Watson
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Watson's population, as of August 2025, stands at approximately 7,387 people. This figure represents an increase of 660 individuals, marking a 9.8% growth since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,727. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,169 in June 2024 and an additional 245 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,012 persons per square kilometer, surpassing the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Watson's growth rate of 9.8% since the 2021 census exceeds both the state's (5.7%) and SA4 region's averages, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are used, also with 2022 as a base year. Looking ahead, significant population increase is forecast for Watson in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by approximately 2,400 persons, marking a total increase of 29.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Watson among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Watson has experienced approximately 88 dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces this data on a financial year basis, with 441 homes approved over the past five years (between FY21 and FY25), and three so far in FY26. Each new dwelling constructed over these five years has accommodated an average of 1.9 new residents annually. This balance between supply and demand creates stable market conditions, with new dwellings developed at an average expected construction cost value of $367,000.

In the current financial year, $1.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Watson exhibits comparable building activity per capita, supporting market stability consistent with regional trends and significantly above the national average, suggesting robust developer interest in the area. New building activity comprises 15% standalone homes and 85% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from current housing patterns (58% houses), potentially due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences towards higher-density living that caters to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With approximately 200 people per dwelling approval, Watson exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Projections indicate Watson is expected to grow by 2,182 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Looking ahead, Watson is expected to grow by 2,182 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Watson has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects expected to impact this region. Notable initiatives include Watson Section 76 North Housing Development, Watson Light Rail Extension, Watson Gasworks Arts Precinct, and Watson Shops Redevelopment. The following list details those most likely to be relevant:.

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

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

Watson has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 3.0%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%.

In June 2025, 4,354 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% below the ACT rate and workforce participation at 75.2%, exceeding the ACT average of 69.6%. Leading employment industries include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, education & training shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, construction has limited presence with 4.4% employment compared to the regional average of 6.8%.

Analysis of SALM and ABS data from Jun-25 to Jul-25 indicates employment increased by 2.2%, while labour force grew by 1.6%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. In comparison, ACT saw employment growth of 1.9% and a 0.3 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate over the same period. State-level data up to Sep-25 shows ACT employment contracted by 0.33%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National unemployment rate was 4.5% during this period, with national employment growth at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Watson's industry mix suggests local employment growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch reports median taxpayer income in Watson was $76,160 and average income was $94,148 in financial year 2022. Nationally, these figures were $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. By March 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.78%, median income is estimated at $84,370 and average income at $104,297. Watson's incomes ranked between the 88th to 96th percentiles nationally in Census 2021 data. The largest income bracket comprised 34.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly. High-income households (39.3%) likely boost consumer spending. Housing costs accounted for 14.7% of income, with residents ranking at the 89th percentile for disposable income and Watson's SEIFA income ranking in the 9th decile.

Watson displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Watson, as assessed at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, consisted of 58.1% houses and 41.9% other dwellings including semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' types. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Watson stood at 22.9%, similar to the Australian Capital Territory figure, with mortgaged dwellings making up 43.4% and rented dwellings comprising 33.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Watson was $2,067, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in Watson was recorded at $437, compared to the Australian Capital Territory figure of $476. Nationally, Watson's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Watson features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 66.2% of all households, including 29.6% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.8%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 6.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.2.

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

Watson's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 59.4% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 30.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.5%) and graduate diplomas (6.7%). Vocational pathways account for 18.3%, with advanced diplomas at 8.2% and certificates at 10.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 9.8% in tertiary education, and 6.7% pursuing secondary education. Majura Primary School and Rosary Primary School serve Watson, collectively educating 1,099 students. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Watson demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, as indicated by its ICSEA score of 1124.

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

Analysis shows 40 active transport stops operating within Watson. These are served by buses via 18 different routes, collectively providing 777 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 205 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 111 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Watson's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Watson. Both young and old age cohorts saw low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 68% of the total population (5,037 people), compared to 65.3% across Australian Capital Territory.

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma were the most common medical conditions in Watson, impacting 10.8 and 9.0% of residents respectively. In total, 71.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.8% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 10.3% of residents aged 65 and over (760 people), lower than the 11.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Watson was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Watson's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 27.0% born overseas and 20.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Watson, comprising 30.2% of its population. However, Judaism was notably overrepresented at 0.5%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 0.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.4%), Australian (23.9%), and Other (11.8%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Polish (0.9% vs regional 0.9%), Croatian (0.8% vs regional 0.7%), and Vietnamese (1.1% vs regional 1.0%).

Watson hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Watson has a median age of 34 years, comparable to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 and lower than the national average of 38. It has a higher concentration of 35-44 year-olds at 19.9%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average and significantly higher than the national average of 14.2%. However, it has fewer 15-24 year-olds at 10.8% compared to the Australian Capital Territory. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group grew from 18.5% to 19.9%, while the 25-34 cohort declined from 18.9% to 16.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Watson's age profile will change significantly. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 43%, adding 429 residents to reach a total of 1,422.