Curtin

An assessment of population growth drivers in Curtin reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The population of Curtin as of November 2025 is estimated at around 5,520 people. This reflects a decrease since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,569 people. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of ABS population updates, including an examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,147 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 96.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also using 2022 as a base. According to these projections, the suburb of Curtin's population is expected to decline by 133 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 65 to 74 age group, projected to increase by 153 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Curtin according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Curtin averaged approximately 20 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 103 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved so far in FY-26.

The average number of people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these years was approximately 0.4 per year. This suggests new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties was around $413,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. Comparatively, Curtin shows substantially reduced construction activity relative to the Australian Capital Territory, with 77.0% below the regional average per person.

This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. The building activity in Curtin is predominantly detached houses at around 71.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up approximately 29.0%. This preserves the area's suburban nature, attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 255 people per approval, Curtin reflects a low-density area. Given that population is expected to remain stable or decline, Curtin should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 15 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones include Wesley Mission Affordable Housing Curtin, Woden Experiment Stage 2 - Public Realm & Active Travel Upgrades, Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, and Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment. The following list details 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 Curtin maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Curtin has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5% over the past year as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 2,914 residents employed, with an unemployment rate aligned with the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation is lower at 65.6% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services, while construction shows lower representation at 4.3% versus the regional average of 6.8%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.5% and labour force increased by 1.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 1.9% and labour force growth of 1.6%, with a drop in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Curtin. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Curtin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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

In financial year 2022, Curtin had a median taxpayer income of $77,046 and an average income of $107,205, placing it in the top percentile nationally. This compares to median incomes of $68,678 and average incomes of $83,634 in the Australian Capital Territory respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $87,524 and $121,785 respectively, based on a 13.6% growth in wages since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Curtin rank highly nationally, between the 95th and 95th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 35.0% of residents (1,931 people) fall into the $4000+ bracket, unlike broader area trends where 34.3% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. A substantial proportion of high earners (48.3%) in Curtin indicates strong economic capacity throughout the locality. After housing costs, residents retain 89.1% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Curtin is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Curtin, as per the latest Census evaluation, dwelling structures consisted of 83.8% houses and 16.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's 58.4% houses and 41.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Curtin stood at 41.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.9% and rented ones at 24.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure in Curtin was $450, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory's $440. Nationally, Curtin's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Curtin has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.3% of all households, including 36.7% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.7%, with lone person households at 23.3% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.4.

Educational achievement in Curtin places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Curtin is notably high, with 57.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 31.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.1%) and graduate diplomas (6.0%). Vocational pathways account for 18.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificates at 10.0%. Educational participation is high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.9% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 7.4% in tertiary education.

Holy Trinity Primary School and Curtin Primary School serve the area, collectively educating 802 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages with an ICSEA score of 1141. Both primary schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. There are 14.5 school places per 100 residents in Curtin, below the regional average of 18.4.

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

Transport analysis indicates 29 active public transport stops in Curtin, operated by buses. These stops are serviced by four routes, offering a total of 362 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 200 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 51 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Curtin's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows Curtin residents have relatively positive health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions among the general population. However, this is higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is exceptionally high in Curtin, at approximately 70% of the total population (3,838 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 8.1 and 7.8% of residents respectively. 69.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.1% across Australian Capital Territory. Curtin has 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over (988 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

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

Curtin's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 24.6% born overseas and 16.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Curtin, accounting for 42.7%. The most notable overrepresentation is seen in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of Curtin's population compared to 0.3% in the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry, Australians make up 25.2%, English 24.4%, and Irish 10.7%. There are notable differences in other ethnic groups' representation: French is overrepresented at 0.8% (vs regional 0.6%), Scottish at 8.9% (vs 7.8%), and Dutch at 1.6% (vs 1.2%).

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

The median age in Curtin is 41 years, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and modestly exceeds the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented at 12.9% in Curtin, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 12.3% to 12.9%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has declined from 6.6% to 5.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Curtin, with the 65-74 age group expected to grow by 28% (132 people), reaching 607 from 474. This growth is led by residents aged 65 and older, who represent 84% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, the 75-84 and 15-24 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.