Aranda

An assessment of population growth drivers in Aranda reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The estimated population of Aranda as of May 2026 is around 2,648 people. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census count of 2,605 people, indicating a growth of 43 individuals (1.7%). The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch for Aranda is 2,643, based on examination of the ABS's ERP data release in June 2025 and validation of ten new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,697 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Aranda's growth rate since the census compares favorably with other SA3 areas, being within 2.5 percentage points (4.2%). Overseas migration contributed approximately 78% to overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 and based on the year 2022. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted. According to these projections, Aranda's population is expected to decrease by 315 persons between 2026 and 2041. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow during this period, notably the 45-54 age group, which is anticipated to increase by 9 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Aranda shows approximately 9 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 49 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. So far in FY-26, there have been 2 recorded approvals. The average new resident growth is around 0.8 persons per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

New supply appears to be meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. Average construction value of new properties is $399,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. Commercial approvals in FY-26 total $1.2 million, reflecting Aranda's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Aranda exhibits approximately 67% of the construction activity per person and ranks at the 61st percentile nationally.

New development consists of 60.0% detached dwellings and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a mix of housing options from family homes to more affordable compact living. This shift contrasts with Aranda's existing housing composition, currently 87.0% houses, suggesting decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles preferences. With around 246 people per approval, Aranda maintains a low-density population. Population projections indicating stability or decline may reduce future housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like adjustments to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Bruce Precinct (Section 15), Bruce Residential Development Zone, New Northside Hospital (North Canberra Hospital Redevelopment), and Bruce Commercial Centre Expansion, with the following list highlighting those likely to be 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 labour market in Aranda shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Aranda has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.9% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.9%. As of December 2025, 1,339 residents were employed, with a 0.9% lower unemployment rate than the Australian Capital Territory's 3.8%.

Workforce participation was 64.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 16.7% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training has notably high employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Health care & social assistance, however, is under-represented with only 9.5% of Aranda's workforce compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 11.7%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending May-25, employment increased by 2.9%, labour force by 1.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.7 percentage points. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory where employment grew by 0.9%, labour force expanded by 1.2%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.4% over ten years for Aranda, based on industry-specific projections applied to its employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that income in Aranda is among the top percentile nationally. The median assessed income is $76,660 while the average income stands at $96,204. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $84,663 (median) and $106,248 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Aranda, between the 96th and 98th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 37.1% of locals (982 people) fall into the $4000+ category, differing from the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 34.3%. A significant 52.6% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 90.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Aranda's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, comprised 87.3% houses and 12.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Aranda stood at 44.7%, with mortgaged properties at 38.8% and rented ones at 16.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Aranda was $530, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Aranda's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national average of $375.

Aranda features high concentrations of group households and family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 78.7% of all households, including 39.6% couples with children, 30.2% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.3%, with lone person households at 16.3% and group households making up 4.9%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Educational achievement in Aranda places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Aranda is notably high, with 62.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications as of the latest data. This compares to 30.4% for Australia and 43.8% for the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 30.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 24.5% and graduate diplomas at 7.3%. Vocational pathways account for 16.2% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 8.1% and certificates also at 8.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest figures available. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 7.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Aranda indicates that there are 13 operational transport stops, consisting of a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 52 distinct routes, together facilitating approximately 2,735 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in the area is deemed good, with residents residing an average of 232 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most inhabitants commute outward from Aranda. The car remains the primary mode of transportation for 79% of residents, followed by bus at 10%, and cycling at 7%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The frequency of service across all routes averages approximately 390 trips per day, equating to around 210 weekly trips per individual stop.

Aranda's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis shows strong health performance in Aranda based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low among the general population, but higher than the national average among older cohorts at risk. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (1,726 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions were arthritis (8.7%) and mental health issues (7.9%), with 70.1% reporting no medical ailments, similar to the ACT's 70.2%. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. Aranda has 19.7% of residents aged 65 and over (521 people), higher than the ACT's 14.3%, but lower than the national average for this age group.

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

Aranda's population shows significant cultural diversity, with 15.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 26.5% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion in Aranda, practiced by 31.0% of its residents. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory, with 0.4% of Aranda's population identifying as Jewish versus 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.3%), Australian (25.0%), and Irish (10.0%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences in representation: Polish at 1.1% compared to the regional average of 0.8%, Welsh at 0.8% versus 0.6%, and Hungarian at 0.4% against a regional average of 0.3%.

Aranda's median age exceeds the national pattern

Aranda'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 Australian Capital Territory average, the 5-14 cohort is over-represented in Aranda at 15.2%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 10.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.7% to 13.1% of Aranda's population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 10.8%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Aranda's age profile will evolve significantly. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to expand by 8 people (2%) from 370 to 379. Conversely, both the 85+ and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.