Wright
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Wright's population is 4,374 as of August 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This represents an increase of 566 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,808. The growth is inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 4,374 in June 2024 and 253 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,444 persons per square kilometer, placing Wright in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wright's growth rate of 14.9% since the 2021 census exceeds both the state (5.7%) and SA4 region averages. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 44.3% of overall gains, although all drivers were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as a base. Based on projected demographic shifts, Wright is expected to increase by just below the median of national statistical areas, with an anticipated expansion of 315 persons to reach approximately 4,689 by 2041, representing a total increase of 7.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Wright has averaged approximately 55 new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, indicating 278 homes over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 3.3 people have moved to the area per dwelling built annually over these five years. This significant demand exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $292,000. In FY-26, $10.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity compared to the Australian Capital Territory. Wright shows reduced construction levels, 82.0% below the regional average per person, which strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This level is substantially higher than nationally, indicating strong developer confidence in the location. New building activity comprises 12.0% detached dwellings and 88.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 40.0% houses. Wright reflects a transitioning market with approximately 297 people per approval. Future projections indicate Wright adding 315 residents by 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.

Wright has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Significant projects include Molonglo River Bridge and John Gorton Drive Extension, Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Denman Apartments, and S73 Denman Prospect. Below is a list of those likely to be most relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Wright demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Wright has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7%.

As of June 2025, 2860 residents are employed and the unemployment rate is 1.3% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation in Wright is higher at 82.2%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Notably, health care & social assistance has employment levels that are 1.5 times the regional average, while construction has limited presence at 4.6%, compared to the regional average of 6.8%.

Over the year to June 2025, employment in Wright increased by 1.7% and labour force increased by 1.6%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, ACT experienced employment growth of 1.9% with a drop of 0.3 percentage points in unemployment rate. State-level data from Sep-25 shows ACT's employment contracted by 0.33%, losing 1480 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.5% and employment growth is 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wright's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

Wright's median income among taxpayers was $81,845 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $97,367 during the same period. These figures compare to those for the Australian Capital Territory, which had a median income of $68,678 and an average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest Wright's median income is approximately $90,668 and the average income is around $107,863 as of March 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes in Wright rank between the 92nd and 97th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that 39.7% of Wright's population (1,736 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which aligns with the broader area where this cohort represents 34.3%. Economic strength is evident through 42.2% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 16.2% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 91st percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Wright features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census evaluation showed that dwelling structures in Wright comprised 39.6% houses and 60.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 40.9% houses and 59.2% other dwellings. Home ownership within Wright was at 8.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (59.3%) or rented (32.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Wright was $1,950, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,099. The median weekly rent figure in Wright was recorded at $461, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $472. Nationally, Wright's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Wright features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.0% of all households, consisting of 32.5% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.0%, with lone person households at 26.9% and group households making up 6.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.7.

The educational profile of Wright exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

In Wright, 58.6% of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, exceeding national (30.4%) and SA4 regional averages (46.8%). University graduates comprise 34.4%, postgraduate students 19.8%, and graduate diploma holders 4.4%. Vocational pathways account for 21.1%, with advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 11.6%. Educational participation is high, with 33.2% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (10.5%), tertiary (9.6%), secondary (5.3%).

Stromlo Forest Anglican College serves Wright but has no current enrolments. All schools offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. As there are no schools within Wright, residents must access educational services elsewhere.

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

Transport analysis shows eight active stops operating within Wright, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by two routes, together facilitating 677 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents usually located 240 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 96 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 84 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Wright shows exceptional health outcomes with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 70% of its total population of 3,053 people have private health cover, significantly higher than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 9.0% and 7.6% of residents respectively. A total of 76.9% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 80.0% in the Australian Capital Territory. As of 4th August 2021, 4.3% of Wright's population is aged 65 and over, comprising 185 people. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors remain strong and broadly align with those of the general population.

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

Wright has a high cultural diversity, with 39.5% of its population born overseas and 38.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Wright, comprising 33.5% of people. Hinduism, however, is overrepresented at 12.0%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 12.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (20.7%), Other (18.5%), and English (17.7%). There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Indian is overrepresented at 8.5% versus 9.0%, Hungarian at 0.5% versus 0.3%, and Sri Lankan at 0.8% versus 0.9%.

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

Wright's median age is 33 years, which is slightly below the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 years and notably lower than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Wright has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (22.7%), but fewer residents aged 65-74 (2.9%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.2%. Between 2021 and present, demographic aging has been observed with the median age increasing from 32 to 33 years. During this period, the population aged 45 to 54 has grown from 10.1% to 11.6%, while the 55 to 64 age group has increased from 6.2% to 7.7%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 26.6% to 22.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Wright. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow by 178 people (35%), increasing from 508 to 687 residents. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 35-44 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.