Dickson

Dickson lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Dickson's population is estimated at around 4,380 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,088 people (33.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,292 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,356 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 607 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,772 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Dickson's growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (6.4%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the area. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For 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. Future population trends predict exceptional growth, placing Dickson in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas, with an expected increase of 2,590 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 50.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Dickson among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Dickson averaged around 248 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 1,243 homes were approved, with none so far in FY-26. On average, 0.8 new residents arrived per new home over the past five financial years.

This suggests that new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options while enabling population growth. The average value of new dwellings being developed is $274,000. In FY-26, there have been $10.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Dickson records 460.0% more construction activity per person. This high level of developer confidence is substantially higher than the national average and should provide buyers with ample choice, despite a recent slowdown in building activity. New development consists of 3.0% standalone homes and 97.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a trend toward denser development to cater to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 30.0% houses.

With around 20 people per dwelling approval, Dickson shows characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Dickson is expected to grow by 2,199 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Dickson has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. These include Vermillion, Calypso, Watson Solar Farm, and Stockdale Street Apartments, with the following providing details on those expected to be 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.

The employment environment in Dickson shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Dickson has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 3.5% over the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.9%.

As of September 2025, 2,737 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation was at 78.2% in Dickson, higher than the ACT's 69.6%. Key industries for employment among residents were public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and education & training.

Health care & social assistance had lower representation at 7.9%, compared to the regional average of 11.7%. There were 1.3 workers per resident in Dickson as of the Census, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.9% while labour force grew by 2.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points in Dickson. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 1.4%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points over the same period. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dickson's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.0% 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 Dickson's median income among taxpayers is $73,291. The average income is $90,602. Nationally, these figures are extremely high. In the Australian Capital Territory, the median income is $72,206 and the average is $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Dickson's median income would be approximately $80,078 by September 2025, with an average of around $98,992. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Dickson rank highly nationally, between the 82nd and 94th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 36.8% of the community (1,611 individuals). Higher earners are a substantial presence, with 34.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly. This indicates strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 16.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 80th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Dickson features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Dickson, as per the latest Census, 29.5% of dwellings were houses while 70.6% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dickson stood at 19.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.5% and rented ones at 46.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,904, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in Dickson was $500, higher than the national figure of $375 but below the Australian Capital Territory's $476. Nationally, Dickson's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

Dickson features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 53.3% of all households, including 17.5% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 6.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 46.7%, with lone person households at 33.3% and group households comprising 13.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

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

Dickson has a notably high level of educational attainment, with 62.9% of its residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 regional average of 46.8%. The area's educational advantage is reflected in its residents' qualifications: 34.9% hold bachelor degrees, 22.4% have postgraduate qualifications, and 5.6% possess graduate diplomas. Technical qualifications make up 14.0% of the educational achievements among residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas accounting for 6.3% and certificates for 7.7%.

Educational participation in Dickson is high, with 34.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 17.3% in tertiary education, 6.4% in primary education, and 4.4% pursuing secondary education.

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

Dickson has 26 active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 96 different routes that together facilitate 7,104 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 180 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 1,014 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 273 weekly trips per individual stop.

Dickson's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Dickson. Younger cohorts in particular have a very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (2,758 people).

This compares to 65.9% across Australian Capital Territory and 55.7% nationally. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues impacting 12.0% of residents and asthma impacting 8.7%. While 71.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, this is similar to the 70.8% across Australian Capital Territory. Dickson has 6.7% of residents aged 65 and over (293 people), which is lower than the 11.4% in Australian Capital Territory.

Dickson was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Dickson's population showed high diversity, with 31.1% born overseas and 26.4% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Dickson, accounting for 25.3%. Notably, Judaism had a higher representation in Dickson at 0.7%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 0.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (22.4%), Australian (19.7%), and Other (11.8%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Croatian (1.0% vs regional 0.7%), Russian (0.5% vs 0.4%), and Korean (0.8% vs 0.7%) were overrepresented in Dickson.

Dickson hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Dickson's median age is 29 years, which is lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and significantly below Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Dickson has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (30.7%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of Dickson's population aged 25-34 increased from 28.5% to 30.7%, while the proportion aged 35-44 rose from 14.8% to 16.7%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 decreased from 18.4% to 16.8%. Population forecasts for Dickson indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. Notably, the population aged 25-34 is projected to grow by 37%, increasing from 1,344 to 1,840 people.