5% of residents aged 65 and over (322 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Reid is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 20.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 31.7% born overseas. The main religion in Reid is Christianity, which makes up 36.7% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.6% 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 Reid are English, comprising 25.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 20.6% of the population, and Other, comprising 11.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 1.3% of Reid (vs 0.8% regionally), French at 1.0% (vs 0.5%) and Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%).

Reid's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 39, Reid is materially older than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 22.6% compared to the Australian Capital Territory, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 5.0%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since 2021, the median age has decreased by 1.2 years from 40 to 39, indicating a younger demographic shift. Key changes show the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 19.8% to 22.6% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.3% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 11.5% to 10.0% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 14.9% to 13.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Reid's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 65 to 74 group will grow by 57% (111 people), reaching 307 from 195.