Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Cook has an estimated 2,968 residents. That puts 1,879 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Cook's population is estimated at around 2,968 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 3 people (0.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,965 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,962, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,878 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 69.0% 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 area's population expected to shrink by 189 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 51 people. See the age section for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Cook has recorded around 3 residential properties granted approval per year, with an estimated 18 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 14 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.7 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $428,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments.
Relative to Australian Capital Territory, Cook shows substantially reduced construction (78.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New building activity shows 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% attached dwellings. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. At around 837 people per approval, Cook shows a mature, established area. With population projections showing stability or decline, Cook should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Cook
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 45 current infrastructure and development projects close to Cook, worth an estimated $20.7 billion. 11 are already under construction and 19 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, residential development and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total no projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key 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 below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Ethos Belconnen
Ethos is the second stage of Per Se Developments' Cirrus lakeside precinct at Belconnen. The project comprises 88 premium apartments with ground floor commercial tenancies overlooking Lake Ginninderra. Construction is well advanced with display apartments open and commercial space being marketed ahead of expected completion in 2026.
Radford College Master Plan Implementation
Ongoing implementation of the Radford College Master Plan at the Bruce campus. Major recent works include the completed Collegians Centre (multi-purpose hall) and the Boorer Family Cricket Centre. As of mid-2025 the College Board confirmed the final stage of works was progressing, comprising the completion of the school ovals, presentation upgrades to the Haydon Drive and College Street boundaries, a new Foundation Walk, and a feature pedestrian entrance and path linking College Street to the Collegians Centre with shelter, seating, lighting and an avenue of trees.The College anticipated the design becoming visible by the end of Term 3 2025 following earthworks and landscaping across multiple worksites.
Bruce Precinct (Section 15)
A masterplanned mixed-use urban precinct and residential land release located centrally in Bruce, adjacent to the AIS and Bruce Ridge Nature Reserve. The project aligns with the Bruce Sports, Health and Education Precinct masterplan, delivering approximately 250-500 new dwellings, including affordable housing options, alongside commercial, hospitality, and retail opportunities.
Belconnen Community Hub Upgrade
Comprehensive upgrade of existing community facilities including expanded library services, community meeting spaces, youth programs area, seniors center, and childcare facilities. Improved accessibility and technology integration throughout.
University of Canberra Sports Precinct
Major expansion of University of Canberra sports facilities, including the development of Sports Hub 2, new aquatic centre, indoor sports courts, outdoor playing fields, gymnasium upgrades, and athlete training facilities. It focuses on community access programs and elite athlete development.
JWLand Belconnen Lathlain Street Development
Mixed-use precinct at Belconnen Town Centre comprising 435 apartments across buildings of 12 to 18 storeys, a 144-room hotel, ground-floor retail, cafes, restaurants, and commercial office suites. The project sits within the Lathlain Eat Street precinct opposite Westfield Belconnen and adjoins an ACT Government urban park. A podium park and rooftop terrace gardens are planned, with 583 basement car spaces across four levels. A development application was lodged in early 2025.
Belconnen Arts Centre Redevelopment
Modernization of existing arts centre with expanded performance spaces, visual arts galleries, community workshop areas, and improved accessibility. Features flexible venue spaces for theater, music, and community events with enhanced acoustics and lighting.
Belconnen Basketball Stadium Expansion
Expansion of existing basketball facilities to include additional courts, spectator seating for 2,000, improved accessibility features, and modernized amenities. Part of ACT Government's sports infrastructure investment program.
1,590 residents of Cook are employed, from a labour force of 1,645. Unemployment sits at 3.3%, with participation at 65.9%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,263, about 76% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Cook features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.3%, and 0.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,590 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.7% below Australian Capital Territory's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (65.9% compared to Australian Capital Territory's 70.8%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 15.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.
Leading employment industries among residents comprise public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical. The area shows particularly strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. Meanwhile, accommodation & food has limited presence with 4.3% employment compared to 6.5% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, over the 12 months to March 2026, employment increased by 0.5% while labour force increased by 1.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.3%, labour force growth of 1.1%, with unemployment rising 0.7 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Cook. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Cook's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Cook is $2,269 a week (about $118,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,288 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $71,967 a year against an average of $90,314. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Cook's median income among taxpayers is $71,967, with an average of $90,314. This is among the highest in Australia, and compares to Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $79,480 (median) and $99,743 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Cook, between the 81st and 94th percentiles nationally.
Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.7% of residents (940 people), reflecting patterns seen the metropolitan region where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. Economic strength emerges through 37.1% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Cook had 1,237 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 61% detached houses and 3% apartments. 35% are owned with a mortgage, 24% rented and 41% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $440 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,167 a month. Rent absorbs 19.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 22.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Dwelling structure within Cook, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 60.7% houses and 39.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Cook was well beyond that of Australian Capital Territory, at 40.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.0%) or rented (24.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $440, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450.
Nationally, Cook's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Cook counted 1,237 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 27% are couples with children, against 27% couples without children. 31% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.3 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households dominate at 65.2% of all households, comprising 27.0% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
60.8% of adults in Cook hold a university qualification, including 31.5% with a bachelor degree and 22.4% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 96% of areas nationally. A further 10.1% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Educational attainment in Cook significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 60.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 43.8% in SA3 area. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 31.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.4%) and graduate diplomas (6.9%). Vocational pathways account for 18.5% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (10.1%). Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.4% in primary education, 7.7% in tertiary education, and 7.5% pursuing secondary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Cook reaches 10 stops on 33 routes, timetabled for about 1,800 services a week. The typical home sits about 230 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.1 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport analysis reveals 10 active transport stops operating within Cook comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 33 individual routes, collectively providing 1,750 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 230 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 76%, with 10% by bus and 9% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average. Some 15.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).
Service frequency averages 250 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 175 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
64.0% of residents in Cook report no long-term health condition. 4.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 62.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Cook's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (1,865 people). The national average is 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.6 and 9.3% of residents, respectively, while 64.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory.
The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.3% of residents aged 65 and over (632 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cook is largely Australian-born, at 75.1% of residents, with 15.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (27.2%) and Australian (23.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cook was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 24.9% of its population born overseas and 15.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Cook was found to be Christianity, which makes up 32.9% of people in Cook. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.2% across Australian Capital Territory. In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Cook are English, comprising 27.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 23.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.5% of the population.
Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Cook (vs 0.6% regionally), Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%) and French at 0.9% (vs 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Cook is 42. 22.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
With a median age of 42, Cook is considerably higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 similarly significantly higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 45 - 54 cohort is notably over-represented (14.9% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (10.1%). In the period since 2021, 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 see notable expansion, expanding by 38 people (36%) from 106 to 145. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Cook
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 18 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,965 at the 2021 Census → 2,968 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL80040). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.