Curtin

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

As per AreaSearch's analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates and new addresses validated by them, the estimated population of Curtin as of February 2026 is approximately 5,520. This figure represents a decrease of 49 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,569. The current resident population estimate of 5,489 by AreaSearch is based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and includes an additional 24 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,147 persons per square kilometer for Curtin, which aligns with averages observed across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 96.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the suburb.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, to forecast future population trends. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, also using 2022 as a base year, are adopted. According to these projections, Curtin's overall population is expected to decrease by 133 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow during this period, notably the 65 to 74 age group, which is 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, shows Curtin averaged around 20 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 103 homes were approved, with another 13 approved so far in FY-26.

Over the past five financial years, an average of only 0.4 people moved to Curtin for each dwelling built, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand. This offers ample buyer choice and creates capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties in Curtin is $413,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Curtin shows substantially reduced construction, 77.0% below regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

New building activity comprises 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Curtin reflects a low density area, with around 255 people per approval. Given that population is expected to remain stable or decline, Curtin should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Area infrastructure performance is significantly influenced by changes in local projects and initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 15 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects 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 assessment positions Curtin ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Curtin has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1%. As of September 2025, 2,850 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate matched the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation was lower at 67.5%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. According to Census responses, only 13.2% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Construction showed lower representation at 4.3% versus the regional average of 6.8%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the working population count compared to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.0%, while labour force increased by 0.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand 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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Curtin had a median taxpayer income of $77,046 and an average income of $107,205. These figures place Curtin in the top percentile nationally, compared to ACT levels of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Projecting forward using Wage Price Index growth of 9.26%, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $84,180 (median) and $117,132 (average). The 2021 Census data ranks Curtin's household, family, and personal incomes highly, between the 95th and 95th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 35.0% of residents (1,931 people) fall into the $4000+ bracket, unlike broader area trends where 34.3% earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly. The high proportion of residents earning above $3,000/week indicates strong economic capacity in the locality. After housing costs, residents retain 89.1% of 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, 83.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 16.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% 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, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in Curtin was $450, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure. Nationally, Curtin's 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 25.7%, with lone person households at 23.3% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is 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+, 57.3% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This educational 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 among those aged 15+, 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 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 80 different routes, offering a total of 5790 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is considered good, with residents usually located within 200 meters of the nearest stop. As mostly residential, outward commuting dominates. Cars are used by 84% for commutes, while buses account for 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 occur daily, translating to roughly 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 (3,838 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 show low chronic condition prevalence. Curtin has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,004 people), 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 above average, with 24.6% of its population born overseas and 16.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Curtin was Christianity, comprising 42.7% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 0.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (25.2%), English (24.4%), and Irish (10.7%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: French was overrepresented at 0.8% in Curtin compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Scottish at 8.9% versus 7.3%, and Dutch at 1.6% versus 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 in Curtin at 13.2%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.7%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 12.3% to 13.2% of Curtin's population, while the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 10.7% to 9.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Curtin. Leading these shifts, the 65 to 74 age group is expected to grow by 24%, reaching 607 people from 491. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 87% of anticipated growth. Conversely, the 55 to 64 and 75 to 84 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.