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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Acton (ACT) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 3,279 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 431 people (15.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,848 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,279, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 544 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. The Acton (ACT) (SA2)'s 15.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state's 6.4%, along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas is forecast, with the Acton (ACT) (SA2) expected to grow by 1,094 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 33.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Acton has had minimal development with just two approvals over the five years from 2016 to 2021. Despite its established nature, the area has seen virtually no new residential development during this period. This limited supply of new housing typically supports values for existing properties, reflecting factors such as planning constraints or limited market activity in the area.

Acton has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 28 projects that could impact this region. Notable initiatives 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 likely to be 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 highly educated workforce with strong representation in essential services. Its unemployment rate was 0.7% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 2.1%.

As of September 2025, there are 2,239 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.9%, below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation in Acton is 57.9%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Dominant employment sectors include accommodation & food, education & training, and retail trade, with accommodation & food being particularly notable at 4.4 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 4.5% of Acton's workforce compared to ACT's 30.4%.

There are 2.6 workers for every resident in Acton, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1% and labour force by 1.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, ACT saw employment grow by 1.4%, labour force expand by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Acton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Acton's income level is lower than average nationally, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Acton's median income among taxpayers was $17,264 and the average income stood at $24,701, compared to Australian Capital Territory's figures of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $18,863 (median) and $26,988 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes ranked exceptionally at the 100th percentile ($0 weekly), though personal income ranked lower at the 0th percentile. Income distribution showed that 0.0% of the population (0 individuals) fell within the $0 - 399 income range, differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 34.3%.

Acton displays a diverse mix of dwelling types

Acton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted entirely of houses with no other types reported. Home ownership in Acton was 0%. No dwellings were mortgaged or rented out. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $0 and weekly rent was $9. Compared nationally, Acton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 0.0% of all households, including 0.0% couples with children, 0.0% couples without children, and 0.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 100.0%, with lone person households at 0.0% and group households comprising 0.0%. The median household size is 1.0 people.

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 most common at 18.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.4%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Technical qualifications comprise 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, with no residents enrolled in primary or secondary education.

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

Acton has ten operational public transport stops, all of which are bus services. Sixty-seven different routes serve these stops, together facilitating 5,207 weekly passenger trips.

On average, there are 743 daily trips across all routes, equating to around 520 weekly trips per 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 show excellent results, with typical common health conditions seen in both young and elderly populations. Private health cover is low at approximately 37%, covering around 1,211 people, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 15.6% and 9.9% of residents respectively. A total of 74.9% reported no medical ailments, contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory's 0%. Acton has a small senior population at 0.3%, or nine people, but requires more attention to health outcomes among seniors compared to the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Acton was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number 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 notably 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%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: Hungarian at 0.5% in Acton (vs none regionally), Russian at 0.5%, and South African at 0.8%.

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

The median age in Acton as of 2021 is 21 years, which is significantly younger than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The percentage of individuals aged 15-24 in Acton is notably higher at 86.1% compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, while those aged 35-44 are under-represented at 2.1%. This concentration of young adults is well above the national average of 12.5%. Between 2016 and 2021, the median age increased by 1.9 years from 19 to 21 years, indicating an aging population in Acton during this period. During this time, notable shifts include the 0-4 age group growing from 0.2% to 1.5%, and the 5-14 age group increasing from 0% to 1.3%. Conversely, the 15-24 age group declined from 88.1% to 86.1%, and the 25-34 age group decreased from 9.4% to 7.5%. By the year 2041, Acton's age composition is projected to see significant changes. The 15-24 age cohort is expected to expand notably by 846 people (30%), growing from 2,823 to 3,670 individuals. Meanwhile, the 85+ age cohort is projected to grow by a modest 0% (0 people).