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

By Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Cook is around 2,928, a decrease of 37 people since the 2021 Census which recorded 2,965 residents. This decline reflects an estimated resident population of 2,896 as per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 1,853 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed about 69.0% to recent population gains in the suburb. ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, are adopted by AreaSearch for population forecasting.

For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections, using 2022 as the base year, are applied. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to decrease by 205 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like those aged 85 and over are projected to grow, with an increase of 59 people anticipated in this group during this period.

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. This totals an estimated 18 homes. As of FY26, 8 approvals have been recorded so far.

The area's population decline suggests that new supply is likely meeting demand, providing good choice for buyers. Developers focus on premium market with high-end developments, constructing properties at an average value of $428,000. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Cook has significantly less development activity, 79.0% below 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 equal focus on standalone homes (50.0%) and medium to high-density housing (50.0%), 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, the area should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

Cook has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

No infrastructure changes have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area. Key projects include Bruce Precinct Section 15, Bruce Residential Development Zone, Belconnen Town Centre East Precinct Republic Phase 2 and Future, New Northside Hospital (North Canberra Hospital Redevelopment).

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 assessment positions Cook ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Cook's workforce comprises highly educated individuals with significant representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9% over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of September 2025, there are 1,584 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 0.5% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation is somewhat below standard at 67.7%. Approximately 15.3% of residents work from home (Census data), factoring in Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries include public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, employment levels in education & training are 1.6 times the regional average, while accommodation & food services have a limited presence at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 6.5%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, labour force grew by 1.1%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion in employment 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 simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized 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 income in Cook is high nationally. The median 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 household, family and personal incomes all rank high in Cook, between the 81st and 94th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 31.7% of locals (928 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, reflecting regional patterns where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. Notably, 37.1% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of income, indicating strong purchasing power. 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 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cook was 40.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.0% and rented ones at 24.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Cook was $2,167, higher than Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Cook was $440, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Cook's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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, consisting of 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%. 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 residents aged 15+ have a higher educational attainment than broader averages. 60.8% hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and the 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, all providing bus services. These stops are served by thirty-three different routes, collectively facilitating 1,750 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 230 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 76%, followed by bus at 10% and cycling at 9%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 250 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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, as assessed by AreaSearch through 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 (1,840 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 10.6% of residents and asthma impacting 9.3%. A significant portion, 64.0%, reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in Australian Capital Territory. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.6% (603 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 was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 24.9% of its population born overseas between the years 2016-2021 and 15.7% speaking a language other than English at home as of the 2021 census. The main religion in Cook was found to be Christianity, which makes up 32.9% of people in Cook according to the 2021 census. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population compared to 0.2% across Australian Capital Territory as per the 2021 census.

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%, and Irish comprising 10.5%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Cook compared to 0.6% regionally as per the 2021 census, Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%) and French at 0.9% (vs 0.5%).

Cook's median age exceeds the national pattern

Cook has a median age of 42, which is considerably higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and significantly higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 45-54 cohort is notably over-represented in Cook at 14.6%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 12.0% of the population, while the 25-34 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 9.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that Cook's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand notably, increasing by 34 people (35%) from 99 to 134. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 92% 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.