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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of City is around 5,282, reflecting an increase of 447 people from the 2021 Census figure of 4,835. This growth represents a 9.2% increase since the 2021 Census. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 5,271, based on examination of the ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 299 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,693 persons per square kilometer, placing City in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth rate of 9.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state average (5.9%) and the SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, using 2022 as a base, are adopted. Based on these projections, City is expected to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas by 2041. The suburb is projected to increase by 8,118 persons over this period, reflecting a gain of 153.4% in total population over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows City recorded around 66 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 332 homes were approved, with none yet in FY-26. On average, one new resident arrived per year for each new home over these five years, indicating supply met or exceeded demand and supported potential population growth.

In the current financial year, $67,000 worth of commercial approvals have been granted, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Australian Capital Territory, City has similar development levels per person, contributing to market stability aligned with regional patterns. However, recent construction activity has intensified significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest. All new constructions since FY-21 have been townhouses or apartments, promoting higher-density living and creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The location has approximately 31 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market.

By 2041, City is projected to grow by 8,105 residents, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and driving price growth.

City has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 28 projects that may affect this region. 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. Below is a list of those most likely to be 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.

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

City has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.9% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 3,730 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 0.9% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. The workforce participation rate is somewhat below standard 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 employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has limited presence with 6.5% employment compared to the regional average of 11.7%. As at the Census, there are 8.3 workers for every resident, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.9% while labour force increased by 1.6%, resulting in a decrease of unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within City. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to City's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch reports that City had a median taxpayer income of $72,282 and an average income of $103,421 in financial year 2022. Nationally, these figures rank among the top percentile. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had incomes of $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. Based on a 13.6% increase since financial year 2022, estimated median income for City is approximately $82,112 as of September 2025, with average income estimated at $117,486 during the same period. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in City rank between the 80th and 84th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 39.8% of locals (2,102 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 34.3%. A substantial presence is seen among higher earners, 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 0.0% houses and 100.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Australian Capital Territory's 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in City was at 15.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.4% and rented dwellings at 62.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in City was $550, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $476. Nationally, City's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the 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 account for 45.0% of all households, including 5.9% that are couples with children, 35.5% that are couples without children, and 2.9% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 55.0%, with lone person households at 44.5% and group households comprising 10.3%. The median household size is 1.7 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.2.

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

City's educational attainment is notably high, with 61.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications. This figure surpasses Australia's national average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. The area's highest educational achievement is bachelor degrees at 33.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (24.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Technical qualifications represent 11.7% of residents' educational achievements, with advanced diplomas comprising 5.6% and certificates making up 6.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 50.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 44.3% in tertiary education, 1.2% in primary education, and 1.1% pursuing secondary education. However, educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

The analysis indicates that City has 43 active public transport stops in operation. These comprise a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. A total of 51 individual routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 7,021 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates the city's transport accessibility as excellent, with residents typically located just 180 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes stands at 1,003 trips per day, equating to approximately 163 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 (3,593 people), compared to 65.3% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues impacting 10.8% of residents and asthma affecting 7.5%, while 77.1% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.8% in Australian Capital Territory.

City 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 the people. Judaism, however, is overrepresented, making up 0.4% compared to 0.5% across Australian Capital Territory.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese at 19.0%, English at 19.0%, and Australian at 16.2%. These figures differ from regional averages: Chinese is substantially higher (5.6%), English notably lower (24.1%), and Australian notably lower (21.6%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences include Korean, overrepresented at 1.8% in City compared to the regional average of 0.7%, Russian at 0.4% (same as regionally), and French at 0.6% versus 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 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, 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 well above the national average of 12.5%. Post-2021 Census, the 5 to 14 age group increased from 1.6% to 3.1%, while the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 7.3% to 5.6%. The 15 to 24 age group also saw a decrease from 37.4% to 36.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for City, with the 15 to 24 age cohort projected to increase by 2,538 people (132%), from 1,917 to 4,456.