Chapman

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Chapman's estimated population is around 2,878 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 11 people (0.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,867 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,873 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,547 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Chapman's 0.4% growth since census positions it within 0.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (0.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to shrink by 349 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to expand by 38 people.

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

Between FY21 and FY25, Chapman experienced around 6 dwellings receiving development approval each year, with an estimated total of 30 homes approved during this period. No dwelling approvals have been recorded so far in FY26.

Each new dwelling built over the past five financial years resulted in an average of 2.7 new residents per year. Commercial development approvals for Chapman in the current financial year amount to $747,000, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Chapman has 12.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 26th percentile of areas assessed nationally, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. New building activity consists of 57.0% detached dwellings and 43.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points. This shift indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options in Chapman.

With around 638 people per dwelling approval, Chapman reflects a highly mature market. The population is expected to remain stable or decline, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

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

No changes can influence an area's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact the area. Key projects include Fetherston Weston, Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and Deakin Private Hospital. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Chapman ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Chapman has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 1.7% as of June 2025, which is below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.0%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. There were 1,466 residents in work during this period. Workforce participation in Chapman was 61.0%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 69.6%. Leading employment industries among residents include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance.

Notably, professional & technical services have a particularly high concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. However, retail trade has limited presence in Chapman with 4.1% employment compared to 6.6% regionally. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, labour force increased by 1.6%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 1.9%, labour force growth of 1.6%, with unemployment falling 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Chapman. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Chapman's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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

Chapman's median income among taxpayers was $77,996 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $92,788 during the same period. This compares to figures for Australian Capital Territory of $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates suggest median income would be approximately $88,603 and average income around $105,407 based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Chapman rank highly nationally, between the 96th and 97th percentiles. The $4000+ bracket dominates with 37.7% of residents (1,085 people), contrasting with metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 34.3%. Chapman's affluence is evident with 51.6% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 90.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Chapman, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.2% houses and 10.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 81.7% houses and 18.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chapman was 48.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.8% and rented dwellings at 11.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Chapman was $2,600, compared to Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,251. Median weekly rent in Chapman was $450, while the Australian Capital Territory figure was $420. Nationally, Chapman's median monthly mortgage repayment is significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 81.7% of all households, including 38.7% couples with children, 33.3% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.3%, with lone person households at 17.1% and group households comprising 1.2%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Chapman is notably high, with 52.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.6% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.5%) and graduate diplomas (7.1%). Vocational pathways account for 21.5% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 11.9%. Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.6% in primary, 9.8% in secondary, and 5.2% in tertiary education.

Chapman Primary School serves the local area, with an enrollment of 521 students as of a recent report, and demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages (ICSEA: 1107). The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 18.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.8, indicating that Chapman serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Chapman has 19 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. There are six different bus routes operating in the area, together making 1,211 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent access to these stops, with an average distance of 188 meters to the nearest one.

The buses run frequently, with an average of 173 trips per day across all routes. This results in approximately 63 weekly trips per individual stop.

Chapman's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Chapman's health metrics closely match national benchmarks, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age groups being fairly standard. Approximately 64% of Chapman's total population (1,837 people) have private health cover, compared to 60.9% in the Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis, affecting 10.1% of residents, and asthma, impacting 7.5%.

A total of 65.9% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 66.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Chapman has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.6% (736 people), compared to 20.6% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors in Chapman are particularly strong, outperforming those of the general population in health metrics.

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

Chapman's cultural diversity is above average, with 22.7% of its population born overseas and 12.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Chapman, comprising 51.4% of people, compared to 44.9% across Australian Capital Territory. The top three ancestry groups are English (26.9%), Australian (25.5%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Welsh (1.1%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.7%, as are Hungarian (0.7% vs 0.6%) and Spanish (0.6% vs 0.5%).

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

The median age in Chapman is 47 years, which is significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and also considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Chapman has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (11.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (4.2%). This concentration of residents aged 75-84 is well above the national average of 6.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 10.9% to 13.8%, while the age group 75-84 has increased from 9.5% to 11.2%. Conversely, the age groups 35-44 and 55-64 have declined respectively from 12.2% to 10.9% and from 13.6% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Chapman's age structure. Notably, the group aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 65%, reaching 100 people from its current figure of 60. The combined age groups of 65 and above will account for all total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the age groups of 75-84 and 0-4 are projected to have reduced numbers.