Belconnen

Belconnen lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Belconnen's population is estimated at around 9,592 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,090 people (12.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,502 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,592, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 249 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,165 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb of Belconnen's 12.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.2%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. As we examine future population trends, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of statistical areas across the nation, is predicted over the period with the suburb of Belconnen expected to expand by 4,534 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 47.3% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Belconnen among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Belconnen has seen around 209 dwelling approvals per year on average over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 1,049 homes. As of FY-26420 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new home accommodates about 1.1 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost value for these dwellings is around $295,000.

This year has seen $39.2 million in commercial development approvals, indicating significant local commercial activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Belconnen has 297% more development activity per capita, offering greater choice for buyers and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. All recent building activity consists of attached dwellings, providing affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 19 people per dwelling approval, Belconnen exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Belconnen is projected to grow by 4,534 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Looking ahead, Belconnen is expected to grow by 4,534 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Belconnen has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 32 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the University of Canberra Sports Precinct, Belconnen Central developed by JW Land, the Belconnen Renewable Energy Microgrid, and Ethos by Per Se Developments. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Belconnen remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Belconnen has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 4.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation). As of December 2025, 6,275 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 0.7% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Belconnen is 75.7%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 9.5% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. The area specializes in accommodation & food services, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety is under-represented at 22.1% of Belconnen's workforce compared to 30.4% in Australian Capital Territory. There are 1.7 workers for every resident, indicating that Belconnen functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.6%, labour force grew by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data). In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 0.9%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Belconnen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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 2023 shows that Belconnen suburb's median income is $56,432 and average income stands at $68,151. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $62,324 (median) and $75,266 (average). Census 2021 income data reveals personal income ranks at the 79th percentile ($1,009 weekly), while household income sits at the 51st percentile. Distribution data shows that 43.5% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (4,172 residents). Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 79.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 47th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Belconnen features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Belconnen's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 0.5% houses and 99.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's composition of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Belconnen stood at 11.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.0% and rented ones at 66.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent was $430, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Belconnen's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,517 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $430 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 51.0% of all households, including 10.6% that are couples with children, 32.6% that are couples without children, and 6.1% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 49.0%, with lone person households at 39.3% and group households comprising 9.7%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Belconnen exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Belconnen's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 59.2% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 43.8%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 32.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.3%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational pathways account for 18.7%, with advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 9.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 19.1% in tertiary education, 3.3% in primary education, and 1.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Belconnen has 38 active public transport stops, serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are supported by 117 individual routes, facilitating 5,620 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically located 255 meters from the nearest stop. The area, predominantly residential, sees most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 62%, followed by buses at 21% and walking at 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.5 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 802 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 147 weekly trips per individual stop.

Belconnen's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Belconnen's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 54% of the total population (~5,191 people), compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 10.1 and 6.9% of residents respectively. A total of 75.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 9.7% of residents aged 65 and over (930 people), lower than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

Belconnen is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Belconnen has a culturally diverse population, with 48.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 52.7% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Belconnen, comprising 28.2%. Hinduism is overrepresented, making up 10.7%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (19.7%), English (17.6%) and Australian (15.8%). Korean, Chinese and Spanish ethnicities have notable representation in Belconnen at 1.5%, 12.2% and 0.7% respectively, differing from regional averages of 0.6%, 4.2% and 0.5%.

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

Belconnen has a median age of 31, which is younger than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Belconnen has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (36.1%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (4.4%). This 25-34 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.6%. Between 2021 and present, the age group of 35 to 44 has grown from 14.2% to 15.0% of Belconnen's population. Conversely, the age group of 25 to 34 has declined from 37.8% to 36.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Belconnen's age structure. The age cohort of 25-34 is projected to increase solidly, with an expansion of 1,196 people (35%) from 3,462 to 4,659.