Curtin

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Curtin is estimated at around 5,592 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 23 people (0.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,569 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,585 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,162 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for Curtin was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 96.0% 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. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population for Curtin, with the suburb's population expected to contract by 152 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 65 to 74 age group, which is projected to grow by 134 people.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Curtin has recorded around 20 residential properties granted approval per year. Approximately 103 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25.

As of FY-26, 17 homes have been approved so far. On average, 0.4 new residents arrive per new home built in Curtin over these five years. This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections. The average expected construction cost of dwellings in Curtin is $413,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Curtin shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 77.0% fewer new properties being built per person than the regional average. This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing homes in the area. New development in Curtin consists of 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. With around 255 people per dwelling approval, Curtin is characterized as a low-density area. Population projections for Curtin indicate stability or decline, which should result in reduced housing demand pressures. This trend benefits potential buyers in the area.

Curtin has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Wesley Mission Affordable Housing Curtin, Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, and Woden Community Services Hub. The following list details those likely 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. Professional services are strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 3.6% in the past year.

Employment grew by an estimated 1.3%. As of December 2025, 2,852 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 0.2% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was 66.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%.

Only 13.2% of residents worked from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Construction showed lower representation at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 6.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.3% and labour force grew by 1.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.9%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Curtin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Curtin has one of the highest income levels nationally, according to AreaSearch data aggregated from the latest ATO figures for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Curtin is $77,046, with an average income of $107,205. This compares to ACT's median and average incomes of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on a 10.44% growth in wages since financial year 2023, current estimates for Curtin would be approximately $85,090 (median) and $118,397 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Curtin rank highly nationally, between the 95th and 95th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 35.0% earning over $4,000 weekly (1,957 residents), differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 34.3%. Notably, 48.3% of Curtin's residents earn over $3,000 per week, indicating significant affluence and supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 89.1% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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, 83.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 16.2% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Curtin stood at 41.4%, with mortgaged properties at 33.9% and rented ones at 24.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in Curtin was $450, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure but significantly higher than the national average of $375. Nationally, Curtin's mortgage repayments were notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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 comprise the remaining 25.7%, with lone person households at 23.3% and group households making up 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

Curtin's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks significantly. Among residents aged 15 and above, 57.3% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This advantage positions Curtin strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead 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 notably high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 7.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Curtin has 29 operational public transport stops, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 80 unique routes, facilitating 5790 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically residing within 200 meters of the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. The car remains the primary mode of transport at 84%, while bus use stands at 8%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 13.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 827 trips are made daily, equating to approximately 199 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Curtin is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Curtin demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 70% of Curtin's total population (3,888 people) has private health cover, compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, impacting 8.1% and 7.8% of residents respectively, while 69.2% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,017 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Curtin's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 24.6% of its population born overseas and 16.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion in Curtin is Christianity, making up 42.7% of the population. Notably, Judaism, comprising 0.2% of the population, was found to be overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 0.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups in Curtin are Australian (25.2%), English (24.4%), and Irish (10.7%). There were also notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: French was overrepresented at 0.8% compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Scottish at 8.9% versus 7.3%, and Dutch at 1.6% compared to 1.3%.

Curtin's median age exceeds the national pattern

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 cohort is notably over-represented at 13.2% in Curtin, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 12.3% to 13.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.0% to 13.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Curtin. Leading this shift, the 65 to 74 group is expected to grow by 24%, reaching 611 people from 492. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 87% of anticipated growth. However, the 55 to 64 and 75 to 84 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.