Bruce (ACT)

Population growth drivers in Bruce are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking 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 since the Census, Bruce's population is estimated at around 8,008 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 488 people (6.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,520 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,008, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 189 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,211 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bruce's growth of 6.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the state's growth rate of 6.4%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 94.0% 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast. The Bruce (ACT) statistical area (Lv2) is expected to expand by 2,744 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 34.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates approximately 38 new homes approved annually in Bruce. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 192 homes were approved, with no approvals yet recorded in FY-26. The average number of new residents per year arriving for each new home over these five years is approximately 0.9, suggesting that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand and providing ample buyer choice while also allowing for population growth beyond current forecasts.

In the current financial year, $28.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating strong local business investment. All new construction has consisted of townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the existing housing pattern of 21.0% houses. This preference for compact living offers affordable entry pathways and appeals to downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has an established market with approximately 15824 people per dwelling approval.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bruce is expected to grow by 2744 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Bruce has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 35 such projects that could impact this area. Notable among these are the AIS Podium Project, New Northside Hospital (North Canberra Hospital Redevelopment), Bruce Precinct (Section 15), and Radford College Master Plan Implementation. 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.

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.

Employment conditions in Bruce demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Bruce's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.6% over the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.7%.

As of September 2025, 5,372 residents were employed at an unemployment rate of 1.0% below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%, and workforce participation was 73.8%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Key industries for Bruce residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Notably, accommodation & food services employment levels were at 1.6 times the regional average. However, public administration & safety was under-represented with only 24.0% of Bruce's workforce compared to ACT's 30.4%.

The area functions as an employment hub with 1.1 workers per resident, attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, labour force by 1.5%, and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points in Bruce, compared to ACT's growths of 1.4% and 1.2% respectively, with unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Bruce's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Bruce has an income level slightly above the national average, according to latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Bruce is $57,439, with an average income of $69,367. These figures compare to those for the Australian Capital Territory, which are $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $62,758 and an average income of $75,790 as of September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Bruce all rank highly nationally, between the 81st and 81st percentiles. Income brackets show that the predominant cohort comprises 38.7% of locals (3,099 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, reflecting regional patterns where 34.3% similarly fall into this range. Higher earners make up a substantial presence, with 34.6% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. Housing accounts for 14.8% of income, while residents' disposable incomes rank them in the 82nd percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Bruce displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a predominantly rental market

Bruce's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 20.7% houses and 79.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Home ownership in Bruce stood at 20.0%, with 28.4% of dwellings mortgaged and 51.6% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $430. Compared nationally, Bruce's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Bruce features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a median household size of 2.3 people

Family households constitute 59.4% of all households, including 19.3% couples with children, 31.8% couples without children, and 6.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.6%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households comprising 10.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people.

Bruce demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Bruce's residents aged 15+ have a higher university qualification rate at 55.6%, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 30.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Vocational pathways account for 17.5%, with advanced diplomas at 7.9% and certificates at 9.6%. Educational participation is high, with 41.1% currently enrolled in formal education: 26.0% in tertiary, 4.9% in primary, and 3.5% pursuing secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 41.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 26.0% in tertiary education, 4.9% in primary education, and 3.5% pursuing secondary education.

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

Bruce has 50 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 196 distinct routes, collectively facilitating 9,849 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good with residents on average located 249 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,407 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 196 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bruce's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance throughout Bruce, particularly among younger cohorts who exhibit a very low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 55% of Bruce's total population (~4,372 people) has private health cover. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.3 and 7.7% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 72.7%, report being completely free from medical ailments compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 0%. As of a recent study conducted on 15th March, 2022, Bruce has 11.3% of its population aged 65 and over (904 people). While health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring additional attention, overall performance remains robust.

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

Bruce has a high level of cultural diversity, with 34.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 40.0% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Bruce, comprising 34.8% of its population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented in Bruce, making up 7.9% compared to None% across Australian Capital Territory.

The top three ancestry groups are English (21.2%), Australian (20.1%), and Other (15.4%). Sri Lankan (0.6%), Vietnamese (1.5%), and Korean (0.7%) ethnic groups are also overrepresented in Bruce compared to None% regionally.

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

Bruce's median age is 29 years, which is lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Bruce has a higher concentration of residents aged 15-24 (26.0%) compared to the Australian Capital Territory and Australia as a whole (12.5%). However, Bruce has fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.3%) than both the Australian Capital Territory and national averages. According to the 2021 Census, the 45-54 age group increased from 7.6% to 8.5%, while the 55-64 cohort decreased from 6.3% to 5.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Bruce. Notably, the 15-24 age group is projected to grow by 29% (604 people), reaching a total of 2,687 residents from its current figure of 2,082.