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 3,090 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 21 people (0.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,069 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,039 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,160 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Scullin's 0.7% growth since the census positions it within 2.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 56.4% 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. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce 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 increase by 36 people. See the age section for more details.

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 averaged around 6 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 34 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of only 0.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $217,000. Additionally, $537,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Scullin has significantly less development activity (61.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This level is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% medium and high-density housing. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 80.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 1691 people per dwelling approval, Scullin reflects a highly mature market.

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

Scullin has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth 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 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 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.

Scullin shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Scullin possesses a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 7.0%, and 2.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,538 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 3.1% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (69.9% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.7% 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, education & training, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. In contrast, public administration & safety employs just 26.3% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's 30.4%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.5% while the labour force increased by 0.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.5 percentage points. By comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.9%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Scullin. 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 Scullin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Scullin SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $61,632 with the average level standing at $75,815. 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 $67,339 (median) and $82,835 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Scullin cluster around the 74th percentile nationally. The data shows 33.3% of the population (1,028 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 34.3% in the same category. The substantial proportion of high earners (30.5% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout this suburb. High housing costs consume 15.2% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 68th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Scullin, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 79.9% houses and 20.0% 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 Scullin was in line with that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 27.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (39.6%) or rented (33.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Australian Capital Territory average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $390, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Scullin's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 69.0% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is 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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 42.5% 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 24.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.8%) and graduate diplomas (5.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 26.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (16.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 6.8% pursuing tertiary 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 Scullin, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 54 individual routes, collectively providing 2,965 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 178 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 87%, with 7% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. A relatively low 11.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 423 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 197 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Scullin are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Scullin, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical, though higher than the national average among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,748 people), compared to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.2% and 9.2% of residents, respectively, while 68.5% 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 (420 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than 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 was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 27.1% of its population born overseas and 24.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Scullin is Christianity, which makes up 37.1% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 4.0% of the population, compared to 3.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Scullin are Australian, comprising 23.8% of the population, English, comprising 23.3% of the population, and Other, comprising 13.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Scullin (vs 0.8% regionally), Spanish at 0.7% (vs 0.5%) and Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.3%).

Scullin's population is younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 35, Scullin is equal to the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 but is modestly under Australia's 38 years. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Scullin has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (14.5%) but fewer 15 - 24 year-olds (11.4%). Since the 2021 Census, the 5 to 14 age group has grown from 13.1% to 14.5% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 10.9% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 7.8% to 6.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Scullin. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 61%, adding 31 residents to reach 82. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 100% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, the 55 to 64 and 45 to 54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.