Chifley (ACT)

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

The population of the suburb of Chifley (ACT) is estimated at around 2,707 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 27 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,680 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,698 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,702 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 86.0% of overall population gains 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 adopted, using 2022 as the base year. Looking at population projections moving forward, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decrease by 144 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 increase by 35 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 allocated from statistical area data indicates Chifley averaged around 14 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 71 homes were approved, with one more in FY-26 so far. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.7 people moved to the area per dwelling built.

However, this figure has intensified to 4.5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $547,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Chifley shows substantially reduced construction, 67.0% below the regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. New 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 reflects a low density area. Given the expected stable or declining population, Chifley should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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 has identified 13 projects likely influencing the region. Notable initiatives include Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, 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 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 a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of September 2025, which is lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.7%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,548 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% below the ACT's rate and workforce participation somewhat lower at 70.3%. According to Census responses, only 12.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Conversely, education & training showed lower representation at 7.3%, compared to the regional average of 9.6%. Over the year to 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. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Chifley's employment mix indicates potential local employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. Chifley suburb had a median taxpayer income of $64,273 and an average income of $80,270. These figures were among the highest in Australia, compared to ACT's $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on 9.26% Wage Price Index growth since FY2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $70,225 (median) and $87,703 (average). The 2021 Census ranked Chifley's household, family, and personal incomes between the 85th and 90th percentiles nationally. Income analysis showed that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominated with 30.8% of residents (833 people), similar to the broader area at 34.3%. A substantial proportion of high earners (38.1% above $3,000/week) indicated strong economic capacity. Housing accounted for 14.5% of income, and residents ranked within the 86th percentile for disposable income. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 9th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Chifley, as per the latest Census, consisted of 67.7% houses and 32.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chifley was at 32.3%, with the rest either mortgaged (35.2%) or rented (32.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Chifley was $2,383, higher than Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Chifley was $450, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure. Nationally, Chifley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,383 compared to Australia's 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 lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 35.8%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households comprising 4.7%. 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 notable with 52.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Within this area, 46.8% of residents have university-level qualifications, surpassing the broader SA4 region's figure. 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+, 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 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by nine different routes, collectively facilitating 750 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average located 223 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 82%, while bus accounts for 8% and walking for 5%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 1.2.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 107 trips daily 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but nearer to national averages for older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is exceptionally high, with approximately 59% of the total population (1,594 people) having it, compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.6% and 7.6% of residents respectively, while 70.7% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 15.6% of residents aged 65 and over (422 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally compared to 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 of the 2016 Census, was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 30.9% born overseas and 26.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Chifley, comprising 40.0% of its population. Notably, Hinduism was overrepresented, making up 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%). Some ethnic groups showed notable variations: Spanish was overrepresented at 0.8% versus 0.5% regionally, Serbian at 0.7% compared to 0.4%, 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 the Australian Capital Territory's 35 but closely aligned with Australia's national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises 11.1% of Chifley's population compared to the Australian Capital Territory, while the 15-24 cohort makes up 11.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 15.2% to 17.1%, whereas the 45-54 age group has decreased from 12.3% to 10.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Chifley. The 65-74 age cohort is projected to grow by 28 people (14%), from 203 to 232. Notably, the combined ages of 65+ will account for 87% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.