Chifley (ACT)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Chifley reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Chifley (ACT) is around 2,785, reflecting an increase of 105 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 3.9% rise from the previous population count of 2,680. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,785, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of an additional 44 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,751 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Chifley are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and ACT Government SA2 area projections for years post-2032. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to decline by 124 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 31 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Chifley shows an average of 14 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, 71 homes were approved, with another 3 so far in FY-26. This averages to about 1.7 people moving to the area per dwelling built over those years, indicating balanced supply and demand.

However, this has intensified to 4.4 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply. The average construction value of new homes is $547,000, reflecting developers' focus on the premium market. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Chifley has significantly reduced construction activity, with 67.0% below the regional average per person. This limited supply supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

Building activity comprises 62.0% detached houses and 38.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges. With around 282 people per approval, Chifley is a low-density area. Given the expected stable or declining population, housing pressure should remain reduced, potentially presenting buying opportunities.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, Ivy by Morris (Section 54 Phillip), Skye by Trilogy (Section 117 Phillip), and Woden Community Services Hub. The following list details those 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Chifley maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Chifley has a highly educated workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.7% as of December 2025, showing an employment growth of 0.8% over the past year based on AreaSearch data aggregation. In December 2025, 1,544 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 0.1% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is lower at 67.8%, compared to the ACT's 70.5%. Only 12.9% of residents work from home, as per Census responses in December 2025. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Education & training has lower representation at 7.3%, compared to the regional average of 9.6%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited due to the predominantly residential nature of the area. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.8% while labour force grew by 1.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Chifley's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Chifley suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $64,273 and an average level of $80,270. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to ACT levels of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Chifley would be approximately $70,983 (median) and $88,650 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Chifley rank highly nationally, between the 85th and 90th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.8% of residents (857 people), aligning with the broader area where this cohort represents 34.3%. A substantial proportion of high earners (38.1%) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the locality. Housing accounts for 14.5% of income, while strong earnings rank residents within the 86th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Chifley displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Chifley, as recorded in the latest Census, 67.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 32.3% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types of dwellings. This is compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chifley stood at 32.3%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 35.2% and rented ones comprising 32.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,383, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure for Chifley was $450, matching the Australian Capital Territory's figure. Nationally, Chifley's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,383 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were substantially above the national figure of $375 at $450.

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

Family households account for 64.2% of all households, including 28.1% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.8%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households comprising 4.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Chifley is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2016, 52.2% of residents aged 15 years and over held university qualifications, compared to the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This high educational attainment positions Chifley favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 16.5% and graduate diplomas at 6.2%.

Vocational pathways account for 22.9% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and over, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 12.1%. Educational participation is notably high in Chifley, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This includes 8.1% in primary education, 7.9% in tertiary education, and 5.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Chifley has ten active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by nine different routes that collectively facilitate 750 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 223 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential and most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 82%, while buses account for 8% and walking for 5%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 107 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 75 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Chifley is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Chifley shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions' prevalence is low among the general population but closer to national averages for older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (1640 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 8.6% and 7.6% of residents respectively, while 70.7% report no medical ailments, similar to the 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Chifley has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.5%, compared to Australian Capital Territory's 14.3%. While health outcomes for seniors are above average, they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Chifley was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Chifley's population, as per the 2016 Census, had 30.9% born overseas and 26.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion with 40.0%. Hinduism was notably higher at 8.1%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 4.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.6%), Australian (20.8%), and Other (14.3%). Spanish, Serbian, and Croatian ethnicities showed notable divergences with 0.8%, 0.7%, and 0.9% respectively, compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 0.4%, and 0.9%.

Chifley's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Chifley's median age is nearly 36 years, close to the Australian Capital Territory average of approximately 35 years but younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Chifley has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (17.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.5%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the percentage of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 15.2% to 17.3%, while those aged 85+ have risen from 2.0% to 3.2%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 45-54 has decreased from 12.3% to 10.2%, and those aged 5-14 have dropped from 10.6% to 9.5%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Chifley, with the strongest projected growth occurring among residents aged 65-74 (16%), adding 35 residents to reach a total of 256. Residents aged 65 and above will drive approximately 82% of population growth, highlighting trends towards an aging demographic. Conversely, population declines are projected for the age groups 0-4 and 15-24.