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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Chisholm (ACT) is around 5,219. This reflects a decrease of 49 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,268 people in the suburb. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,221 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,683 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Chisholm experienced a 0.9% decline since census, the SA3 area achieved 0.2% growth, highlighting divergent population trends. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Considering the projected demographic shifts, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to shrink by 325 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 125 people.

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 allocated from statistical area data indicates Chisholm had approximately 8 new homes approved annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 42 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. The average new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.4, suggesting supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. New properties are constructed at an average value of $291,000.

In FY-26, $337,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Chisholm shows approximately 69% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 19th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. This activity is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity comprises 56.0% detached houses and 44.0% attached dwellings, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 96.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

The location has approximately 803 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Chisholm may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Chisholm has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include 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 focuses on those most relevant.

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

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The labour market in Chisholm demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Chisholm has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.4% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.2% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had an unemployment rate of 3.4%. Chisholm's workforce participation rate was similar to ACT's at 69.6%. Key industries for residents' employment were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction, with a notable concentration in construction at 1.7 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services were under-represented at 7.4% compared to ACT's 11.1%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.2%, labour force grew by 1.6%, and unemployment fell by 1.5 percentage points in Chisholm. In contrast, ACT saw employment grow by 1.9%, labour force expand by 1.6%, and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chisholm's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting 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's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Chisholm's median income among taxpayers is $64,238, with an average of $71,194. This is above the national average, compared to Australian Capital Territory's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $72,974 (median) and $80,876 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, 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 and $2,999, reflecting regional patterns where 34.3% occupy this earnings band. Economic strength is evident with 33.9% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 13.8% of income, placing residents 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

As of the latest Census, 95.9% of dwellings in Chisholm were houses, with the remaining 4.2% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared 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 dwellings 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 the ACT's $2,000 and $425 respectively. Nationally, Chisholm's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $410 than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 23.4%, with lone person households at 20.9% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (24.3%).

Educational participation is high at 28.6%, including primary (10.2%), secondary (8.0%), and tertiary education (3.8%). The area has two schools, Caroline Chisholm School and its Junior Campus, serving a total of 602 students. These schools offer typical Australian educational conditions with balanced opportunities. There is one primary and one secondary institution, with school places per 100 residents at 11.5, lower than the regional average (14.9), indicating some students may attend adjacent areas' schools. Note: for campuses showing 'n/a' in enrolments, refer to the main campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 39 active stops operating in Chisholm, served by buses. These are covered by 8 routes offering 736 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is high, with residents typically 174 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 105 daily trips across all routes, equating to around 18 weekly trips per 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 prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is found to be very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~2,887 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.5 and 8.8% of residents respectively. A total of 66.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.1% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 16.4% of residents aged 65 and over (855 people), which is 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.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Chisholm was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Chisholm's cultural diversity was above average, with 19.0% of its population born overseas and 14.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Chisholm, comprising 50.0% of the population. Islam, however, showed an overrepresentation compared to Australian Capital Territory figures, making up 2.4% versus 2.4%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (27.5%), English (26.5%), and Irish (8.2%). Notably, Hungarian (0.4%) was overrepresented compared to regional figures of 0.3%, as were Serbian (0.5% vs 0.4%) and Macedonian (0.4% vs 0.2%).

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 has a strong representation at 13.4%, compared to Australian Capital Territory's percentage. The 25-34 cohort, however, is less prevalent in Chisholm at 11.3%. Since 2021, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 9.4% to 11.0%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 13.5% to 15.0%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 13.6% to 11.3%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 15.1% to 13.4%. Population forecasts for Chisholm in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to increase by 106 people (46%), from 229 to 336. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 96% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.