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 was 3,808 as of the 2021 Census. By June 2024, it had increased to 4,374, a rise of 566 people, or 14.9%. This growth is attributed to an estimated resident population increase and 253 validated new addresses since the Census date. As of Nov 2025, Wright's population is approximately 4,374, reflecting a density ratio of 3,444 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Wright's growth of 14.9% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the state's 5.9% and its SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 44.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch projections for Wright, based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year, indicate a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas by 2041. The area is expected to expand by 315 persons over these years, representing a total increase of 7.2%.

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. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 278 homes were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26. Each year, an average of 3.3 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built during this period.

This indicates that demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $66,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, $10.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Wright shows substantially reduced construction levels, at 82.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The level of new building activity is substantially higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. Currently, new building activity comprises approximately 12.0% detached dwellings and 88.0% townhouses or apartments.

This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 40.0% houses. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Wright reflects a transitioning market, with approximately 297 people per approval. Future projections show 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 significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A total of zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to impact the area. Key projects include Molonglo River Bridge and John Gorton Drive Extension, Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Molonglo Town Centre, and Denman Apartments, with the following list outlining those most relevant.

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

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

Wright's workforce is highly educated with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% as of June 2025, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) 3.4%.

Employment grew by an estimated 1.7% in the year to June 2025. Workforce participation in Wright was 82.2%, higher than ACT's 69.6%. Key employment sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Health care & social assistance is notably concentrated with levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Construction has limited presence at 4.6% compared to the regional 6.8%. The area's predominantly residential nature suggests limited local employment opportunities. Over June 2024 to June 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, labour force by 1.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. ACT saw employment growth of 1.9% and a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project industry-specific growth patterns for Wright. Over five years, total employment is forecast to increase by approximately 7.0%, and over ten years, by around 14.3%.

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. This compares to figures for Australian Capital Territory of $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on a 13.6% growth since financial year 2022 would be approximately $92,976 (median) and $110,609 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Wright rank highly nationally, between the 92nd and 97th percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 39.7% of the population, equating to 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, but 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 dwelling structure in Wright, as per the latest Census, consisted of 39.6% houses and 60.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's 40.9% houses and 59.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wright stood at 8.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 59.3% and rented dwellings at 32.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,099. The median weekly rent was $461, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $472. Nationally, Wright's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 than the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were substantially higher at $461 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 67.0% of all households, including 32.5% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.0%, with lone person households at 26.9% and group households comprising 6.0%. 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

Educational attainment in Wright is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. 58.6% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% in the SA4 region. This positions the area well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 34.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%).

Vocational pathways account for 21.1% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 11.6%. Educational participation is high, with 33.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 9.6% in tertiary education, and 5.3% pursuing secondary education. Stromlo Forest Anglican College provides local educational services within Wright, but it has no students enrolled as of the latest data. All schools offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. As there are no schools located within Wright, residents must travel to neighboring areas for educational services. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus details.

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

The analysis of public transport in Wright shows that there are eight active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of bus services. Two individual routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 677 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 240 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to 96 trips per day, equating to around 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 demonstrates excellent health outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 70% of Wright's total population of 3,053 residents have private health cover, significantly higher than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.0% and 7.6% of residents respectively. A majority, 76.9%, report being completely free from medical ailments, slightly lower than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 80.0%. Wright has a senior population of 4.3% (185 people), with seniors enjoying strong health outcomes that 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 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 predominant religion in Wright, comprising 33.5% of people. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to the regional average, making up 12.0% of the population versus 12.7%.

The top three ancestry groups in Wright are Australian (20.7%), Other (18.5%), and English (17.7%). Notably, Indian, Hungarian, and Sri Lankan ethnicities have higher representation in Wright compared to regional averages: Indian 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 modestly below the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 years and significantly lower than the national median of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Wright has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (22.7%), but fewer residents aged 65-74 (2.9%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.2%. Between 2021 and present, demographic aging has occurred with the median age increasing from 32 years to 33 years. During this period, the 45-54 age group grew from 10.1% to 11.6%, while the 55-64 cohort increased from 6.2% to 7.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group declined from 26.6% to 22.1%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are projected for Wright. The 45-54 age cohort is expected to grow by 178 people (35%), increasing from 508 to 687. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 35-44 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.