Spence
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Spence's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 2,521, a decrease of 66 people from the 2021 Census figure of 2,587. This change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population data for June 2024 and two validated new addresses since the Census date. The resulting population density is around 1,658 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 58.8% of overall population gains in recent periods. Population projections indicate a decline of 280 persons by 2041, with an increase expected in the 85 and over age group by 24 people during this period.

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. Looking at population projections moving forward, Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 280 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 24 people. <i>See the age section for more details.</i>

The level of residential development activity in Spence is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Spence has averaged approximately three new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, showing 17 homes over the past five financial years from FY-20 to FY-25, with none so far in FY-26. Despite population decline in recent years, development activity has been adequate relative to demand, maintaining market balance and buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost of $209,000, which is below regional levels, offering more affordable housing options for buyers. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Spence shows significantly reduced construction, with 86.0% fewer approvals per person than the regional average. Recent construction comprises 50.0% detached dwellings and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the area's existing housing, which is currently 92.0% houses. This change indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects evolving lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. With around 1690 people per dwelling approval, Spence reflects a highly mature market. Given the expected stable or declining population, Spence should see reduced pressure on housing in the future, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

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

Spence has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

No factors impact an area's performance more than local infrastructure changes. AreaSearch has identified zero projects likely affecting this region. Key initiatives include Gold Creek Country Club Build-to-Rent (Gold Creek Golf Club Redevelopment), New Northside Hospital, Deakin Private Hospital, and Enhanced bus and light rail corridors (Belconnen & Queanbeyan to Central Canberra). The following list details those most relevant:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment conditions in Spence remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Spence has an educated workforce with key sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 4.6% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 3.0%.

As of June 2025, 1,359 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, slightly above the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation is lower at 65.8% compared to ACT's 69.6%. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Spence shows strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, public administration & safety has lower representation at 25.6% compared to the regional average of 30.4%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.0%, labour force by 1.6%, reducing unemployment by 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, ACT saw employment growth of 1.9% and a smaller reduction in unemployment rate. As of Sep-25, ACT employment contracted by 0.33%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National comparisons show ACT lagging behind national employment growth of 0.26% and having a slightly lower unemployment rate than the national average of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Spence's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Spence's median income among taxpayers was $66,021 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $74,628 during the same period. These figures compare to national averages of $68,678 and $83,634 respectively for the Australian Capital Territory. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78%, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $73,138 and an average income of $82,673 as of March 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes in Spence rank between the 86th and 87th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that 32.6% of residents (821 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly income bracket, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region at 34.3%. Notably, 36.0% of Spence's residents earn above $3,000 weekly. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Spence, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.5% houses and 7.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Spence was 33.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.1% and rented ones at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Spence was $2,120, while the median weekly rent figure was $375. Nationally, Spence's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents comparable to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 75.6% of all households, including 35.6% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.4%, with lone person households at 21.1% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 34.6%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.3%). Vocational credentials are held by 31.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (20.2%) being the most prevalent. Educational participation is high, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.1% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education. Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access them in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis in Spence shows 27 active public transport stops operating. These are a mix of bus stops serviced by four routes. Together, they facilitate 1,232 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically within 150 meters of the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 176 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 45 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Spence is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Spence faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~1,424 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.9 and 9.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 63.0% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (458 people), which is higher than the 15.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Spence ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Spence's population was found to have low cultural diversity, with 83.3% born in Australia, 93.5% being citizens, and 88.5% speaking English only at home as of the latest data from 2016. Christianity was the predominant religion in Spence, accounting for 47.5% of its population. Notably, Buddhism was overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, with 1.5% versus 3.0%.

The top three ancestral groups were Australian (28.5%), English (26.7%), and Irish (10.2%). Significant differences were observed in the representation of certain ethnicities: Scottish at 8.9% compared to 7.4%, Welsh at 0.7% versus 0.6%, and Spanish at 0.6% against 0.5%.

Spence's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Spence's median age is 38 years, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Spence has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (7.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.1% to 7.3%, while the 15-24 age group has grown from 12.2% to 14.2%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group has decreased from 11.6% to 9.4%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 14.0% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Spence's age profile. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 55%, adding 20 residents to reach 59. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 76% of population growth, indicating prominent demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are expected to experience population declines.