City

City lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the City statistical area's population is estimated at around 5,280 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 445 people (9.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,835 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,269, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 299 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,692 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The City's 9.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (6.4%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 94.0% 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, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas, is predicted over the period with the City expected to increase by 8,118 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 153.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions City among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, City recorded around 66 residential properties granted approval annually. Approximately 332 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with no approvals so far in FY-26. On average, one new resident arrived per year for each new home over these five years, indicating that supply met or exceeded demand.

This has provided greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. In the current financial year, there have been $411.8 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, City has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. However, construction activity has recently intensified, significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. All new construction has consisted solely of townhouses or apartments, focusing on higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

The location has approximately 31 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Looking ahead, City is expected to grow by 8,107 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

City has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 28 projects likely affecting the area. Notable projects include ACT Light Rail Stage 2A (City to Commonwealth Park), Lonsdale & Girrahween - Braddon (Section 34), The Grande, and City Hill Mixed-Use Precinct. Relevant projects are listed below.

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.

City ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

City has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 3,718 residents in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.2% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation is somewhat lower at 67.4%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. Leading employment industries among residents include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and accommodation & food. The area has a particular specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 6.5%, compared to the regional average of 11.7%. There are 8.3 workers for every resident, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.8% while labour force grew by 1.2%, resulting in a fall of unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a drop in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows ACT 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 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.1% over ten years. Applying these projections to City's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 10.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows City had a median taxpayer income of $72,282 and an average income of $103,421. Nationally, these figures place City in the top percentile. Comparatively, Australian Capital Territory's median and average incomes were $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated median and average incomes for City would be approximately $78,975 and $112,998 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in City rank between the 80th and 84th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 39.8% of locals (2,101 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, aligning with regional levels at 34.3%. Higher earners make up a substantial presence, with 34.3% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 19.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 74th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

City features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

City's latest Census data shows 0.0% houses and 100.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Australian Capital Territory's 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in City was at 15.8%, lower than Australian Capital Territory's level. Mortgaged dwellings were 21.4%, while rented dwellings accounted for 62.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080 and national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in City was $550, higher than Australian Capital Territory's $476 and national figure of $375.

City features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 45.0% of all households, including 5.9% couples with children, 35.5% couples without children, and 2.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 55.0%, with lone person households at 44.5% and group households making up 10.3%. The median household size is 1.7 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.2 people.

City shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

City's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. As of 2021, 61.5% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 33.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (24.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%).

Technical qualifications represent 11.7% of educational achievements, with advanced diplomas accounting for 5.6% and certificates for 6.1%. Educational participation is notably high, with 50.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the 2021 census. This includes 44.3% in tertiary education, 1.2% in primary education, and 1.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

City's public transport analysis shows 40 operational stops serving a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are covered by 143 unique routes, facilitating 10,375 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated highly, with residents on average located 180 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,482 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 259 weekly trips per individual stop.

City's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across City, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 68% of the total population (3,592 people), compared to 65.9% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, impacting 10.8 and 7.5% of residents respectively.

Seventy-seven point one percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.8% in Australian Capital Territory. The area has 6.2% of residents aged 65 and over (327 people), lower than the 11.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

City is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

City scores highly on cultural diversity, with 42.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 49.9% born overseas. The main religion in City is Christianity, comprising 23.4% of people. However, Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.4% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 0.5%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Chinese at 19.0%, English at 19.0%, and Australian at 16.2%. These percentages differ from regional averages: Chinese is substantially higher (5.6%), English notably lower (24.1%), and Australian also notably lower (21.6%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences include Korean, overrepresented at 1.8% compared to the regional average of 0.7%, Russian at 0.4% (matching the regional average), and French at 0.6% versus a regional average of 0.7%.

City hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

City's median age in 2021 was 27 years, significantly lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and the national average of 38. Compared to the ACT, City had a higher percentage of residents aged 15-24 (36.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (3.1%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds was significantly higher than the national average of 12.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 5-14 age group increased from 1.6% to 3.1%, while the 45-54 cohort decreased from 7.3% to 5.6% and the 15-24 group slightly dropped from 37.4% to 36.3%. Population forecasts for City indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041, with the 15-24 age cohort projected to surge dramatically, expanding by 2,539 people (132%) from 1,916 to 4,456.