Acton (ACT)

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Acton (ACT) is around 3,279 people. This figure reflects an increase of 431 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,848 people in the suburb. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024). This level of population results in a density ratio of 544 persons per square kilometer in Acton. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Acton experienced a growth rate of 15.1%, surpassing both the state's growth rate of 5.9% and the SA4 region during this period. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in Acton during recent years.

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 and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. Projecting forward, Acton is expected to grow significantly, with an increase of 1,094 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 33.4% over this period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Acton according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Acton has had virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years. Over the past five financial years, FY21 to FY25, an estimated two homes have been approved. So far in FY26, zero approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 337.5 people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built over these five financial years. Supply is substantially lagging demand, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. In terms of commercial development activity, $13,000 worth of approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development in Acton.

Acton has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include ACT Light Rail Stage 2A (City to Commonwealth Park), Acton Waterfront (Ngamawari), Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal, and Parkes Way Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Acton rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Acton has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 0.6% and it experienced an estimated employment growth of 2.0% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 2,211 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which is below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation in Acton is at 57.9%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. Employment among residents is concentrated in accommodation & food, education & training, and retail trade sectors. The area has a particular employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 4.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, public administration & safety has limited presence with 4.5% employment compared to the regional average of 30.4%. There are 2.6 workers for every resident in Acton, indicating it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.0% while labour force increased by 1.7%, resulting in a decrease of unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded similar trends with employment growth of 1.9%, labour force growth of 1.6%, and a reduction in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 provide insights into potential future demand within Acton. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Acton's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.3% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Acton is lower than average nationally, with a median of $17,264 and an average of $24,701. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory has a median income of $68,678 and an average of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $19,612 (median) and $28,060 (average). Census data indicates that household incomes rank at the 100th percentile ($0 weekly), while personal income ranks at the 0th percentile. Income brackets show that 0% of the population falls within the $0 - $399 range, differing from the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 34.3%.

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

Acton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 0.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 0.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Acton was 0.0%, similar to Australian Capital Territory's 0.0%. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (0.0%) or rented (0.0%). Median monthly mortgage repayments in Acton aligned with the Australian Capital Territory average at $0, while median weekly rent was $9 compared to Australian Capital Territory's $0 and $0 respectively. Nationally, Acton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Acton features high concentrations of family households and lone person households, with a median household size of 1.0 people

Family households account for 0% of all households, including 0% couples with children, 0% couples without children, and 0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 100%, with lone person households at 0% and group households at 0%. The median household size is 1 person.

Acton performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 30.7%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.4%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Technical qualifications make up 7.1% of educational achievements for residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 2.1% and certificates at 5.0%. Educational participation is high, with 97.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 97.2% in tertiary education, 0% in primary education, and 0% pursuing secondary education. Educational facilities seem to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

The analysis of public transport in Acton shows that there are currently 11 operational transport stops. All these stops offer bus services.

These stops are served by a total of 16 different routes, which together facilitate 3,973 weekly passenger trips. On average, each route provides 567 trips per day, resulting in approximately 361 weekly trips for each individual stop.

Acton's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Acton's health outcomes data shows excellent results with common health conditions seen at a typical level in both younger and older age groups. Around 37% (~1,211 people) have private health cover, significantly lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 15.6 and 9.9% of residents respectively. A total of 74.9% report no medical ailments, compared to 0% in the Australian Capital Territory. Acton has a small senior population of 0.3% (9 people), but health outcomes among seniors are above average and require more attention than the broader population.

Acton 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

Acton was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 31.6% of its population born overseas and 24.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Acton, comprising 23.1% of people. However, Judaism is overrepresented at 1.8%, compared to None% across Australian Capital Territory.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (25.2%), English (21.7%), and Other (10.6%). Notably, Hungarian (0.5%) and Russian (0.5%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Acton compared to regional averages of None%. South African ethnicity is also notably present at 0.8%, with no regional average provided.

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

The median age in Acton was 21 years as of 2021, which is significantly younger than both the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The proportion of individuals aged 15-24 in Acton was notably higher at 86.1% compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, while those aged 35-44 were under-represented at 2.1%. This concentration of young people was well above the national average of 12.5%. Between 2021 and the present day, the median age has increased by 1.9 years from 19 to 21 years, indicating an aging population. During this period, notable shifts include the 0-4 age group growing from 0.2% to 1.5%, and the 5-14 cohort increasing from 0% to 1.3%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort declined from 88.1% to 86.1%, and the 25-34 group decreased from 9.4% to 7.5%. By the year 2041, Acton's age composition is projected to see significant shifts. The 15-24 age cohort is expected to expand by 846 people (30%) from 2,823 to 3,670 individuals, while the 85+ cohort is projected to grow modestly by 0% (0 people).