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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Chapman has an estimated 2,883 residents. That puts 1,550 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Analysis of ABS demographic updates for the broader region, combined with new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, indicates the population of the suburb of Chapman is approximately 2,883 as of May 2026. This represents a rise of 16 people (0.6%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted a population of 2,867 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 2,881, estimated by AreaSearch following analysis of the ABS's most recent ERP release (June 2025) and an extra 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 1,550 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical average across national locations analyzed by AreaSearch.
The 0.6% expansion since census positions the suburb of Chapman within 1.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (1.9%), showing competitive growth indicators. Demographic growth in the locality was chiefly fueled by overseas migration, which served as the primary driver of population increases during recent periods. AreaSearch implements ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, published in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 regions lacking this data, and for periods after 2032, age cohort growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, using 2022 as a base, are applied. Looking at future demographic projections, forecasts point to a contraction in the overall population, with the suburb of Chapman's residents expected to decrease by 319 persons by 2041 under this framework. Conversely, expansion across specific age brackets is expected, headed by the 85 and over cohort, which is forecast to grow by 49 people. See the age section for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
30 new dwellings have been approved in Chapman over the past five years, an average of 6 a year. That is 2.1 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 1, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
According to AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approvals allocated from statistical area data, Chapman average roughly 6 dwellings obtaining development approval annually, with an estimated 30 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 1 so far in FY-26. With an average of 1.1 new residents per year per constructed dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market demonstrates a healthy equilibrium between supply and demand, fostering steady conditions. Furthermore, $747,000 in commercial development approvals have been documented this financial year, pointing to a heavily residential emphasis.
Compared to Australian Capital Territory, building activity per person in Chapman is 11.0% lower, though it sits in the 27th percentile of locations analyzed nationwide, leading to somewhat restricted options for buyers and bolstering interest in existing properties. This is also below the national average, reflecting a mature market and suggesting potential construction constraints. Modern construction activity consists of 57.0% detached dwellings and 43.0% attached dwellings, with an expanding range of townhouses and apartments offering choices across various price levels, from family residences to more affordable compact options. This marks a clear departure from the area's current housing stock (which is 89.0% houses), indicating a declining volume of developable land and reflecting evolving lifestyle preferences and the demand for more varied, affordable housing choices. With roughly 639 people per residential approval, Chapman presents a highly mature market. With demographic forecasts indicating stable or declining numbers, Chapman should experience diminished housing demand pressures, aiding potential buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Chapman
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 23 current infrastructure and development projects close to Chapman, worth an estimated $1.34 billion. 4 are already under construction and 3 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, retail and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Few factors can affect local performance as much as changes to regional infrastructure, key projects, and planning changes. In total, no projects have been identified by AreaSearch as having a likely impact on the area. Major regional projects include Fetherston Weston, Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and Deakin Private Hospital, with the subsequent list detailing the projects most likely to be relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Kambah BMX Facility Lighting Upgrade
Installation of four light towers at the existing BMX facility to allow greater use of the site, extended hours, and outdoor activities outside summer months.
Cooleman Court Shopping Precinct Upgrades
Upgrades to the shopping precinct at Cooleman Court to revitalize and improve access.
Woolworths Weston Creek Supermarket Expansion and Refurbishment
Expansion of the supermarket and full refurbishment to Woolworth's latest standard. Supermarket to remain open during refurbishment.
Waramanga Oval and Stirling Playing Fields Upgrades
Lighting upgrades at Waramanga Oval and upgraded field lights at Stirling Playing fields to allow for night matches.
Heysen Street, Weston RZ4 Land Development Opportunity
Substantial 13,130my RZ4 (medium density residential) land parcel in established Weston, available for purchase for residential development. Elevated block with Brindabella views.
Weston Creek Aged Care Facility
Construction of an aged care facility and associated works on Blocks 1151 and 864 Weston Creek. Follows NCA Board approval in 2015 for a retirement village and 99-year lease.
Fetherston Ridge
Located on an elevated site in Weston, offering views across Fetherston Gardens to the Brindabella Ranges. Defence Housing Australia built 50 properties, and remaining land lots were sold. Will feature 120 residences.
Athllon Drive Duplication
The Athllon Drive Duplication upgrades a key arterial road linking Woden to Tuggeranong in the ACT. The primary southern section duplicates 2.4 km between Sulwood Drive and Drakeford Drive in Kambah and Wanniassa, with a smaller 600 m northern section between Hindmarsh Drive and Melrose Drive. Works include lane duplication, new traffic signals at multiple intersections, upgraded bus stops, active travel paths for cyclists and pedestrians, water quality improvements for Lake Tuggeranong, and a new underpass under Sulwood Drive.Jointly funded by the ACT and Australian governments at $98.55 million, the Development Application for the southern section was approved in early 2026 following completion of enabling works. A tender for main construction is expected to be issued in 2026, with the northern section design ongoing and its timeline less certain due to future light rail corridor planning.
1,451 residents of Chapman are employed, from a labour force of 1,477. Unemployment sits at 1.8%, with participation at 61.8%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,332, about 81% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Chapman is characterized by a highly qualified workforce, with professional services highly represented, an unemployment rate of only 1.8%, and an estimated 1.3% growth in jobs over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,451 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.3% lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, whereas workforce participation is notably lower (61.8% compared to Australian Capital Territory's 70.8%). Census data shows a moderate 18.8% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be kept in mind.
The top employing sectors for local residents include public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. The locality displays a particularly strong concentration in professional & technical fields, with employment rates at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, retail trade shows a minor presence, accounting for 4.1% of employment compared to 6.6% across the region. The residential character of the area suggests localized job opportunities are scarce, as shown by the comparison of Census working population against resident population. According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data compiled from broader statistical areas, the 12-month period experienced a 1.3% rise in employment alongside a 1.2% expansion of the labor force, while unemployment remained virtually unchanged. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory registered employment growth of 0.3%, labor force growth of 1.1%, and a 0.7 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia dated May-25 can provide additional perspective on prospective future demand in Chapman. These forecasts, spanning five and ten-year intervals, have been aligned with the local employment profile to project growth trends. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth patterns vary widely across industries. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to Chapman's job profile indicates local employment should rise by 6.8% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (note that this represents a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not account for localized population changes).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Chapman is $3,111 a week (about $162,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,378 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $77,996 a year against an average of $92,788. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxpayer income levels in Chapman rank among the top tiers in the nation based on the latest ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income of taxpayers in the suburb is $77,996 and the average income is $92,788, which compares to Australian Capital Territory figures of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current projections estimate these figures at approximately $86,139 (median) and $102,475 (average) as of March 2026. Census statistics show household, family, and individual incomes are all highly positioned, placing between the 96th and 97th percentiles nationwide.
The statistics reveal the $4000+ bracket is the most common, comprising 37.7% of residents (1,086 people), in contrast to the metropolitan area where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is most prevalent at 34.3%. A high degree of affluence is evident, with 51.6% of residents earning more than $3,000 weekly, which supports high-end retail and services. Following housing expenditure, residents retain 90.6% of their earnings, demonstrating robust spending capability, and the area's SEIFA index score ranks in the 10th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Chapman had 1,023 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 89% detached houses and 3% apartments. 40% are owned with a mortgage, 12% rented and 49% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $450 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,600 a month. Rent absorbs 14.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 19.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential structures in Chapman, according to the latest Census, consisted of 89.2% detached houses and 10.8% other housing styles (semi-detached, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings in Australian Capital Territory. The rate of outright home ownership in Chapman stood well above the Australian Capital Territory level, at 48.5%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (39.8%) or rented (11.7%). The median monthly home loan payment in the area was significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory median at $2,600, whereas the median weekly rent was recorded at $450, compared to Australian Capital Territory figures of $2,080 and $450.
On a national level, mortgage repayments in Chapman are notably higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are considerably above the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Chapman counted 1,023 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.7 people each. 39% are couples with children, more than in 76% of areas nationally, against 33% couples without children. 17% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households represent the vast majority at 81.7% of all residences, consisting of 38.7% couples with children, 33.3% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 18.3%, with single-person households at 17.1% and group shared households representing 1.2% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.7 people is higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
52.5% of adults in Chapman hold a university qualification, including 29.9% with a bachelor degree and 15.5% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 85% of areas nationally. A further 11.9% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 521 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,107 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Academic qualifications in Chapman are substantially higher than broader averages, with 52.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 30.4% in Australia and 46.6% in the SA3 region. This clear educational edge positions the local workforce well for opportunities in knowledge industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 29.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees (15.5%) and graduate diplomas (7.1%). Technical and trade programs account for 21.5% of qualifications for those aged 15+ – consisting of advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (11.9%). Educational enrollment rates are high, with 29.9% of the population actively participating in formal study.
This comprises 10.6% of residents in primary schooling, 9.8% in secondary schooling, and 5.2% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Chapman reaches 19 stops on 49 routes, timetabled for about 4,700 services a week. The typical home sits about 190 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.8 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport analysis identifies 19 active passenger stops operating within Chapman, which consist of bus services. These stops are served by 49 separate routes, which combine to support 4,667 passenger journeys weekly. Transport access is classified as outstanding, with residents typically living 188 meters from their closest transit stop. Being a largely residential suburb, most working residents travel out of the area to work, with cars remaining the main transit mode at 92%, and 2% choosing to cycle. Private vehicle ownership averages 1.8 cars per household, which is above the regional average.
Some 18.8% of residents worked from home (based on the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules). Transit services average 666 journeys per day across all routes, which corresponds to roughly 245 weekly journeys per active stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
65.9% of residents in Chapman report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 86% of areas nationally. 5.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 63.8% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 2.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health metric data reveals excellent profiles throughout Chapman, based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality rates and chronic health conditions, with younger demographics showing particularly low rates of common illnesses, and private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high at roughly 64% of the population (1,840 people). The national average stands at 55.7%. The most prevalent health issues reported in the area were arthritis and asthma, affecting 10.1 and 7.5% of residents, respectively, while 65.9% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. The population aged under 65 displays better than average health profiles.
The community contains 26.9% of residents aged 65 and over (775 people), which is higher than the 14.3% recorded in Australian Capital Territory. Health profiles among older residents are highly positive, although they rank lower nationally than the rest of the local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Chapman is largely Australian-born, at 77.3% of residents, with 12.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (26.9%) and Australian (25.5%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Chapman displays higher than average levels of cultural diversity, with 22.7% of residents born outside Australia and 12.6% using a non-English language at home. The predominant religious affiliation is Christianity, accounting for 51.4% of the population, which compares to 40.7% across Australian Capital Territory. Regarding parental ancestry, the three most common backgrounds in Chapman are English (representing 26.9% of the population), Australian (representing 25.5%), and Irish (representing 9.7%). There are also notable differences in the concentration of other backgrounds: Welsh is prominently represented at 1.1% of Chapman (compared to 0.6% across the region), Hungarian at 0.7% (compared to 0.3%), and Spanish at 0.6% (compared to 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Chapman is 47, older than 85% of areas nationally. 18.9% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 47 years in Chapman is notably higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and is also older than the national median of 38 years. Relative to Australian Capital Territory, Chapman has a larger share of residents aged 75 - 84 (11.6%) and fewer individuals aged 25 - 34 (4.2%). This concentration of residents aged 75 - 84 is significantly higher than the national rate of 6.1%. Following the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket increased from 10.9% to 14.7% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 9.5% to 11.6%.
Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort shrank from 12.2% to 9.9% and the 55 to 64 group fell from 13.6% to 12.3%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate notable shifts in the age structure of Chapman. Leading this demographic shift, the 85+ cohort is projected to rise by 57% (44 people), growing from 77 to 122. Notably, the combined cohorts aged 65+ will account for 100% of overall population growth, illustrating the aging profile of the area. In contrast, both the 75 to 84 and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to experience declines in numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Chapman
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 17 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,867 at the 2021 Census → 2,883 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL80034). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.