Ainslie

Ainslie is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Ainslie statistical area (Lv2) is around 5,486, reflecting an increase of 110 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 5,376 in the Ainslie (SA2). This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,357 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density ratio is 1,549 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

Population projections for the area are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections 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, also with a base year of 2022, are adopted. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth is anticipated for Australian statistical areas, with the Ainslie (SA2) expected to increase by 18 persons to reach a total population of 5,504 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall decrease of 2.0% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Ainslie, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Ainslie has had around 17 new homes approved per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 89 homes were approved, with another 7 approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline, new supply appears to have kept up with demand, offering buyers good choice.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $402,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $2.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Ainslie records markedly lower building activity, 76.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% medium and high-density housing, sustaining Ainslie's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

The location has approximately 345 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Ainslie should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Ainslie has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 35 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include The Foothills - Campbell (Former CSIRO Site), Lonsdale & Girrahween - Braddon (Section 34), Marcus Clarke Street Office Complex, and Academy Close Redevelopment - Campbell. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment landscape in Ainslie shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Ainslie has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 4.7% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 0.7%.

As of September 2025, 2,766 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation is lower at 62.1%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Key employment sectors among residents are public administration & safety, professional & technical, and education & training.

Health care & social assistance is under-represented at 7.8% compared to ACT's 11.7%. Local employment opportunities appear limited as indicated by Census data. In the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.7%, labour force by 1.0%, raising unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with ACT where employment grew by 1.4% and unemployment fell by 0.2%. By November 25, ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, outpacing the national average growth of 0.14%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ainslie's mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.3% in five years and 12.9% in ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on 28 June 2023, Ainslie had a median income among taxpayers of $69,523 and an average income of $85,943. These figures are among the highest in Australia and compare with ACT-wide levels of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth data from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $75,961 and average income is around $93,901 as of September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Ainslie rank between the 88th and 92nd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 32.9% of individuals earn over $4,000 weekly (1,804 people), differing from metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 34.3%. Notably, 43.9% of residents earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting prosperity and robust local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Ainslie is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Ainslie, as per the latest Census evaluation, dwelling structures comprised 72.9% houses and 27.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ainslie was at 33.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.0% and rented dwellings at 34.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in Ainslie was $367, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $476. Nationally, Ainslie's mortgage repayments are significantly higher at $2,600 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are lower at $367 compared to the national figure of $375.

Ainslie features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 63.3% of all households, including 29.6% couples with children, 23.4% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.7%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households comprising 6.7%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.2.

Ainslie shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Ainslie is notable with 59.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% regionally. University qualifications include bachelor degrees (29.8%), postgraduate qualifications (21.9%), and graduate diplomas (7.4%). Vocational pathways account for 15.7%, comprising advanced diplomas (7.0%) and certificates (8.7%). Educational participation is high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including tertiary (10.2%), primary (9.4%), and secondary education (6.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in tertiary education, 9.4% in primary education, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 35 active stops operating in Ainslie, serving mixed bus routes. These stops are covered by 95 unique routes, facilitating 7,517 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated excellent, with residents typically residing 179 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,073 daily trips across all routes, translating to around 214 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Ainslie is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Ainslie has notable health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is high at approximately 61% of the total population (3,354 people), compared to 65.9% in Australian Capital Territory. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 11.1 and 8.3% of residents respectively. 64.5% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 70.8% in Australian Capital Territory. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.4% (1,174 people), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 11.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Ainslie records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Ainslie's cultural diversity is notable, with 22.7% of its population born overseas and 13.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Ainslie, accounting for 33.8% of people. However, Judaism stands out as overrepresented, comprising 0.8% of Ainslie's population compared to 0.5% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (27.4%), Australian (23.6%), and Irish (11.2%). Some other ethnic groups also show notable differences: Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.5%, Welsh at 0.8%, and Scottish at 9.5%.

Ainslie's median age exceeds the national pattern

Ainslie has a median age of 42, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the ACT average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Ainslie at 10.6%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 11.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.8% to 7.0% of the population, while the 85+ cohort has declined from 4.6% to 3.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Ainslie's age profile will evolve significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand by 92 people (24%) from 384 to 477. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 90% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.