Chifley (ACT)

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of Nov 2025, Chifley's estimated population is around 2,707. This reflects a 1% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,680 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 2,698 residents in Jun 2024, based on ABS ERP data release, and additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,702 persons per square kilometer, higher than national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses 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, ACT Government's SA2 area projections with a 2022 base are adopted. Projections indicate a population decline by 144 persons to 2041, but specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are expected to grow by 35 people.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval data from statistical areas, Chifley averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 to FY-25, an estimated 71 homes were approved, with one more in FY-26 so far. Over the past five financial years, on average, 1.7 people moved to the area per dwelling built.

However, this figure intensified to 4.5 people per dwelling over the past two years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply. The average construction cost value of new homes was $547,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, Chifley showed significantly reduced construction activity, at 67.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

New building activity comprised approximately 62.0% detached houses and 38.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a range of housing types from spacious family homes to more compact options. Chifley reflected a low-density area with around 282 people per approval. With population expected to remain stable or decline, the area may see reduced pressure on housing, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 13 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, the Woden Experiment Stage 2 - Public Realm & Active Travel Upgrades, Ivy by Morris (Section 54 Phillip), and Skye by Trilogy (Section 117 Phillip). The following list details those projects that are 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Chifley ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Chifley has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.2% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth at 1.7%.

As of September 2025, 1,548 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.3% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation in Chifley is similar to ACT's 69.6%. Major employment sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Education & training shows lower representation at 7.3% compared to the regional average of 9.6%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparing working population with resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.7% while labour force grew by 1.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, ACT experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. As of 25-Nov-25, ACT's employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chifley's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Chifley suburb had a median taxpayer income of $64,273 and an average income of $80,270. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to ACT levels of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $70,225 and $87,703, based on a 9.26% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census places Chifley's household, family, and personal incomes between the 85th and 90th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 30.8% of residents (833 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, aligning with the broader area at 34.3%. High earners make up 38.1% of the population, indicating strong economic capacity. Housing accounts for 14.5% of income, and residents rank in the 86th percentile for disposable income. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Chifley displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Chifley, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 67.7% houses and 32.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 58.4% houses and 41.7% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Chifley was 32.3%, similar to that of the Australian Capital Territory, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.2% and rented dwellings at 32.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,383, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $440. Nationally, Chifley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Chifley features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical 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 constitute the remaining 35.8%, with lone person households making up 30.7% and group households comprising 4.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

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 high with 52.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to the national average of 30.4%. This figure also surpasses the SA4 region's 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.5%) and graduate diplomas (6.2%). Vocational pathways account for 22.9% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 12.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. 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 offering bus services. These are covered by nine different routes that together facilitate 750 weekly passenger trips. Transport access in the area is considered good, with residents on average situated 223 meters from their nearest stop.

Services run at an average frequency of 107 trips daily across all routes, translating to about 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 quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Chifley demonstrates a low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 59% of the total population (1,594 people), compared to 69.2% across Australian Capital Territory.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.6% and 7.6% of residents respectively. 70.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.1% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 15.9% of residents aged 65 and over (430 people), which is lower than the 18.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average and broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 showed high diversity, with 30.9% born overseas and 26.5% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 40.0%. Hinduism was notably higher in Chifley at 8.1%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 6.6%.

The top ancestral groups were English (23.6%), Australian (20.8%), and Other (14.3%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Spanish was overrepresented at 0.8% in Chifley, Serbian at 0.7%, and Croatian at 0.9%.

Chifley's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Chifley's median age is 37 years, slightly older than Australian Capital Territory's 35 but aligned with the national average of 38 years. The 35-44 age group makes up 16.8% of Chifley's population compared to Australian Capital Territory's percentage, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 15.2% to 16.8%, whereas the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.3% to 10.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Chifley. The 85+ age group is projected to increase by 24 people (41%) from 59 to 84. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 92% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both 0-4 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.