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 November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Ainslie is around 5,371, a decrease of 5 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5,376. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 5,366 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 1,517 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods. Population projections indicate lower quartile growth for Australian statistical areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 18 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 0.1% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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, lower quartile growth of Australian statistical areas is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 18 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting with an increase of 0.1% in total over the 17 years.

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 had around 17 new homes approved per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 89 homes were approved, with 2 more approved in FY-26 so far. Given population decline, new supply likely met demand, offering good choice to buyers.

Average construction value was $402,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting quality developments. Commercial approvals this financial year totaled $2.0 million, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Ainslie had 76.0% lower building activity 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 comprised 75.0% detached dwellings and 25.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Ainslie's traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

With around 345 people per approval, Ainslie indicates a mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 4 residents through to 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.

Ainslie 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 a total of 35 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include The Foothills - Campbell (Former CSIRO Site), Lonsdale & Girrahween - Braddon (Section 34), Marcus Clarke Street Office Complex, and Academy Close Redevelopment - Campbell. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Ainslie has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Ainslie has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.1% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In June 2025, 2,834 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.7% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation in Ainslie lagged at 62.1%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%.

Key industries of employment among residents were public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and education & training. Health care & social assistance had a limited presence with 7.8% employment compared to the regional average of 11.7%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1%, and labour force grew by 1.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 1.9% with a 0.3 percentage point decrease in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in Sep-22, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ainslie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch released postcode-level ATO data for financial year 2022. In Ainslie, median income among taxpayers was $69,523 and average income was $85,943. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $68,678 and 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 $78,978 (median) and $97,631 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Ainslie rank highly nationally, between the 88th and 92nd percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the predominant cohort spans 32.9% of locals (1,767 people) with incomes over $4000 per week, differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 34.3%. This suburb demonstrates considerable affluence with 43.9% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, reflecting 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

As per the latest Census evaluation in Ainslie, dwelling structures comprised 72.9% houses and 27.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ainslie was at 33.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.0% and rented ones 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 figure in Ainslie was $367, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $476. Nationally, Ainslie's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $367 versus 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 36.7%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households comprising 6.7% of the total. 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 and above holding university qualifications. This compares to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 29.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.9%) and graduate diplomas (7.4%). Vocational pathways account for 15.7%, with advanced diplomas at 7.0% and certificates at 8.7%.

Educational participation is 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. North Ainslie Primary School serves the area, enrolling 532 students as of a recent date. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with an ICSEA score of 1144. School places per 100 residents stand at 9.9, below the regional average of 15.4, indicating some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

Transport servicing is moderate 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 buses only. These stops are covered by 6 routes, offering 380 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically 179 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 54 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 10 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 faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (3,283 people), compared to 65.3% across Australian Capital Territory. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 11.1 and 8.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 64.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.8% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 21.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,149 people), which is higher than the 11.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Ainslie was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Ainslie's cultural diversity was above average, with 22.7% of its population born overseas and 13.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Ainslie, comprising 33.8% of its people. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Ainslie compared to the Australian Capital Territory, making up 0.8% versus 0.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (27.4%), Australian (23.6%), and Irish (11.2%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Hungarian was overrepresented at 0.5% in Ainslie compared to the regional average of 0.3%, Welsh at 0.8% versus 0.7%, and Scottish at 9.5% versus 8.1%.

Ainslie hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Ainslie's median age is 42, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the ACT average, Ainslie has a notably over-represented 65-74 cohort (10.6% locally) while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented (11.8%). From 2021 to present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 5.8% to 7.0% of the population. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has declined from 4.6% to 3.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Ainslie's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 101 people (27%) from 375 to 477. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 83% of total population growth, reflecting Ainslie's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.