Chisholm (ACT)

Chisholm is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The estimated population of the Chisholm (ACT) statistical area (Lv2), as of November 2025, is around 5,255 people. This figure reflects a decrease of 13 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a total population of 5,268 people in the area. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on examination of the June 2024 ABS ERP data release and additional validated new addresses since the Census date, stands at 5,221 individuals. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,695 persons per square kilometer for the Chisholm (ACT) (SA2), which is higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Despite experiencing a 0.2% decline since the Census, the SA3 area showed a 0.1% growth during this period, indicating divergent population trends within the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains in recent periods for the Chisholm (ACT) statistical area (Lv2).

AreaSearch projections for each SA2 area are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024, with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections (base year: 2022) are adopted. According to these projections, the population of the Chisholm (ACT) statistical area (Lv2) is expected to decrease by 325 persons by 2041. However, growth within specific age cohorts is anticipated, with the 75 to 84 age group projected to increase by 125 people over this period.

The level of residential development activity in Chisholm is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Chisholm has seen around 8 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 42 homes. In FY-26 so far, 5 approvals have been recorded. The average increase in residents per dwelling constructed is 0.4 persons per year over these five years.

New supply meets or exceeds demand, offering ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. Average construction value of new properties is $291,000. This financial year has seen $337,000 in commercial development approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Chisholm shows approximately 69% of the construction activity per person, placing it among the 19th percentile nationally. This suggests limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established homes.

The area's maturity and possible planning constraints contribute to this below-average activity. New building activity in Chisholm comprises 56.0% detached houses and 44.0% attached dwellings, offering a blend of housing types across price ranges. This is a significant shift from the current housing mix of 96.0% houses, reflecting reduced development site availability and addressing changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Chisholm has approximately 803 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. With stable or declining population forecasts, the area may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Chisholm has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely affecting the region. Key initiatives are Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, Erindale Group Centre Master Plan Implementation - Stage 1, and Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong. The following list details those most relevant:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Chisholm remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Chisholm has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.4% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.8%.

As of September 2025, there are 2,819 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.8% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation in Chisholm is similar to that of the Australian Capital Territory at 69.6%. Key industries for employment among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 7.4% of Chisholm's workforce compared to 11.1% in the Australian Capital Territory. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, while labour force grew by 1.1%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 1.6 percentage points. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory saw employment grow by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for Australia. Applying these projections to Chisholm's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reports that Chisholm's median income among taxpayers is $64,238, with an average of $71,194. This is above the national average. The Australian Capital Territory has a median income of $72,206 and an average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Chisholm would be approximately $70,186 (median) and $77,787 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Chisholm rank highly nationally, between the 83rd and 85th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 38.1% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, reflecting regional patterns where 34.3% occupy this range. Economic strength is evident with 33.9% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 13.8% of income. Residents rank within the 84th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Chisholm is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Chisholm, as per the latest Census, 95.9% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 4.2% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) figures of 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chisholm stood at 29.1%, with mortgaged properties at 50.7% and rented ones at 20.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with the ACT average, while the median weekly rent was $410 compared to ACT's $425. Nationally, Chisholm's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863 and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Chisholm has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 76.6% of all households, including 36.9% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.4%, with lone person households at 20.9% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Chisholm aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 25.6%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 36.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (24.3%). Educational participation is high at 28.6%, including primary education (10.2%), secondary education (8.0%), and tertiary education (3.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Chisholm has 38 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. All these stops serve buses. There are 84 individual bus routes in total, collectively transporting 5,450 passengers weekly.

The accessibility of these transport services is rated excellent, with residents typically living just 175 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, there are 778 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 143 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Chisholm is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Chisholm faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~2,907 people), compared to 58.1% across Australian Capital Territory.

Mental health issues impact 9.5% of residents, while asthma affects 8.8%. A total of 66.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 66.1% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 16.4% of residents aged 65 and over (861 people), lower than the 17.6% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Chisholm's population shows cultural diversity with 19.0% born overseas and 14.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 50.0% of residents. Islam's representation in Chisholm (2.4%) mirrors that of the Australian Capital Territory (2.4%).

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (27.5%), English (26.5%), and Irish (8.2%). Notable disparities exist for Hungarian (0.4% vs regional 0.3%), Serbian (0.5% vs 0.4%), and Macedonian (0.4% vs 0.2%) groups.

Chisholm's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Chisholm's median age is 37 years, slightly older than Australian Capital Territory's 35 but aligned with the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises 13.4% of Chisholm's population compared to Australian Capital Territory, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 11.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has grown from 9.4% to 11.0%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 13.5% to 15.0%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 13.6% to 11.3%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 15.1% to 13.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Chisholm. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to increase by 104 people (45%), from 231 to 336. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 98% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.