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 around the suburb of Dickson, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Dickson's population is estimated at around 4380 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1088 people (33.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3292 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4356, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 607 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2772 persons per square kilometer, placing Dickson in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Dickson's growth of 33.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the state's growth rate of 6.7%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, using 2022 as a base, are adopted. Exceptional growth is predicted for Dickson over the period to 2041, with the suburb expected to increase by 2590 persons 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, allocated from statistical area data, Dickson has averaged approximately 248 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 1,243 homes were approved, with no approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 0.8 new residents have arrived per new home over these five years, indicating that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $274,000. In the current financial year, there have been $10.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Dickson records 460.0% more construction activity per person, which should provide buyers with ample choice, although building activity has slowed in recent years. This level is substantially higher than the national average, indicating strong developer confidence in the location. 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 represents a significant shift from the current housing mix, which is currently 30.0% houses. With around 20 people per dwelling approval, Dickson exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

According to AreaSearch's latest 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 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that may affect this region. Notable ones are Vermillion, Calypso, Watson Solar Farm, and Stockdale Street Apartments. The following details projects likely to be most relevant.

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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% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.9%.

This is lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%, but workforce participation is similar at 72.5%. As of the Census, 13.1% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, professional & technical, and education & training.

Health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 7.9% compared to the regional average of 11.7%. There were 1.3 workers for every resident in Dickson as at the Census, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to 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 contrast, ACT saw employment rise by 1.4%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Dickson's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Dickson's employment mix.

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 released for financial year 2023 shows Dickson's median income among taxpayers is $73,291. The average income in the suburb is $90,602. Nationally, this is extremely high compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Dickson would be approximately $80,078 (median) and $98,992 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Dickson rank highly nationally, between the 82nd and 94th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 36.8% of the community (1,611 individuals). Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 34.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly. 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

The dwelling structure in Dickson, as per the latest Census, consisted of 29.5% houses and 70.6% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's figures which stood at 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings respectively. The level of home ownership in Dickson was recorded at 19.6%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 33.5% and rented dwellings making up the remaining 46.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Dickson was $1,904, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Dickson was recorded at $500, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Dickson's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Dickson features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 53.3% of all households, consisting of 17.5% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 6.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up 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 is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

In Dickson, educational attainment is notably high with 62.9% of residents aged 15 years and above possessing university qualifications. This figure surpasses both the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's average of 46.8%. The area's strong educational attainment positions it favourably for knowledge-based opportunities, with bachelor degrees being the most prevalent at 34.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 22.4%, and graduate diplomas at 5.6%. Technical qualifications make up 14.0% of educational achievements among residents aged 15 years and above, with advanced diplomas accounting for 6.3% and certificates for 7.7%.

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

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

Public transport analysis shows 26 active stops in Dickson. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 96 individual routes. They facilitate 7,104 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically 180 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain dominant at 57%, followed by buses at 13% and cycling at 10%.

Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below regional average. Only 13.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 1,014 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 273 weekly trips per stop.

Dickson's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Dickson's health data shows positive outcomes, matching national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health issues are seen across all age groups, with mental health issues affecting 12.0% of residents and asthma impacting 8.7%.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at 63%, compared to the national average of 55.7%. A total of 2,758 people have private health cover in Dickson. 71.5% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory's 70.2%. The under-65 population has better-than-average health outcomes. Dickson has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 6.9% (302 people), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 14.3%. Overall, Dickson's health rankings align with national averages.

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 significant diversity, with 31.1% born overseas and 26.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Dickson, at 25.3%. While Judaism made up only 0.7%, this was higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (22.4%), Australian (19.7%), and Other (11.8%). Notably, Croatian (1.0% vs regional 0.9%), Russian (0.5% vs regional 0.3%), and Korean (0.8% vs regional 0.6%) groups were disproportionately represented in Dickson compared to the region.

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 years and significantly below Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Dickson has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (30.2%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.8%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 14.8% to 17.1%, while the 25-34 age group has risen from 28.5% to 30.2%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has decreased from 18.4% to 16.6%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 suggest substantial demographic shifts in Dickson. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 39%, adding 517 people to reach a total of 1,840 from the current figure of 1,322.