Deakin

Population growth drivers in Deakin are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The estimated population of the suburb of Deakin is around 3,251 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census count of 3,124 people. The growth of 127 individuals (4.1%) since the census can be inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,247 residents, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population results in a density ratio of approximately 910 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed significantly to this growth, accounting for roughly 97.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 adopted, also using 2022 as the base year. By examining future trends, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb of Deakin, with an expected increase to approximately 3,889 persons by 2041, representing a gain of 19.5% over the 16-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Deakin averaged around 14 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY2021 and FY2025, approximately 70 homes were approved, with a further eight approved in FY2026 to date. On average, this translates to about 1.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the same period. However, recent figures indicate this has eased to one person per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting better supply availability and stable market conditions.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $465,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This year alone, $39.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Deakin has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 66th percentile of areas assessed nationally.

In terms of building activity, approximately 69% are detached dwellings, with the remaining 31% being attached dwellings, offering a mix of opportunities across price brackets from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. Deakin reflects a low density area, with around 211 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Deakin will gain approximately 634 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases in the area.

Deakin has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely to impact the area. Key initiatives include Light Rail Stage 2B: Commonwealth Park to Woden, Draft Inner South District Strategy, The Embassy Residences, and Deakin District Playing Fields Upgrade. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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 reveals Deakin significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Deakin has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 1.9% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In Deakin, 1,647 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.9 percentage points lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

The workforce participation rate in Deakin was 61.0%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. Based on Census responses, 16.7% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries among residents were public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. The area had a notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, public administration & safety showed lower representation at 27.2% compared to the regional average of 30.4%. There were 2.1 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating that Deakin functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.2% while labour force increased by 1.1%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable, according to AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas. 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 suggest that Deakin's employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.5% 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 latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Deakin's median income among taxpayers is $82,931. The average income in the suburb is $126,757, placing it in the top percentile nationally. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Deakin would be approximately $91,589 (median) and $139,990 (average) as of March 2026. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Deakin rank highly nationally, between the 97th and 98th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 40.7% of individuals earn over $4000 per week, contrasting with surrounding regions where earnings between $1500 - $2999 are predominant at 34.3%. Deakin's affluence is evident with 52.0% earning over $3000 weekly, supporting premium retail and services. After housing costs, residents retain 88.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Deakin displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Deakin, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 68.0% houses and 32.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's dwelling structure of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings at the same Census date. In Deakin, home ownership stood at 46.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.2% and rented dwellings at 22.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Deakin was $3,180 as of August 2016, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080 and the national average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Deakin was recorded at $560, which is higher than both the Australian Capital Territory's $450 and the national average of $375.

Deakin has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.3% of all households, including 32.0% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.7%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Deakin shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Deakin's educational attainment exceeds broader standards, with 62.2% of residents aged 15+ possessing university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This notable advantage indicates strong potential for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 33.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.7%). Vocational pathways comprise 15.6% of qualifications among those aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (6.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 9.7% 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

Deakin has 48 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 144 unique routes facilitating 11,205 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is deemed good with residents typically residing 208 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Deakin residents commute outward using cars as the primary mode at 85%, while walking and cycling account for 5% and 4% respectively. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 16.7% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Daily service frequency averages 1,600 trips across all routes, translating to approximately 233 weekly trips per individual stop.

Deakin's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Deakin. AreaSearch's assessment found low prevalence of common health conditions in both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 77% of the total population (2,511 people), compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.7 and 6.7% of residents respectively, while 68.7% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. Deakin has 26.0% of residents aged 65 and over (845 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Deakin's population, born overseas, was 27.6%, higher than most local markets. 18.1% spoke a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 47.6%.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 0.2% in Australian Capital Territory. Top ancestry groups were English (27.7%), Australian (21.8%), and Irish (9.4%). Polish (1.2%) and Russian (0.7%) were notably overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.8% and 0.3%, respectively. Croatian was also overrepresented at 1.1%.

Deakin hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Deakin is 45 years, significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 and the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, comprising 10.8% of the population, while those aged 25-34 make up only 7.6%. Between 2021 and now, the proportion of people aged 75 to 84 has grown from 8.3% to 10.8%, while the percentage of those aged 65 to 74 has decreased from 11.6% to 10.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 45-54 age cohort will increase by 117 people (25%), rising from 464 to 582 individuals. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is projected to decrease by 0 residents.