Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Deakin has an estimated 3,256 residents, up from 3,124 at the 2021 Census — a change of 132 people, or 4.2%. Growth has averaged 1.1% a year over five years. That puts 912 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Evaluating recent ABS demographic updates alongside address validations performed by AreaSearch indicates that the suburb of Deakin has an estimated population of 3,256 as of Aug 2026. This represents an expansion of 132 people (4.2%) compared to the 3,124 people recorded in the 2021 Census. This figure draws upon an estimated resident population of 3,247 derived from the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with 40 validated new addresses identified following the Census. Consequently, population density stands at 912 persons per square kilometer, aligning closely with broader benchmarks tracked by AreaSearch.
Inbound overseas migration served as the core growth engine, generating approximately 97.0% of recent population gains. Demographic forecasting incorporates ABS and Geoscience Australia SA2 projections published in 2024 using 2022 as a baseline, supplemented by ACT Government SA2 age-cohort growth projections (also benchmarked to 2022) for uncovered localities and horizons beyond 2032. Over the forward period, the suburb of Deakin is projected to outpace the national median for statistical areas, expanding by 637 persons through to 2041 across aggregated SA2 modeling, which translates to a cumulative increase of 19.3% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
70 new dwellings have been approved in Deakin over the past five years, an average of 14 a year. That places the area in the 51st percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 4 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 11, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS residential building approvals by AreaSearch shows that approximately 14 new dwellings received approval annually in Deakin, amounting to roughly 70 homes across the preceding 5 financial years, with 11 approvals logged to date in FY-25. Across the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 2.7 new residents per year per dwelling underscores strong underlying demand supporting local real estate values. New residential construction averages $670,000 per dwelling in anticipated construction cost, reflecting builders targeting high-end, premium developments. Furthermore, commercial building approvals reached $39.6 million during this financial year, underscoring solid commercial investment activity.
On a per-capita basis, residential construction volume in Deakin is 19.0% below the Australian Capital Territory average, placing the locality in the 60th percentile across the country. Detached houses constitute 77.0% of newly approved residential development while townhouses and apartments account for 23.0%, reinforcing the established low-density character that appeals to buyers prioritizing space. A ratio of around 229 people per approval further confirms this low-density profile. Projections indicate Deakin will add 628 residents by 2041 relative to the latest quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. Should current construction volumes persist, housing supply could lag behind demographic expansion, potentially intensifying competition among purchasers and putting upward pressure on property values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Deakin
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 4 current infrastructure and development projects inside Deakin, worth an estimated $27 million. A further 51 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $5.29 billion. 12 are already under construction and 13 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and health & medical. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Major infrastructure developments, planning frameworks, and capital projects play a pivotal role in shaping local community growth. AreaSearch has identified 11 key initiatives poised to influence the district, highlighted by Light Rail Stage 2B: Commonwealth Park to Woden, Draft Inner South District Strategy, The Embassy Residences, and Deakin District Playing Fields Upgrade, alongside the primary projects summarized below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Inner South District Strategy
A finalized strategic planning framework by the ACT Government to guide the future development of the Inner South district. The strategy manages growth, accommodates future population, expands the West Deakin employment hub, integrates the light rail corridor, and protects the area's natural environment and heritage.
The Embassy Residences
A luxury mixed-use residential development consisting of 53 high-end apartments and penthouses. Designed by Hugh Gordon Architects, the 6-level building features two, three, and four-bedroom residences ranging from 160 to over 600 square meters. Ground floor units include courtyards, while penthouses offer private lifts and large rooftop terraces. The development prioritises sustainability with solar panels, EV charging for every resident car park, eco-friendly water management, and triple glazing. The building's facade incorporates face bricks and brushed brass balustrades.It also features three ground-floor commercial spaces intended for a day spa, club lounge, and a public art gallery.
Deakin District Playing Fields Upgrade
Upgrades to the Deakin District Playing Fields, including the installation of new LED sportsground floodlighting to allow for night games.
Griffith-Narrabundah Community Centre & Oval Upgrade
ACT Government project delivering a new multi-purpose community centre and upgrades to Griffith Oval, including a new pavilion, upgraded play spaces, and improved amenities. The facility serves residents of both Griffith and Narrabundah in Canberra's inner south.
National Security Office Precinct (York Park)
A multi-agency office precinct at York Park in Barton designed to accommodate approximately 5,000 workers from national security and Commonwealth agencies, including the Office of National Intelligence and DFAT. The project includes high-security office spaces, retail, and hospitality amenities. As of May 2026, the adjacent John Gorton Campus Car Park is fully operational with ongoing facade work, while main construction for the office precinct is progressing following the permanent site closure in early 2025.
Wesley Mission Affordable Housing Curtin
The development will deliver 98 homes comprising 83 affordable rental apartments offered at below 75 percent of market rates alongside 15 specialist supported homes for individuals living with mental health challenges. Delivered in partnership between Wesley Mission and the ACT Government, the development includes dedicated community amenities, support service facilities, and landscaped public spaces opposite the Curtin local centre.
Woden Community Services Hub
A new four-storey facility in Woden Town Centre that will centralise community and government services under one roof, bringing together services currently operating from multiple buildings in the region. It will include child and family services, meeting rooms, a multi-purpose hall, and workshop spaces. Construction is expected to commence in 2026-27.
Yarralumla Apartments
Proposed five-storey mixed-use redevelopment opposite the Yarralumla shops at the corner of Novar and Bentham Streets. The scheme includes 12 three-bedroom apartments and two penthouses above ground-floor commercial tenancies, with communal amenities including a residents lounge, garden and pool. Designed to Gold Level Livable Housing Design Guidelines.
1,652 residents of Deakin are employed, from a labour force of 1,686. Unemployment sits at 2.0%, with participation at 61.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 5,753, about 177% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market in Deakin is characterised by high educational attainment, a prominent professional services footprint, a low unemployment rate of 2.0%, and annual employment growth of 1.1% based on statistical area figures aggregated by AreaSearch. As of March 2026, employed residents total 1,652, while local unemployment sits 2.0% below the broader Australian Capital Territory rate of 4.1%. In contrast, labour force participation is comparatively low at 61.2% versus 70.6% across Australian Capital Territory. Remote work was reported by 16.7% of workers in Census returns, though pandemic lockdown measures during that period should be taken into account.
Resident employment is primarily clustered in public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. Concentration in professional & technical fields is particularly marked, tracking at 1.7 times the wider regional baseline. In comparison, public administration & safety represents 27.2% of the local workforce compared to 30.4% regionally. Given that there were 2.1 workers for every resident at the Census, Deakin operates as a substantial regional employment node that draws inward commuters. AreaSearch assessment of ABS and SALM statistical data indicates that over the preceding 12-month period, local employment expanded by 1.1% while the labour pool grew by 1.2%, maintaining steady unemployment conditions. Across Australian Capital Territory, employment rose by 0.3%, the labour force increased by 1.1%, and unemployment expanded by 0.7 percentage points. Long-term industry expectations from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide additional context regarding future employment trajectory. Across the country, job counts are projected to expand by 6.6% across five years and 13.7% across ten years, with performance varying by sector. Weighting these projections against the industry distribution of Deakin yields estimated employment growth of 7.2% over five years and 14.5% over ten years (note this is an illustrative extrapolation and does not incorporate local demographic forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Deakin is $3,117 a week (about $162,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,577 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $82,931 a year against an average of $126,757. The average runs 53% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode taxation statistics for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch indicate that personal earnings in Deakin rank among the highest in Australia, displaying a median of $82,931 and an average of $126,757. These compare to Australian Capital Territory averages of $72,206 (median) and $85,981 (average). Accounting for a 10.44% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated estimates reach roughly $91,589 for median income and $139,990 for average income as of March 2026. In the 2021 Census, personal, family, and household earnings all placed between the 97th and 98th percentiles nationally.
The largest income bracket contains 40.7% of residents (1,325 people) reporting $4000+, unlike the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 band is most common at 34.3%. High earning capacity is evident with 52.0% of households taking in weekly income above $3,000, which underpins substantial spending capacity. After meeting housing costs, households retain 88.6% of earnings, placing the area in the 10th decile on the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Deakin had 1,209 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 68% detached houses and 14% apartments. 31% are owned with a mortgage, 23% rented and 46% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $560 a week and the median mortgage repayment $3,180 a month, a total housing cost higher than 84% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 18.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.5%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, separate houses made up 68.0% of housing stock in Deakin, while semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwellings comprised 32.0%, compared with 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings across Australian Capital Territory. Fully owned homes accounted for 46.1% of properties, exceeding the territory benchmark, while mortgaged properties made up 31.2% and rental dwellings represented 22.8%. Typical monthly mortgage payments stood at $3,180 and weekly median rents were $560, outstripping the Australian Capital Territory medians of $2,080 and $450. On a national scale, mortgage costs significantly exceed the Australian baseline of $1,863 per month, and rental expenses are notably above the national median of $375 per week.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Deakin counted 1,209 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.4 people each. 32% are couples with children, against 28% couples without children. 28% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute 68.3% of all households, consisting of couples with children (32.0%), couples without children (28.1%), and single parent families (7.8%). Non-family living arrangements account for 31.7% of households, with single-person residences making up 28.4% and group living situations representing 3.3%. The median household size is 2.4 people, slightly below the Australian Capital Territory figure of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
62.2% of adults in Deakin hold a university qualification, including 33.9% with a bachelor degree and 22.6% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 88% of areas nationally. A further 6.5% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 2,114 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,124 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Residents of Deakin demonstrate exceptional academic attainment, with 62.2% of individuals aged 15+ possessing tertiary qualifications, substantially higher than the 30.4% recorded across Australia and 46.8% across the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees represent the largest share at 33.9%, alongside postgraduate qualifications at 22.6% and graduate diplomas at 5.7%. Vocational credentials comprise 15.6% of qualifications among residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (6.5%). Formal study engagement is substantial, with 30.9% of the local population actively participating in education. Primary school students make up 9.8%, secondary school attendees account for 9.7%, and tertiary students comprise 7.4%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Deakin reaches 44 stops on 124 routes, timetabled for about 8,900 services a week. The typical home sits about 210 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport connectivity in Deakin comprises 44 stops across combined bus and rail infrastructure, serviced by 124 distinct routes that generate 8,888 weekly passenger trips. Overall accessibility is favourable, with typical walking distances to the nearest stop averaging 210 meters. Commuting patterns reflect an outward flow from a predominantly residential setting, where private vehicles dominate travel at 85%, while walking accounts for 5% and cycling represents 4%. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.3 per dwelling, with 16.7% of workers operating from home according to the 2021 Census, potentially influenced by COVID-19 settings.
Across all transit lines, services operate at an average rate of 1,269 trips per day, which provides approximately 202 weekly trips for each transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.7% of residents in Deakin report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 78% of areas nationally. 5.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 77.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators across Deakin are very positive based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality patterns and chronic illness prevalence, showing low occurrence of common health conditions across both older and younger demographics. Private health insurance coverage is comprehensive, encompassing approximately 77% of residents (2,515 people), compared with 62.4% throughout Australian Capital Territory and 55.7% nationwide. Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent reported conditions, diagnosed in 8.7 and 6.7% of the population, respectively, while 68.7% of residents reported having no medical ailments, relative to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age cohorts maintain high overall health with limited chronic conditions.
Those aged 65 and over represent 25.5% of the local population (830 people), notably higher than the 14.2% proportion across Australian Capital Territory, with older residents registering health metrics on par with national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
27.6% of Deakin residents were born overseas and 18.1% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (27.7%) and Australian (21.8%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Deakin is higher than in many comparable markets, with 27.6% of residents born abroad and 18.1% using a non-English language in their households. Christianity is the primary religion, identified by 47.6% of residents. In addition, Judaism exhibits notable local representation at 0.3% of the community, compared to 0.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Regarding ancestral background, English ancestry is the most common at 27.7%, followed by Australian at 21.8% and Irish at 9.4%. Other ancestral backgrounds showing higher relative local proportions include Polish at 1.2% (compared to 0.8% regionally), Russian at 0.7% (compared to 0.3%), and Croatian at 1.1% (compared to 0.9%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Deakin is 45, older than 80% of areas nationally. 21.5% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Demographically, Deakin features a mature age distribution relative to its broader region. Based on August 2026 updates, retirees and seniors aged 65+ make up 25.5% of the population, compared to 14.2% in Australian Capital Territory, while residents aged 25 - 44 account for 19.2%, below the territory share of 32.8%. The estimated median age is 45, unchanged from the 2021 Census, which sits 10 years above the Australian Capital Territory median of 35 and above the national median of 38 recorded at that Census. Since the Census, the cohort aged 25 - 44 declined from 20.4% to an estimated 19.2%.
Between now and 2041, the largest numerical increase is projected among residents aged 65+, expanding by 290 residents (35%) to reach 1,120.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Deakin
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jun 2026 4 months ago all 4 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jun 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 40 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (3,124 at the 2021 Census → 3,256 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL80044). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.