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 was approximately 7,387 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 660 people from the 2021 Census total of 6,727, marking a growth rate of 9.8%. The change is inferred from ABS estimates showing a population of 7,169 in June 2024, combined with validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,012 persons per square kilometer, exceeding average national levels assessed by AreaSearch. Watson's growth rate surpassed both state (5.9%) and SA4 region averages, indicating its status as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.7% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also using 2022 as the base year. Future population projections indicate significant growth for Watson, with an expected increase of 2,400 persons to reach a total of approximately 9,787 by 2041, representing a rise 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 seen approximately 88 dwellings granted development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25441 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved so far in FY26. On average, 1.9 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these years, indicating a balanced supply and demand dynamic that supports stable market conditions.

The average expected construction cost of new homes was $207,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options. In FY26, $1.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus in Watson's development activity compared to the Australian Capital Territory. Despite this, Watson shows comparable building activity per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns and indicating robust developer interest in the area. New building activity in Watson consists of 15.0% standalone homes and 85.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 58.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, potentially responding to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. With around 200 people moving in per dwelling approval, Watson exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

By 2041, Watson is projected to grow by approximately 2,182 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones are The Establishment Watson, Watson Section 76 North Housing Development, Watson Place Precinct Redevelopment, and Watson Light Rail Extension. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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

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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 was 3.0% as of June 2025, which is below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%.

The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the past year. As of June 2025, 4,354 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate of 75.2%, higher than ACT's 69.6%. Leading industries for Watson residents include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and education & training. Education & training shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

However, construction has limited presence at 4.4% compared to the regional average of 6.8%. The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, Watson's employment increased by 2.2%, while the labour force grew by 1.6%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, ACT saw employment growth of 1.9%, labour force expansion of 1.6%, and a reduction in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. 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 for the country as a whole. Applying these projections to Watson's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended 30 June 2022, Watson had a median income among taxpayers of $76,160 and an average income of $94,148. These figures are exceptionally high nationally compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% from financial year ended 2022 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $86,518 (median) and $106,952 (average). Census data for 2021 shows Watson's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 88th and 96th percentiles. The largest income bracket in Watson comprises 34.9% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (2,578 residents), similar to broader trends across regional levels showing 34.3% in the same category. Economic strength is evident with 39.3% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income, while strong earnings rank residents within the 89th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

In Watson, as per the latest Census evaluation, 58.1% of dwellings were houses while 41.9% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This differs from the Australian Capital Territory's distribution of 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Watson stood at 22.9%, aligning with the ACT average. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 43.4% and rented dwellings made up 33.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Watson was $2,067, lower than the ACT average of $2,080 but higher than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Watson was $437, compared to $476 in the ACT and a national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 33.8%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households making up 6.2%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is 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

In Watson, a significant proportion of residents aged 15 years and above have university qualifications. Specifically, 59.4% hold such qualifications, compared to the broader national figure of 30.4% and the SA4 region's average of 46.8%. This higher educational attainment is predominantly composed of bachelor degrees (30.2%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.5%) and graduate diplomas (6.7%). Vocational pathways account for a notable portion, with advanced diplomas at 8.2% and certificates at 10.1%.

Educational participation in Watson is high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.5%), tertiary education (9.8%), and secondary education (6.7%). The area's educational provision consists of Majura Primary School and Rosary Primary School, serving a total of 1,099 students. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. 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

Watson has 40 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 18 different routes that together facilitate 777 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility in Watson is considered good, with residents generally located 205 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 111 daily trips across all routes, which equates 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 indicates strong performance across Watson, with both young and elderly cohorts experiencing low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 68% of Watson's total population (5037 people) has private health cover, compared to 65.3% in Australian Capital Territory and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.8% and 9.0% of residents respectively.

71.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 70.8% in Australian Capital Territory. Watson 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, mirroring 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, born overseas, was 27.0%. Speaking languages other than English at home was 20.4%. Christianity dominated Watson's religious landscape with 30.2%.

Judaism, however, showed overrepresentation at 0.5%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 0.5%. Top ancestral groups were English (24.4%), Australian (23.9%), and Other (11.8%). Notable ethnic group divergences included Polish at 0.9% (regional: 0.9%), Croatian at 0.8% (regional: 0.7%), and Vietnamese at 1.1% (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 average of 35 and significantly lower than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Watson has a higher proportion of 35-44 year-olds at 19.9%, but fewer 15-24 year-olds at 10.8%. This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of 35-44 year-olds has increased from 18.5% to 19.9%, while the proportion of 25-34 year-olds has decreased from 18.9% to 16.9%. Demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Watson's age profile by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 45-54 cohort at 43%, adding 429 residents to reach a total of 1,422.