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, as of May 2026 the estimated population of Chapman is around 2,883. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,867 people, a rise of 16 individuals (0.6%). The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,881 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,550 persons per square kilometer, above the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Chapman's growth rate of 0.6% since the Census positions it within 1.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (1.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are used, also based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, projections indicate an overall population decline in Chapman by 319 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, projected to expand by 49 people.

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

Chapman has received approximately six dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 30 dwellings were approved, with one additional approval in FY26.

Each year, an average of 2.8 new residents per dwelling was recorded between FY21 and FY25, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. In FY26, $747,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential growth. When measured against the Australian Capital Territory, Chapman has 11.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 26th percentile of areas assessed nationally. This results in relatively constrained buyer choice, driving interest in existing dwellings. New building activity shows a mix of 57.0% detached dwellings and 43.0% attached dwellings, including townhouses and apartments, providing options across different price points from family homes to more affordable compact living.

This shift represents decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for diverse housing options. With around 638 people per dwelling approval, Chapman reflects a highly mature market. Population is expected to remain stable or decline, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

Chapman has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

No significant infrastructure changes or major projects have been identified by AreaSearch for this area. Key projects previously considered potentially impactful include Fetherston Weston, Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and Deakin Private Hospital. However, no specific details regarding these projects' relevance were provided in the given information.

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

Chapman has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 1.7% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.4%. As of December 2025, 1,446 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was at 61.5%, lagging behind the ACT's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 18.8% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries were public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. Notably, professional & technical services had employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average, while retail trade had a limited presence with 4.1% employment compared to the regional average of 6.6%.

The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.4%, labour force grew by 1.2%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory saw employment growth of 0.9% with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chapman's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Chapman has one of the highest income levels in Australia, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Chapman is $77,996, with an average income of $92,788. These figures compare to those for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which are $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $86,139 (median) and $102,475 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Chapman all rank highly nationally, between the 96th and 97th percentiles. The $4000+ income bracket dominates in Chapman, with 37.7% of residents (1,086 people), contrasting with the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 34.3%. In Chapman, 51.6% of residents earn over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 90.6% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (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

In Chapman, as per the latest Census evaluation, 89.2% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 10.8% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This differs from the Australian Capital Territory's composition of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chapman stood at 48.5%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 39.8% and rented dwellings making up 11.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,600, surpassing the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Chapman was recorded at $450, aligning with the Australian Capital Territory's figure of $450. Nationally, Chapman's median monthly mortgage repayment is higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while its median weekly rent is substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 18.3%, with lone person households at 17.1% and group households making up 1.2%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

Chapman's educational attainment exceeds broader averages: 52.5% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 46.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 29.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.5%) and graduate diplomas (7.1%). Vocational pathways account for 21.5% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 11.9%. Educational participation is high, with 29.9% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.6% in primary, 9.8% in secondary, and 5.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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 serving buses. These stops are covered by 49 different routes, offering a total of 4,667 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 188 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to Chapman's residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 92%, with cycling used by 2% of residents. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 18.8% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 666 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 245 weekly trips per individual stop.

Chapman's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Chapman's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low, especially among younger cohorts.

Private health cover was found to be exceptionally high at approximately 64% of Chapman's total population (1,840 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis (10.1%) and asthma (7.5%). A significant majority, 65.9%, reported being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 70.2%. The under-65 population in Chapman had better health outcomes than average. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (26.9% or 775 people) compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 14.3%. While health outcomes among seniors were strong, they ranked lower nationally compared to the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Chapman records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Chapman's population showed cultural diversity, with 22.7% born overseas and 12.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the prevalent religion in Chapman, accounting for 51.4%, compared to 40.7% across Australian Capital Territory. The top three ancestry groups were English (26.9%), Australian (25.5%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notable differences included Welsh (1.1% vs regional 0.6%), Hungarian (0.7% vs regional 0.3%), and Spanish (0.6% vs regional 0.5%) populations.

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 considerably older than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Chapman has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (11.6%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 (4.2%). This concentration of residents aged 75-84 is well above the national average of 6.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 10.9% to 14.7%, while the 75-84 age group increased from 9.5% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 35-44 age group declined from 12.2% to 9.9%, and the 55-64 age group dropped from 13.6% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Chapman's age structure. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 57% (44 people), reaching 122 from 77. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for all of the total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 75-84 and 55-64 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.