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

The population of Cook, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 2,925 people. This figure reflects a decrease of 40 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,965. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and their analysis of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, indicating a resident population of 2,896 plus an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,851 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are used, also based on 2022. According to these projections, over the period considered, the population of Cook is expected to decline by 205 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, with the 85 and over age group 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 allocated from statistical area data shows Cook has seen around 3 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 18 homes. As of July 2026, 1 approval has been recorded in FY-26.

The population decline in Cook suggests that new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering good choice to buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $428,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating emphasis on quality construction. 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 likewise lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity shows a balance between standalone homes (50.0%) and medium to high-density housing (50.0%), creating more affordable entry points suited 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, Cook should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Cook has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

No factors impact an area's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects predicted to affect this area. Notable 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). The following list details 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Cook well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Cook's workforce comprises highly educated individuals with significant representation in professional services. The unemployment rate stands at 2.6%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4% over the past year (AreaSearch data aggregation).

As of June 2025, there are 1,617 employed residents, a figure that is 0.8% below the Australian Capital Territory's unemployment rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation in Cook is somewhat lower at 65.3%, compared to the ACT's 69.6%. Key industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, education & training has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, accommodation & food services have limited presence in Cook, with only 4.3% of employment compared to the regional average of 6.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.4%, while labour force grew by 1.7%, resulting in a unemployment rate decrease of 0.7 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data). In comparison, Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 1.9% and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase 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 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 ended June 2022 shows median income in Cook is $71,967 and average income is $90,314. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% from financial year ended June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in Cook is approximately $81,755 and average income is around $102,597 as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Cook between the 81st and 94th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 31.7% (927 people) earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, reflecting regional patterns where 34.3% fall within this range. Notably, 37.1% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of income, indicating 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 ones at 24.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was $440. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents 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% of the total. 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% possess university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 43.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (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% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.4% in primary, 7.7% in tertiary, and 7.5% pursuing secondary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries.

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

Transport analysis indicates 11 operational stops in Cook, serving mixed bus routes. These stops are covered by one route, facilitating 196 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents situated approximately 230 meters from the nearest stop on average.

Service frequency stands at about 28 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 17 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. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 63% of the total population (1,838 people), compared to 57.1% across Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues impact 10.6% of residents, while asthma affects 9.3%.

A total of 64.0% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% in Australian Capital Territory. The area has 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over (590 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 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 dominant religion in Cook is Christianity, comprising 32.9% of the population. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, making up 0.1% of the population compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 0.1%.

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

Cook hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

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 at 7.5%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 12.3% of the population. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Cook's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. 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.