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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of May 2026 the estimated population of Chisholm (ACT) is around 5,282. This reflects an increase of 14 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,268 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,277 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,703 persons per square kilometer, which is above average national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Chisholm's 0.3% growth since census positions it within 1.1 percentage points of the SA3 area (1.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 66.0% 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, over this period projections indicate an overall population decline by 290 persons in Chisholm (ACT) by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 118 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 in Chisholm indicates approximately 8 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 42 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. The average new resident per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 is 0.4. New supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice while creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of new properties is $291,000. In FY-26, there have been $337,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Chisholm shows approximately 69% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 19th percentile nationally, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity comprises 56.0% detached houses and 44.0% townhouses or apartments, showing a growing mix of housing types to cater to different price points and lifestyle demands, unlike the current housing mix of 96.0% houses.

With around 803 people per approval, Chisholm is a mature, established area with an expected stable or declining population, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

Chisholm has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely affecting this region: 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 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 well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.9% in the past year. Employment grew by an estimated 1.6%.

As of December 2025, 2811 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, 1.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was at 70.5%, similar to the ACT. Only 9.3% of residents worked from home according to Census responses. Leading industries were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction, with a strong specialization in construction (1.7 times the regional level).

However, professional & technical services were under-represented at 7.4%, compared to the ACT's 11.1%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.6% while labour force grew by 1.1%, reducing unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, the ACT saw employment grow by 0.9%, labour force expand by 1.2%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. 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. 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

Chisholm suburb shows median taxpayer income of $64,238 and average income of $71,194 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is above national average of $72,206 median and $85,981 average in Australian Capital Territory. By March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $70,944 median and $78,627 average, considering Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023. Census 2021 income data ranks Chisholm's household, family, and personal incomes between 83rd and 85th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 38.1% (2,012 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, reflecting regional patterns where 34.3% fall in this range. Substantial affluence is evident with 33.9% earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 13.8% of income, while strong earnings place residents in the 84th percentile for disposable income. Area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Chisholm is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Chisholm, as per the latest Census evaluation, 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 figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chisholm stood at 29.1%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 50.7% and rented dwellings accounting for 20.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Chisholm was $410, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Chisholm's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $410 compared to 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 23.4%, with lone person households at 20.9% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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 most common at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (24.3%). Educational participation is high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (10.2%), secondary education (8.0%), and tertiary education (3.8%).

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 84 different routes that together facilitate 5,450 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 175 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outwards, with cars being the dominant mode of transportation at 93%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 9.3% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 778 trips per day, equating 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 according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high for common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population, which amounts to around 2,922 people. This compares to a national average of 62.4%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues affecting 9.5% of residents and asthma impacting 8.8%. Conversely, 66.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% nationally. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over, which totals 961 people, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's 14.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

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 showed cultural diversity, with 19.0% born overseas and 14.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 50.0%. Islam was overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 3.4%, making up 2.4% in Chisholm.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (27.5%), English (26.5%), and Irish (8.2%). Notably, Hungarian (0.4%) was overrepresented compared to regional figures (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 Australia's national average of 38 years. The population aged 65-74 is strongly represented at 12.1%, compared to Australian Capital Territory, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.0%. Between 2021 and present day, the 65-74 age group has grown from 9.4% to 12.1%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 3.1% to 4.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 13.6% to 11.0%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 15.1% to 12.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Chisholm. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to increase by 111 people (45%), from 248 to 360. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 89% 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 number.