Cook

Cook 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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of the suburb of Cook was around 2,968 as of May 2026. This figure shows an increase of 3 people from the 2021 Census count of 2,965. The change is inferred from a resident population estimate of 2,962 by AreaSearch, following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2025, and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,878 persons per square kilometer, above the national average according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration contributed approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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, using 2022 as a base, are adopted. Projections indicate an overall population decline by 189 persons in Cook by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, projected to increase by 51 people.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Cook has seen approximately 3 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 18 homes. As of FY-26, 13 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline in the area, new supply appears to be keeping pace with demand, offering buyers a good range of choices.

The average construction cost value for new properties is $428,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market with high-end developments. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Cook has significantly less development activity, at 78.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Nationally, Cook's level of development activity is also lower, reflecting a mature market and suggesting possible development constraints. New building activity consists of 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% medium to high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The area has approximately 829 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Cook should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

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

No changes can affect a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are likely to impact this area. Notable projects include Bruce Precinct (Section 15), Bruce Residential Development Zone, New Northside Hospital (North Canberra Hospital Redevelopment), and Belconnen Town Centre East Precinct, with the following list detailing those most 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Cook maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Cook's workforce comprises highly educated individuals with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 3.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.5%. As of December 2025, 1,582 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was at 65.6%, compared to the ACT's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 15.3% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries included public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, employment in education & training was at 1.6 times the regional average, while accommodation & food services had limited presence at 4.3%, compared to the regional average of 6.5%.

The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.5% while labour force grew by 1.3%, resulting in a rise in unemployment by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 0.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cook's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that median assessed income in Cook suburb is $71,967 and average income stands at $90,314. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 10.44% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates suggest median income would be approximately $79,480 and average income around $99,743 by March 2026. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Cook rank highly nationally, between the 81st and 94th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income distribution shows that 31.7% of locals (940 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, reflecting regional patterns where 34.3% also occupy this range. Notably, 37.1% earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating prosperity pockets driving local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of their income, demonstrating strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Cook displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Cook, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 60.7% houses and 39.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cook was at 40.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.0% and rented dwellings at 24.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, compared to Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure for Cook was recorded at $440, while Australian Capital Territory's figure was $450. Nationally, Cook's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 65.2% of all households, including 27.0% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Cook demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Cook's residents aged 15+ have a higher educational attainment than the broader benchmarks. 60.8% hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and SA3 area's 43.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 31.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.4%) and graduate diplomas (6.9%). Vocational pathways account for 18.5%, with advanced diplomas at 8.4% and certificates at 10.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.7% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.4% in primary, 7.7% in tertiary, and 7.5% in secondary education.

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

Cook has ten active public transport stops operating within its boundaries, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by thirty-three unique routes that collectively facilitate 1750 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically situated approximately 230 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. The car remains the primary mode of transportation for 76% of residents, while 10% use buses and 9% cycle. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.1, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.3% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 250 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 175 weekly trips per individual stop.

Cook's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Cook's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover is exceptionally high in this area, with approximately 63% of the total population (1865 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 10.6% of residents and asthma impacting 9.3%. A total of 64.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. This area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (21.3%, or 632 people), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 14.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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

Cook had a cultural diversity above average, with 24.9% of its population born overseas and 15.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Cook, making up 32.9% of people there. However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation, comprising 0.1% of the population compared to 0.2% across Australian Capital Territory.

The top three ancestry groups in Cook were English (27.2%), Australian (23.4%), and Irish (10.5%). Notably, Welsh (0.9%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.6%, as were Hungarian (0.5% vs 0.3%) and French (0.9% vs 0.5%).

Cook's median age exceeds the national pattern

Cook has a median age of 42, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 45-54 cohort is notably over-represented in Cook at 14.9%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 10.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 12.0% of the population, while the 85+ cohort increased from 2.5% to 3.6%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 10.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Cook's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand notably, increasing by 38 people (36%) from 106 to 145. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 90% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 75 to 84 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.