Strathnairn
Statistical Area - sa2

Strathnairn lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Strathnairn's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 1,984 as of Aug 2025. This figure represents a significant increase from the 714 people reported in the 2021 Census, marking a rise of 1,270 individuals (177.9%). The change can be attributed to an estimated resident population of 1,915 from the ABS as of June 2024 and the validation of 160 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 472 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person and potential for further development. Strathnairn's growth rate surpassed that of its SA3 area (2.4%) and the state, positioning it as a leader in regional population growth since the 2021 Census. Interstate migration was the primary driver behind this growth, contributing approximately 90.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, although natural growth and overseas migration also played positive roles.

AreaSearch's projections for Strathnairn are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data from 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, using 2022 as a base, are adopted. Future population trends predict exceptional growth for Strathnairn, placing it in the top 10 percent of Australian statistical areas. By 2041, based on the latest population numbers, the area is expected to expand by 3,896 persons, resulting in a total gain of 192.9% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Strathnairn was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Strathnairn has recorded approximately 101 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data from the ABS shows 509 dwellings approved over the past five financial years, from FY20 to FY25, with a further five approved in FY26. On average, 2.3 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $326,000. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Strathnairn records significantly more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice. This level is well above the national average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity shows 63% standalone homes and 37% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options to create a mix of opportunities across price brackets. This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 84% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The location has approximately 79 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections show Strathnairn adding 3,827 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Strathnairn has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. One major project is anticipated to affect this region: Territory Battery. Other notable projects include Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre Upgrades, Parkwood Urban Release, and New Northside Hospital. The following projects are expected to have the most significant influence on the area.

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

The employment environment in Strathnairn shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Strathnairn has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.0%. In comparison to Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Strathnairn had an unemployment rate 0.3% lower, at 3.4%, and a workforce participation rate of 83.2% compared to ACT's 69.6%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and professional & technical services. Health care & social assistance is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level, while public administration & safety has limited presence at 20.1% compared to the regional 30.4%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 3.0%, labour force increased by 1.6%, and unemployment fell by 1.4 percentage points. By comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9%, labour force growth of 1.6%, with unemployment falling 0.3 percentage points. As of Sep-25, ACT employment had contracted by 0.33% (losing 1,480 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National unemployment was 4.5%, and national employment growth was 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Strathnairn's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, assuming constant population ratios for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending 30 June 2022 indicates Strathnairn had a median income among taxpayers of $72,536 and an average income of $81,992. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to the ACT's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% from financial year ending 30 June 2022 to March 2025, estimated incomes for Strathnairn would be approximately $80,355 (median) and $90,831 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Strathnairn rank highly nationally, between the 93rd and 93rd percentiles. Income distribution reveals that 50.2% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, reflecting regional patterns where 34.3% fall within this range. Strathnairn's affluence is evident with 41.0% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consume 17.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 91st percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Strathnairn is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Strathnairn, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.6% houses and 16.4% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This differs from the Australian Capital Territory's composition of 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. In Strathnairn, home ownership stood at 8.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 86.4% and rented ones at 5.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,191, surpassing the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,000. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $515, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $430. Nationally, Strathnairn's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Strathnairn features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 78.2% of all households, including 43.1% couples with children, 27.6% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 21.8%, with lone person households at 18.4% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Educational achievement in Strathnairn places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Strathnairn has a notably high level of educational attainment. 52.0% of its residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA3 area average of 43.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 21.0%, and graduate diplomas at 3.7%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 28.6% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (14.1%) and certificates (14.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 34.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in tertiary education, 10.0% in primary education, and 4.8% pursuing secondary education. Strathnairn School, established on 1st January 2000, is the sole educational institution within Strathnairn, focusing exclusively on primary education. It had an enrollment of 0 students as of 31st December 2021. Secondary educational options are available in surrounding areas, with no schools located within Strathnairn.

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

Strathnairn has five active public transport stops operating currently. These are all bus stops, served by a single route in total. This route facilitates 209 weekly passenger trips collectively.

The accessibility of these services is rated good, with residents located an average of 292 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 29 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 41 weekly trips per individual stop.

Strathnairn's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Strathnairn, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (1,206 people), compared to 57.1% in Australian Capital Territory and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 7.7% and 5.4% of residents respectively.

A total of 81.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 3.2% of residents aged 65 and over (62 people), which is lower than the 15.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Strathnairn is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Strathnairn has a population where 55.8% speak languages other than English at home, with 51.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 38.3%. Notably, 9.6% identify as 'Other', significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 1.3%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is highest at 31.3%, compared to a regional average of 12.0%. 'Australian' and 'English' are underrepresented at 16.2% and 14.1% respectively. Certain ethnic groups show significant deviations: Sri Lankan at 2.3%, Russian at 1.1%, and Filipino at 4.8%, all higher than regional averages.

Strathnairn hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Strathnairn has a median age of 31, which is younger than the Australian Capital Territory's figure of 35 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Strathnairn has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (27.5%), but fewer residents aged 55-64 (4.1%). This 25-34 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the age group of 5 to 14 has grown from 13.0% to 17.1% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort increased from 7.9% to 9.5%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 21.8% to 19.3%, and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 11.6% to 9.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Strathnairn's age structure, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to grow exceptionally, expanding by 902 people (165%) from 545 to 1,448.