Economic Dashboard

ACT

Australian Capital Territory economic indicators, side by side with Australia and ranked against the other states

Updated 19 Sep 2026 2,788 Indicators

Market Overview - September 2026 Economic Summary

ACT State Final Demand reached $84.4bn in Jun-26, up 2.5% over the year.

State Final Demand in the ACT totalled $21.1bn in the Jun-26 quarter and $84.4bn over the year, growing 2.5% YoY. Annual per capita SFD reached $172,308, sitting 74.7% above the national level. However, quarterly SFD growth of 1.1% lagged its 10-year average of 3.7% by 2.6pp, placing ACT annual output growth as the third-slowest of the eight states and territories as momentum moderates. Against the other states, ACT ranks state final demand growth 3rd lowest of 8 states (2026-Jun) and capital city house price growth 3rd lowest of 8 states (2026-Jun).

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The Australian Capital Territory economy this week

5 key points

ACT approvals grew 39.4%, the fastest of the eight states and territories.

The ACT economy shows strong capital intensity but subdued domestic momentum. Annual State Final Demand reached $84.4bn with per capita output of $172,308 sitting 74.7% above Australia, yet its 2.5% growth was the third-slowest of the eight states and territories. Dwelling approvals rose 39.4%, the fastest of the eight states and territories, while housing finance gained 13.1%. However, per capita spending grew 4.0%, the slowest of the eight states and territories, as job ads fell 7.7%.

1 Dwelling approvals grew 39.4% over the year to Jul-26, running 30.6pp faster than the national 8.8% pace as the fastest of the eight states and territories.
2 Housing finance commitments rose 13.1% in the year to Jun-26, growing 6.5pp faster than Australia's 6.6% expansion as the third-fastest of the eight states and territories.
3 Household spending per capita grew 4.0% over the year to Jul-26, trailing Australia's 4.9% pace by 0.9pp as the slowest of the eight states and territories.
4 Job advertisements fell 7.7% in the year to Jul-26, growing 6.0pp slower than Australia's 1.7% contraction to sit equal second-slowest of the eight states and territories.
5 Consumer price inflation stood at 3.2% in the year to Jul-26, growing 0.3pp slower than the national 3.5% rate to be equal slowest of the eight states and territories.

GDP & Economic Output

State Final Demand
$84.4bn +2.5%
Australia $2,753.8bn (+3.1%)
ACT as at 2026-Jun
State Final Demand per Capita
$172,308 +1.2%
Australia $98,629 (+1.6%)
ACT as at 2026-Jun
ACT State Final Demand reached $84.4bn in Jun-26, up 2.5% over the year.
State Final Demand in the ACT totalled $21.1bn in the Jun-26 quarter and $84.4bn over the year, growing 2.5% YoY. Annual per capita SFD reached $172,308, sitting 74.7% above the national level. However, quarterly SFD growth of 1.1% lagged its 10-year average of 3.7% by 2.6pp, placing ACT annual output growth as the third-slowest of the eight states and territories as momentum moderates.

State Final Demand in the ACT totalled $21.1bn in the Jun-26 Quarter, with $84.4bn over the rolling year. Annual growth reached 2.5%, while quarterly year-on-year growth slowed to 1.1%. This 1.1% quarterly growth is below the 10-year average of 3.7%, trailing the historical benchmark by 2.6pp. Growth has decelerated from earlier quarters, reflecting a moderating trajectory in overall demand across the territory.
On a per capita basis, State Final Demand stood at $172,308 per person annually as at Jun-26, alongside $43,031 in the quarter. Annual per capita SFD grew 1.2%, while headline SFD grew 2.5%. Per capita levels remain elevated, with annual output per person sitting 8.2% above its 10-year average of $159,228, and quarterly per capita output 6.7% above the $40,341 average. While living standards by output per resident remain high, per capita gains have moderated alongside broader territory growth.
Across the nation, ACT State Final Demand is growing 0.6pp slower than Australia, which expanded 3.1% to $2,753.8bn. ACT's 2.5% growth ranks the third-slowest of the eight states and territories, ahead of the Northern Territory (-1.9%) but behind South Australia (+3.7%). On per capita output, the ACT's $172,308 sits 74.7% above the national average of $98,629, though its 1.2% per capita growth was the third-slowest of the eight states and territories, trailing Australia's 1.6% by 0.4pp.
ACT against the other states
6 State Final Demand growth — 3rd lowest of 8 states at 2.5% (2026-Jun) small base
6 State Final Demand per Capita growth — 3rd lowest of 8 states at 1.2% (2026-Jun) small base
States are compared on State Final Demand. GDP by state is not published - national GDP is on the Australia page.
ACT State Final Demand annual growth
+2.5% (Jun-26)
vs Australia 3.1% (growing 0.6pp slower than Australia); the third-slowest of the eight states and territories
Rising
ACT State Final Demand per capita
$172,308 (Jun-26)
vs Australia $98,629 (74.7% above Australia; $172,308 vs 10yr avg $159,228, +8.2%)
Rising
ACT State Final Demand per capita growth
+1.2% (Jun-26)
vs Australia 1.6% (growing 0.4pp slower than Australia); the third-slowest of the eight states and territories
Rising
ACT State Final Demand quarterly growth
+1.1% (Jun-26)
growth +1.1% vs 10yr avg +3.7% (-2.6pp below average)
Falling

Population & Migration

Population
489,668 +1.3%
Australia 27,921,150 (+1.4%)
ACT as at 2026-Mar
Net Overseas Migration
4,816 +17.8%
Australia 292,137 (-5.6%)
ACT as at 2026-Mar
Net Interstate Migration
-1,401 -434 people
ACT as at 2026-Mar
ACT population grew 1.3% to 489.7k in Mar-26 as overseas arrivals drove gains.
The ACT population reached 489.7k residents in Mar-26, expanding 1.3% over the year. Growth was driven by net overseas migration of 4.8k persons, up 17.8% YoY, outperforming its 10-year average of 3.7% by 14.1pp. In contrast, net interstate migration fell to -1.4k persons (-200.9% vs average). Population growth sits mid-pack among the eight states and territories as expansion stabilises.

The Australian Capital Territory's population reached 0.5 million (489,668 persons) as at Mar-26, representing an annual increase of 1.3%. This 1.3% growth rate reflects steady demographic expansion, matching broader territorial trends. Population growth has settled into a steady trajectory following recent volatility, with inward migration flows establishing a consistent foundation for territorial headcounts.
Growth across the ACT comprises three distinct components. Net overseas migration contributed 4,816 persons (4.8k) over the year to Mar-26, jumping 17.8% YoY to stand 14.1pp above its 10-year average of 3.7%, serving as the primary demographic driver. Natural increase contributed 2.8k persons, easing 1.6% YoY. Conversely, net interstate migration recorded a net loss of 1,401 persons (-1.4k), down 434 people over the year and sitting 200.9% below its historical 10-year average gain of 1.4k.
Nationally, the ACT's 1.3% population growth is growing 0.1pp slower than Australia's 1.4% (27,921,150 persons), placing the territory mid-pack among the eight states and territories (behind Western Australia at +2.1%, ahead of Tasmania at +0.6%). However, ACT net overseas migration grew 23.4pp faster than Australia's -5.6% drop. On interstate movements, the ACT lost 2.9 residents per 1,000 people, the second-lowest of the eight states and territories (WA highest at 3.3, NT lowest at -5.9).
ACT against the other states
5 Population growth — 5th of 8 states at 1.3% (2026-Mar) small base
7 Net Interstate Migration per 1,000 People — 2nd lowest of 8 states at -2.9 per 1,000 (2026-Mar) small base
Net interstate migration is ranked per 1,000 residents so it is not simply a ranking of state size. Australia-wide it nets to zero.
ACT population growth
+1.3% (Mar-26)
vs Australia 1.4% (growing 0.1pp slower than Australia); mid-pack among the eight states and territories
Rising
ACT net overseas migration growth
+17.8% (Mar-26)
vs Australia -5.6% (growing 23.4pp faster than Australia); growth +17.8% vs 10yr avg +3.7% (+14.1pp)
Rising
ACT net interstate migration per 1,000 people
-2.9 per 1,000 (Mar-26)
the second-lowest of the eight states and territories (highest: WA 3.3 per 1,000, lowest: NT -5.9 per 1,000)
Falling
ACT net interstate migration
-1.4k (Mar-26)
level of -1.4k vs 10yr avg 1.4k (-200.9% below average; -434 people YoY)
Falling

Development Activity

Dwelling Approvals (rolling year)
4,166 +39.4%
Australia 206,298 (+8.8%)
ACT as at 2026-Jul
Dwelling Approvals per 1,000 People
8.5 per 1,000 +37.1%
Australia 7.4 per 1,000 (+7.2%)
ACT as at 2026-Jul
ACT dwelling approvals rose 39.4% in Jul-26, 30.6pp faster than Australia.
Residential pipeline activity in the ACT diverged across stages. Annual dwelling approvals reached 4.2k in Jul-26, up 39.4% YoY to rank the fastest of the eight states and territories. Dwelling commencements rose 95.4% to 4.9k, running 95.9pp above average. In contrast, completions contracted 1.4% to 4.2k, pointing to delivery bottlenecks as construction works progress through the pipeline.

A total of 4,166 dwellings (4.2k) were approved in the ACT in the year to Jul-26. While approvals per 1,000 residents stood at 8.5, an underlying level of 8 approvals per 1,000 people sits 23.1% below the 10-year average of 11. Nonetheless, annual approvals expanded 39.4% over the year, indicating that planning activity has troughed and entered a sharp recovery phase. The recent influx of planning consents demonstrates renewed momentum in project initiation across the territory.
The construction pipeline reveals varied progress across its three main phases. Dwelling approvals reached 4.2k (+39.4% YoY), supported by attached dwelling approvals growing 46.7% vs their 10-year average of -1.2% (+47.9pp). Commencements rose to 4.9k, up 95.4% YoY to outpace their 10-year average of -0.5% by 95.9pp. Conversely, completions fell 1.4% to 4.2k (8 per 1,000 vs avg 10, down 16.0%), while completed other dwellings fell 0.4%, exposing a conversion bottleneck from commencements into completions.
ACT dwelling approvals grew 39.4% YoY, running 30.6pp faster than Australia's 8.8% to rank the fastest of the eight states and territories (NT +24.6%, VIC -0.6%). On per capita density, the ACT approved 8.5 dwellings per 1,000 people (1.1pp above Australia's 7.4), ranking the highest of the eight states and territories (QLD 8.4, NT 3.3). Non-residential approvals saw total commercial building value rise 117.8% (office +159.3%, retail +91.6%), while industrial building value contracted 50.5%.
ACT against the other states
1 Dwelling Approvals (rolling year) growth — Highest of 8 states at 39.4% (2026-Jul) small base
1 Dwelling Approvals per 1,000 People — Highest of 8 states at 8.5 per 1,000 (2026-Jul) small base
ACT dwelling approvals growth
+39.4% (Jul-26)
vs Australia 8.8% (growing 30.6pp faster than Australia); the fastest of the eight states and territories
Rising
ACT dwelling approvals per 1,000 people
8.5 per 1,000 (Jul-26)
vs Australia 7.4 per 1,000 (1.1pp above Australia; growing 29.9pp faster than Australia); the highest of the eight states and territories
Rising
ACT dwelling commencements growth
+95.4% (Mar-26)
growth +95.4% vs 10yr avg -0.5% (+95.9pp above average)
Rising
ACT total commercial building value growth
+117.8% (Jul-26)
growth +117.8% vs 10yr avg +13.6% (+104.2pp above average; office +159.3%)
Rising

Housing Market

Capital City House Price
$1.03m +3.0%
Australia $1.09m (+5.5%)
ACT as at 2026-Jun
Regional House Price
$0k
Australia $745k (+8.9%)
ACT as at 2026-Jun
ACT capital city house prices rose 3.0% to $1.03m in Jun-26 as activity lifted.
Capital city house prices in the ACT reached $1.03m in Jun-26, rising 3.0% YoY, below the 5.2% 10-year average. Houses sit at 8.49x income, within the seriously unaffordable range. Sales volumes picked up with house sales up 9.8% and attached sales up 16.0%. Territory price growth grew 2.5pp slower than Australia, ranking the third-slowest of the eight states and territories.

The median house price in the ACT capital city reached $1,030,000 ($1.03m) in Jun-26, up 3.0% over the year. This represents a moderation against the historical pace, falling 2.2pp short of the 10-year average annual growth rate of 5.2%. In the higher-density segment, attached dwellings recorded a median price of $615,000, reflecting a 1.7% increase over the same twelve-month period. Because the territory comprises a single urban jurisdiction, the ACT has no regional housing series.
Capital city houses are priced at 8.49x annual household income in the ACT, positioning the detached market in the seriously unaffordable category. While this multiple is 9.5% below the territory's 10-year average of 9.38x, purchasing a standalone house continues to require elevated capital outlay relative to earnings. Attached dwellings offer an accessible alternative at 5.07x income, sitting 12.6% below the 10-year average of 5.80x and falling into the moderately unaffordable classification.
Transaction activity strengthened across the territory over the year. House sales volumes rose 9.8% YoY, outperforming the 10-year average of 0.8% by 9.0pp, while attached sales volumes rose 16.0% YoY, outpacing their 1.9% average by 14.1pp. In capital value growth, ACT house prices grew 2.5pp slower than Australia's 5.5% ($1.09m), with the territory's median sitting 5.5% below national levels. ACT house price growth ranked the third-slowest of the eight states and territories (NT +21.4%, NSW -2.1%).
ACT against the other states
6 Capital City House Price growth — 3rd lowest of 8 states at 3.0% (2026-Jun) small base
Regional House Price growth — not ranked (latest 2026-Jun); the 7 states compared are at 2026-Jun
ACT capital city house price growth
+3.0% (Jun-26)
vs Australia 5.5% (growing 2.5pp slower than Australia); the third-slowest of the eight states and territories
Rising
ACT capital city house price level
$1.03m (Jun-26)
vs Australia $1.09m (5.5% below Australia; $1,030,000 vs 10yr avg growth 5.2%)
Rising
ACT house price-to-income multiple
8.49x (Jun-26)
8.49 vs 10yr avg 9.38 (-9.5% below average; seriously unaffordable)
Falling
ACT attached dwelling sales volume growth
+16.0% (Jun-26)
growth +16.0% vs 10yr avg +1.9% (+14.1pp above average)
Rising

Housing Finance

Housing Finance Commitments
$2.0bn +13.1%
Australia $99.0bn (+6.6%)
ACT as at 2026-Jun
New-Build Share of Lending
15.6% +3.8pp
Australia 18.2% (+2.1pp)
ACT as at 2026-Jun
ACT housing finance commitments expanded 13.1% to $2.0bn in Jun-26.
Total housing finance commitments in the ACT reached $2.0bn in Jun-26, expanding 13.1% over the year to outpace the 10-year average of 5.3% by 7.8pp. Owner-occupier lending rose 13.3% to $1.5bn, while investor lending climbed 12.5% to $551m. Overall lending grew 6.5pp faster than Australia's 6.6%, ranking ACT the third-fastest of the eight states and territories as credit demand accelerated.

Housing finance commitments totalled $2.0bn in Jun-26 across the ACT, up 13.1% compared to a year ago. This expansion represents an acceleration beyond historical patterns, exceeding the territory's 10-year average growth rate of 5.3% by 7.8pp. Credit commitments have recovered from earlier cyclical lows, supported by heightened buyer interest and stable lending conditions across both owner-occupier and investor categories.
Owner-occupiers accounted for the larger share of territory borrowing, with commitments reaching $1.5bn in Jun-26, up 13.3% YoY. This pace exceeded its 10-year average growth of 5.5% by 7.8pp. Investor lending totalled $551m, rising 12.5% YoY to outpace its 10-year average of 4.8% by 7.7pp. Both segments expanded at comparable rates, with owner-occupiers maintaining the larger footprint in total loan flow while investor activity tracked historical growth averages.
Lending for existing dwellings reached $1.7bn (17.7% above its $1.4bn average). New builds captured 15.6% of purchase lending, below the average since 2019 of 16.7% (-1.11pp) and trailing Australia's 18.2% by 2.6pp to sit mid-pack among the eight states and territories (SA 24.8%, NSW 13.4%). Investor new-build lending reached $141m (+34.9% vs avg $104m) while owner-occupier new-build was $173m (-21.3% vs avg $219m). Total ACT lending grew 13.1%, the third-fastest of the eight states and territories, 6.5pp faster than Australia's 6.6% (fastest: TAS +28.3%, slowest: NSW +1.3%).
ACT against the other states
3 Housing Finance Commitments growth — 3rd highest of 8 states at 13.1% (2026-Jun) small base
5 New-Build Share of Lending — 5th of 8 states at 15.6% (2026-Jun) small base
ACT housing finance commitments growth
+13.1% (Jun-26)
vs Australia 6.6% (growing 6.5pp faster than Australia); the third-fastest of the eight states and territories
Rising
ACT housing finance commitments
$2.0bn (Jun-26)
vs Australia $99.0bn (growth +13.1% vs 10yr avg +5.3%, +7.8pp above average)
Rising
ACT new-build share of lending
15.6% (Jun-26)
vs Australia 18.2% (2.6pp below Australia); mid-pack among the eight states and territories
Rising
ACT investor new-build lending
$141m (Jun-26)
$141m vs 10yr avg $104m (+34.9% above average)
Rising

Employment

Unemployment Rate
4.2% +1.2pp
Australia 4.5% (+0.2pp) · 2026-Jul
ACT as at 2026-Mar
Total Employment
280k +2.3%
Australia 14.81m (+1.3%) · 2026-Jul
ACT as at 2026-Mar
Australian Capital Territory figures for this section are published to 2026-Mar.
The figures above are ACT's own latest, alongside the national series at its later date. Written analysis returns once ACT publishes on the same period as the other states.

ACT against the other states
Unemployment Rate — not ranked (latest 2026-Mar); the 6 states compared are at 2026-Jul
Total Employment growth — not ranked (latest 2026-Mar); the 6 states compared are at 2026-Jul
Not in this comparison: NT (latest 2026-Mar), ACT (latest 2026-Mar).

Job Advertisements

Job Advertisements
13,238 -7.7%
Australia 627,215 (-1.7%)
ACT as at 2026-Jul
ACT job ads fell 7.7% to 13.2k in Jul-26 as recruitment activity slowed.
Job advertisements in the ACT totalled 13.2k (13,238) in Jul-26, contracting 7.7% over the year. This decline was 6.2pp steeper than the 10-year average contraction of -1.5%. Professional ads declined 7.7% to 5.2k, while sales advertisements dropped 19.5% (-17.5pp vs average). ACT job ads growth trailed Australia by 6.0pp, ranking equal second-slowest of the eight states and territories.

Job advertisements in the ACT totalled 13,238 (13.2k) in Jul-26, down 7.7% compared to a year ago. Total advertising volume has fallen 6.2pp below its 10-year average growth rate of -1.5%, marking a clear moderation in employer demand. Because job advertisements have historically led employment by several months, this downturn in advertising volumes highlights softening hiring intentions across the territory's labour market compared to previous years.
The contraction in vacancies was visible across major occupation groups. Professional job advertisements, the largest category, stood at 5.2k in Jul-26, declining 7.7% YoY to trail their 10-year average growth of -1.7% by 6.0pp. Industrial and trades ads totalled 1.7k, easing 1.0% YoY. The sharpest drag occurred in sales roles, where advertising dropped 19.5% over the year, falling 17.5pp below its historical 10-year average of -2.0% and pointing to pronounced consumer-facing caution.
The ACT's 7.7% drop in job advertisements indicates that local hiring demand is moderating faster than the national benchmark. Across Australia, job ads fell 1.7% to 627,215, meaning ACT advertising is growing 6.0pp slower than Australia. The ACT ranks equal second-slowest of the eight states and territories alongside the Northern Territory (-7.7%), trailing South Australia (+3.3%) and Victoria (-2.6%), confirming that the territory is experiencing a more pronounced labour demand retrenchment.
ACT against the other states
7 Job Advertisements growth — Equal 2nd lowest of 8 states at -7.7% (2026-Jul) small base
ACT job advertisements growth
-7.7% (Jul-26)
vs Australia -1.7% (growing 6.0pp slower than Australia); equal second-slowest of the eight states and territories
Falling
ACT job advertisements volume
13,238 (Jul-26)
vs Australia 627,215 (growing 6.0pp slower than Australia; 13.2k in Jul-26)
Falling
ACT sales job advertisements growth
-19.5% (Jul-26)
growth -19.5% vs 10yr avg -2.0% (-17.5pp below average)
Falling
ACT professional job advertisements growth
-7.7% (Jul-26)
growth -7.7% vs 10yr avg -1.7% (-6.0pp below average)
Falling

Wages & Earnings

Wage Price Index
160.1 +3.3%
Australia 161.2 (+3.2%)
ACT as at 2026-Jun
Full-Time Weekly Earnings
$2,332 +3.2%
Australia $2,157 (+3.5%)
ACT as at 2026-May
ACT wages rose 3.3% in Jun-26 as weekly earnings reached $2,332.
Wage growth in the ACT held steady to Jun-26, with the Wage Price Index rising 3.3% to 160.1, sitting 15.8% above its 10-year average of 138.3. Full-time weekly earnings reached $2,332 in May-26, 8.1% above national levels. ACT wage growth was 0.1pp faster than Australia's 3.2%, ranking equal third-fastest of the eight states and territories as real wage gains remained marginally positive.

Wages in the ACT grew 3.3% over the year to Jun-26, as measured by the Wage Price Index, with the index standing at 160.1. The index level sits 15.8% above its 10-year average of 138.3, underscoring ongoing nominal wage growth across both public and private sectors in the territory. Wage momentum has stabilized following recent gains, tracking a steady trajectory as enterprise agreements and administrative adjustments filter through the territory's workforce.
Full-time workers in the ACT earned an average of $2,332 per week as at May-26, representing an annual increase of 3.2%. On an annualised basis, this translates to $120,058 per year for full-time employees, up 3.3% YoY. Linking wage gains to inflation, with headline CPI running at 3.2% in Jul-26, territory workers experienced modest positive real wage growth of 0.1pp based on WPI growth of 3.3%. This slight premium preserved purchasing power, preventing real income erosion.
Across jurisdictions, ACT WPI growth of 3.3% is growing 0.1pp faster than Australia's 3.2% (index 161.2), ranking the ACT equal third-fastest of the eight states and territories alongside Western Australia (+3.3%), behind South Australia (+3.6%) and ahead of the Northern Territory (+2.8%). In dollar terms, ACT weekly earnings of $2,332 sit 8.1% above the Australian average of $2,156, even though national earnings growth of 3.5% was 0.3pp faster than the ACT's 3.2% increase.
ACT against the other states
3 Wage Price Index growth — Equal 3rd highest of 8 states at 3.3% (2026-Jun) small base
ACT Wage Price Index growth
+3.3% (Jun-26)
vs Australia 3.2% (growing 0.1pp faster than Australia); equal third-fastest of the eight states and territories
Rising
ACT full-time weekly earnings
$2,332 (May-26)
vs Australia $2,156 (8.1% above Australia; growing 0.3pp slower than Australia)
Rising
ACT Wage Price Index
160.1 (Jun-26)
vs Australia 161.2 (1.1pp below Australia; 160.1 vs 10yr avg 138.3, +15.8%)
Rising
ACT full-time annual earnings
$120,058 (May-26)
YoY growth of +3.3% (weekly earnings $2,332 sits 8.1% above Australia $2,156)
Rising

Household Consumption

Household Consumption
$6.7bn +2.3%
ACT as at 2026-Jun
Household Consumption per Capita
$13,625 +1.0%
ACT as at 2026-Jun
ACT household consumption grew 2.3% to $6.7bn in the Jun-26 quarter.
ACT household consumption totalled $6.7bn in the Jun-26 quarter, rising 2.3% YoY. Per capita consumption reached $13,625 (+1.0% YoY). Essential power spending grew 1.8% (+2.6pp vs average) while alcohol consumption fell 1.9% (-3.3pp vs average). Per capita growth ranked the third-fastest of the eight states and territories in National Accounts data, which carry no national comparator.

Household consumption expenditure in the ACT totalled $6.7bn in the Jun-26 Quarter, expanding 2.3% over the year. Measured via the quarterly National Accounts, this indicator provides a comprehensive reading of territory household outlays across goods and services. On a per capita basis, consumption stood at $13,625 for the quarter, an increase of 1.0% YoY. Expenditure growth has tracked a steady path, reflecting consistent domestic absorption alongside stable population inflows.
Expenditure patterns highlight a divergence between essential and discretionary goods. Among non-discretionary categories, power consumption grew 1.8% over the year, outpacing its 10-year average of -0.8% by 2.6pp. Food consumption reached $638m, registering a modest 0.6% increase YoY. By contrast, households exercised caution across discretionary items: alcohol consumption contracted 1.9% YoY, falling 3.3pp below its historical 10-year average growth rate of +1.4%.
On interstate comparisons, per capita household consumption growth of 1.0% placed the ACT the third-fastest of the eight states and territories, behind Tasmania (+1.5%) and ahead of Victoria (+0.0%). The ABS National Accounts do not publish an equivalent national comparator for state-level quarterly household consumption, leaving state rankings as the primary benchmark. The ACT's $13,625 per capita level underscores strong baseline purchasing capacity within the local economy.
ACT against the other states
3 Household Consumption per Capita growth — 3rd highest of 8 states at 1.0% (2026-Jun) small base
ACT household consumption per capita growth
+1.0% (Jun-26)
the third-fastest of the eight states and territories (fastest: TAS +1.5%, slowest: VIC +0.0%)
Rising
ACT household consumption total
$6.7bn (Jun-26)
+2.3% YoY (quarterly National Accounts; no national comparator)
Rising
ACT power consumption growth
+1.8% (Jun-26)
growth +1.8% vs 10yr avg -0.8% (+2.6pp above average)
Rising
ACT alcohol consumption growth
-1.9% (Jun-26)
growth -1.9% vs 10yr avg +1.4% (-3.3pp below average)
Falling

Household Spending

Household Spending
$4.5bn +5.0%
Australia $244.5bn (+6.2%)
ACT as at 2026-Jul
Household Spending per Capita
$9,098 +4.0%
Australia $8,757 (+4.9%)
ACT as at 2026-Jul
ACT household spending reached $4.5bn in Jul-26, rising 5.0% YoY.
Monthly household spending in the ACT reached $4.5bn in Jul-26, up 5.0% compared to a year ago, 1.2pp slower than Australia's 6.2%. Per capita spending stood at $9,098, 18.4% above average. Food spending rose to $670m (+3.9%), while alcohol and tobacco spending fell 1.9%. ACT per capita spending growth of 4.0% was the slowest of the eight states and territories as spending growth moderated.

Household spending in the ACT totalled $4.5bn in Jul-26, up 5.0% compared to a year ago. On an annualised basis, total spending reached $35,934 per person, sitting 17.3% above the historical benchmark of $30,633. Per capita monthly spending stood at $9,098, exceeding the 10-year average of $7,686 by 18.4%. While absolute expenditure levels remain elevated due to higher baseline wages, the trajectory indicates moderating expansion across consumer categories.
A breakdown of monthly categories illustrates pressure on household budgets. Spending on essential food reached $670m in Jul-26, up 3.9% YoY. Health spending grew 5.6%, but trailed its 10-year average growth of 7.8% by 2.2pp. In contrast, discretionary spending on alcoholic beverages and tobacco contracted 1.9% YoY to $116m, lagging its 10-year average growth rate of +0.7% by 2.6pp. This retrenchment in non-essential outlays signals disciplined consumer behaviour amidst elevated living costs.
Across Australia, monthly household spending totalled $244.5bn in Jul-26 (+6.2% YoY), meaning ACT spending growth of 5.0% grew 1.2pp slower than Australia. In per capita terms, ACT monthly spending of $9,098 sits 3.9% above Australia's $8,757. However, ACT per capita spending growth of 4.0% was 0.9pp slower than the national 4.9% pace, ranking the ACT the slowest of the eight states and territories (NT fastest at +8.9%, VIC next slowest at +4.1%), reflecting tempered consumer momentum.
ACT against the other states
8 Household Spending per Capita growth — Lowest of 8 states at 4.0% (2026-Jul) small base
ACT household spending per capita growth
+4.0% (Jul-26)
vs Australia 4.9% (growing 0.9pp slower than Australia); the slowest of the eight states and territories
Rising
ACT household spending per capita
$9,098 (Jul-26)
vs Australia $8,757 (3.9% above Australia; $9,098 vs 10yr avg $7,686, +18.4%)
Rising
ACT household spending total
$4.5bn (Jul-26)
vs Australia $244.5bn (growing 1.2pp slower than Australia; +5.0% YoY)
Rising
ACT alcoholic beverages and tobacco spending growth
-1.9% (Jul-26)
growth -1.9% vs 10yr avg +0.7% (-2.6pp below average)
Falling

Inflation & Cost of Living

Consumer Price Index
103.2 +3.2%
Australia 103.1 (+3.5%)
ACT as at 2026-Jul
Housing CPI
104.7 +3.6%
Australia 104.7 (+5.0%)
ACT as at 2026-Jul
ACT annual inflation was 3.2% in Jul-26, 0.3pp slower than Australia.
CPI inflation in the ACT was 3.2% in the year to Jul-26, with the index at 103.2 (18.2% above its 10-year average of 87.3). Inflation sits above the RBA's 2-3% target band. Housing CPI inflation grew 3.6% to 104.7. ACT headline inflation is growing 0.3pp slower than Australia's 3.5%, ranking equal slowest of the eight states and territories alongside NSW and VIC as price momentum moderates.

Inflation in the ACT was 3.2% in the year to Jul-26, as measured by the All Groups Consumer Price Index, which reached 103.2. This headline reading sits 18.2% above the 10-year average index level of 87.3, and remains above the Reserve Bank of Australia's 2-3% target band. Monthly CPI data published by the ABS demonstrates that price momentum has moderated from earlier peaks, with territorial price pressures stabilising across broader commodity baskets.
Category breakdowns show distinct price pressures across expenditure groups. Housing costs rose 3.6% over the year to an index level of 104.7, which sits 23.6% above its 10-year average of 84.7. Another CPI component recorded an index level of 102.7, up 2.5% YoY. Additional series levels include 105.8 (31.2% above its 80.6 average), 102.8 (25.1% above its 82.1 average), and 103.5 (20.2% above its 86.1 average). Housing costs continue to account for the primary source of ongoing price increases.
Nationally, ACT inflation of 3.2% is growing 0.3pp slower than Australia's 3.5% (index 103.1). The ACT ranks equal slowest of the eight states and territories alongside NSW and Victoria (+3.2%), trailing the Northern Territory (+3.7%) and Tasmania (+4.5%). On Housing CPI, ACT's 3.6% growth was 1.4pp slower than Australia's 5.0%, ranking the slowest of the eight states and territories (NSW +3.8%, TAS +8.9%). Linking to wages, with WPI growth at 3.3%, ACT workers maintained positive real wage growth of 0.1pp.
ACT against the other states
1 Consumer Price Index growth — Equal lowest of 8 states at 3.2% (2026-Jul) small base
1 Housing CPI growth — Lowest of 8 states at 3.6% (2026-Jul) small base
CPI is ranked lowest to highest. A low reading is not automatically a good outcome - it is stated as a position, not a verdict.
ACT Consumer Price Index
103.2 (Jul-26)
vs Australia 103.1 (+3.2% YoY vs Australia 3.5%, growing 0.3pp slower); equal slowest of the eight states and territories
Rising
ACT Housing CPI growth
+3.6% (Jul-26)
vs Australia 5.0% (growing 1.4pp slower than Australia); the slowest of the eight states and territories
Rising
ACT Consumer Price Index growth
+3.2% (Jul-26)
vs Australia 3.5% (growing 0.3pp slower than Australia); equal slowest of the eight states and territories
Rising
ACT Housing CPI
104.7 (Jul-26)
vs Australia 104.7 (0.1pp below Australia; 104.7 vs 10yr avg 84.7, +23.6%)
Rising