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 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 2,928 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a decrease of 37 people (1.2%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,965 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,896 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,853 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 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 Cook statistical area (Lv2)'s population expected to shrink by 205 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 59 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Cook has seen approximately 3 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 18 homes. As of April 2026, 8 approvals have been recorded in FY-26.

The area's population decline suggests that new supply is likely meeting demand, providing good options for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $428,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Cook has significantly less development activity, 79.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Nationally, this level is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity shows an equal split between standalone homes (50%) and medium to high-density housing (50%), creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

Cook has approximately 829 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. With population expected to remain stable or decline, there should be reduced pressure on housing in the area, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

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

No factors influence an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects likely to impact this area. Key projects include Bruce Precinct (Section 15), Bruce Residential Development Zone, Belconnen Town Centre East Precinct (Republic Phase 2 & Future), and New Northside Hospital (North Canberra Hospital Redevelopment). Below is a list of those most relevant.

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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 assessment positions Cook ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Cook's workforce comprises highly educated individuals with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 3.1% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9% over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregated statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,584 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.5% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 65.3%, compared to the ACT's 69.6%. Key industries for employment among residents included public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical services, with notable concentration in education & training (1.6 times the regional average). The accommodation & food industry had limited presence at 4.3% employment compared to the regional average of 6.5%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, labour force grew by 1.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points in Cook, contrasting with ACT's respective increases of 1.4%, 1.2%, and a decrease of 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov showed ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year (adding 710 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates varied significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Cook's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, although this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not account for localised population projections.

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 2023 shows that the suburb of Cook has extremely high incomes nationally. The median assessed income is $71,967 and the average income stands at $90,314. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $78,631 (median) and $98,677 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Cook all rank highly nationally, between the 81st and 94th percentiles. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 31.7% of locals (928 people) with weekly earnings in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the region where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. A significant 37.1% earn above $3,000 weekly. 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.

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. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cook was 40.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.0% and rented dwellings at 24.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Cook was $2,167, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Cook was $440, while in Australian Capital Territory it was $430. Nationally, Cook's mortgage repayments were 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households making up 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 educational attainment exceeds broader standards significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 60.8% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 43.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 31.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.4%) and graduate diplomas (6.9%). Vocational pathways account for 18.5% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.4% and certificates at 10.1%.

Educational participation is 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.

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 area. These stops are served by a mix of buses along 33 different routes. Together, they facilitate 1,750 weekly passenger trips.

Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 230 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency across all routes averages 250 trips per day, translating to approximately 175 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Cook is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Cook faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (1,840 people), compared to 57.7% across Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues impacting 10.6% of residents and asthma affecting 9.3%.

A total of 64.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over (591 people), which is higher than the 15.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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 was found to have above average 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 is Christianity, comprising 32.9% of the people there. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, making up 0.1% of Cook's population compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups in Cook are English at 27.2%, Australian at 23.4%, and Irish at 10.5%. There are also notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Welsh is overrepresented at 0.9% (vs regional 0.6%), Hungarian at 0.5% (vs regional 0.3%), and French at 0.9% (vs regional 0.4%).

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. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented in Cook, making up 7.5% of the local population, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 10.2%. Between 2021 and the present day, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 12.3% of Cook's population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Cook's age profile will evolve significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 46 people (53%) from 87 to 134. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 84% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 75-84 and 0-4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.