Scullin

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Scullin's population is around 3049 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a decrease of 20 people (0.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3069 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3039 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2132 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 56.4% 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, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 266 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 expand by 36 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Scullin, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Scullin has approved approximately six new homes annually. Between the financial years 2021 (FY-21) and 2025 (FY-25), 34 homes were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26. On average, each new home attracts 0.7 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer options and capacity for population growth beyond current projections. The average construction cost of these dwellings is $217,000. In FY-26, Scullin has recorded $537,000 in commercial development approvals, reflecting its residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Scullin shows reduced construction activity, with 61.0% fewer dwellings approved per person than the regional average. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, suggesting possible planning constraints. New building activity in Scullin is divided equally between detached houses (50.0%) and medium to high-density housing (50.0%). This shift from the current housing mix of 80.0% houses reflects reduced development site availability and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

The area has approximately 1691 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Population projections for Scullin suggest stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers.

Scullin has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

No changes can influence an area's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact the area. Key projects include Kippax Fair Expansion & Upgrade, Belconnen Town Centre East Precinct (Republic Phase 2 & Future), Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara), and New Northside Hospital, with the following list detailing those most likely to be relevant.

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 Scullin are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Scullin's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.1% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.6%. There were 1,533 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 3.6%, which was 0.0 percentage points higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation was 66.0%, compared to the ACT's 69.6%. Leading employment industries among Scullin residents were public administration & safety, education & training, and health care & social assistance.

Education & training had a particularly high share of employment at 1.3 times the regional level, while public administration & safety was lower at 26.3% compared to the regional average of 30.4%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, with a higher resident population than working population. Over the 12 months prior, employment increased by 2.6% and labour force grew by 0.6%, leading to an unemployment rate decrease of 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, the ACT experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a smaller unemployment rate drop of 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov showed ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggested growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Scullin's employment mix estimated local employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Scullin SA2 had a median income of $58,166 and an average income of $72,994 among taxpayers. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $66,077 (median) and $82,921 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Scullin cluster around the 74th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 33.3% of locals (1,015 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 per week, similar to the surrounding region at 34.3%. Economic strength is evident with 30.5% of households earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting high consumer spending. However, high housing costs consume 15.2% of income. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 68th percentile and Scullin's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Scullin is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Scullin, as per the latest Census data, 79.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 20.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Scullin stood at 27.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.6% and rented ones at 33.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, below the ACT average of $2,000. Median weekly rent was $390, compared to the ACT's $430. Nationally, Scullin's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 69.0% of all households, including 32.6% couples with children, 22.9% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.0%, with lone person households at 27.2% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Scullin is notably higher than national averages. As of 2016, 42.5% of residents aged 15 years and above had university qualifications, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees were most prevalent at 24.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.8% and graduate diplomas at 5.0%. Vocational credentials were also common, with 26.5% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas accounted for 9.7% and certificates for 16.8%.

Educational participation was high, with 32.5% of residents enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This included 10.7% 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

The public transport analysis indicates that Scullin has 16 active transport stops in operation. These stops are served by a mix of buses operating along four individual routes. The total number of weekly passenger trips across these routes is 952.

The accessibility of transport in Scullin is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 177 metres from the nearest stop. On average, service frequency across all routes is 136 trips per day, which equates to approximately 59 weekly trips per individual stop.

Scullin's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Scullin's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with common health conditions among its residents somewhat typical of the general population but higher than the national average for older cohorts.

Approximately 56% (~1,707 people) of Scullin's total population has private health cover, which is very high compared to other areas. The most prevalent medical conditions in Scullin are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 10.2% and 9.2% of residents respectively. About 68.5% of residents declare themselves completely free from medical ailments, similar to the 68.1% reported across the Australian Capital Territory. Scullin has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 13.5% (412 people), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 15.3%. However, health outcomes among seniors in Scullin present some challenges that require more attention than those for the broader population.

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

Scullin's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 27.1% born overseas and 24.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Scullin, accounting for 37.1%. Notably, Islam was overrepresented at 4.0%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 3.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (23.8%), English (23.3%), and Other (13.8%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Polish was higher at 1.1% in Scullin versus 0.8% regionally, Spanish at 0.7% versus 0.5%, and Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.3%.

Scullin's population is younger than the national pattern

Scullin's median age is 35, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure but slightly below Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Scullin has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.2%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (11.4%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the 5-14 age group has increased from 13.1% to 14.2%, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 12.6% to 11.2% and the 65-74 age group has dropped from 7.8% to 6.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Scullin. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 51%, adding 27 residents to reach a total of 82. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 88% of the population growth. Conversely, the 55-64 and 75-84 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.