Downer

Population growth drivers in Downer are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the estimated population of Downer is around 4,515 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 219 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,296. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 4,515 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and nine additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This population density equates to approximately 2,769 persons per square kilometer, placing Downer in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Downer has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%, outperforming its SA4 region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, using 2022 as the base year. Moving forward, demographic trends project above median population growth for national statistical areas. Downer is expected to grow by 968 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 21.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Downer has recorded approximately 18 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 94 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved in FY26 to date.

This results in an average of 4.4 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years, indicating significant demand outpacing supply, which typically impacts prices and buyer competition positively. Developers focus on the premium market, with new properties constructed at an average expected cost of $405,000. Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Downer has significantly less development activity, 69.0% below regional average per person. This constrained construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, though recent activity shows intensification. New building activity comprises 39.0% standalone homes and 61.0% medium to high-density housing, reflecting a trend towards denser development appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a considerable shift from the current housing mix of 67.0% houses.

Downer exhibits characteristics of a low density area with around 152 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate Downer adding 968 residents by 2041 (latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Downer has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. Fourteen projects identified by AreaSearch may influence this region. Notable ones are Watson Solar Farm, Dickson Shops Upgrade, Apricus, and The Establishment Watson. The following details projects expected to have the most impact.

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.

Downer has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Downer has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 4.7% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.1%. As of September 2025, 2620 residents were employed at a 1.1% higher unemployment rate than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) 3.6%, and workforce participation was similar to ACT's 72.5%.

Only 13.2% worked from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries for employment among residents were public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and education & training. Accommodation & food had a high employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance employed just 8.6% of local workers, below ACT's 11.7%. The area offered limited local employment opportunities based on Census data.

Between September 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1%, and labour force grew by 1.1%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 4.7%. In contrast, ACT saw employment rise by 1.4% and unemployment fall to 3.4%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Downer's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Downer suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $63,279 and an average of $78,225. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Considering Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates for Downer would be approximately $69,139 (median) and $85,469 (average) by September 2025. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in Downer rank highly nationally, between the 81st and 87th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 31.1% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, which is consistent with broader trends across the region where 34.3% fall into this category. Notably, 37.3% of Downer residents exceed $3,000 weekly earnings, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. Housing expenses account for 14.7% of income, and residents rank in the 82nd percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

In Downer, as per the latest Census evaluation, 67.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 32.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is compared to the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Downer stood at 27.4%, aligning with ACT's figure. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 35.6%, while rented dwellings made up 36.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, exceeding the ACT average of $2,080. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Downer was $420, compared to the ACT's $450. Nationally, Downer's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Downer features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 63.6 percent of all households, including 28.9 percent couples with children, 24.2 percent couples without children, and 8.9 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 36.4 percent, with lone person households at 27.1 percent and group households making up 9.3 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

Downer demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Downer has a notably high level of educational attainment, with 56.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications. This figure surpasses both the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's average of 46.8%. The area's educational advantage is reflected in its strong showing for Bachelor degrees (29.9%), postgraduate qualifications (20.5%), and graduate diplomas (5.6%). Vocational pathways are also well-represented, with advanced diplomas accounting for 7.2% and certificates for 10.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+.

Educational participation is high in Downer, with 34.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in tertiary education, 8.8% in primary education, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

Downer has 23 active public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by 57 different routes, providing a total of 3,033 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 206 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Downer being primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 70%, with cycling and bus use at 9% each. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 13.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 433 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 131 weekly trips per individual stop.

Downer'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

Health data shows relatively positive outcomes for Downer residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions found results largely aligned with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions were seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level. The rate of private health cover was very high, at approximately 58% of the total population (around 2,622 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues and asthma were the most common medical conditions, impacting 10.5 and 8.0% of residents respectively. About 69.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 12.9% of residents aged 65 and over (582 people), lower than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings largely in line with the general population.

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

Downer's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas, with 29.9% born overseas and 24.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Downer, making up 29.2%. Buddhism was overrepresented at 6.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 3.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (22.9%), Australian (22.6%), and Other (13.1%). French (0.8% vs regional 0.5%), Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%), and Russian (0.5% vs 0.3%) ethnicities were notably overrepresented in Downer.

Downer's population is younger than the national pattern

Downer's median age is 35, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure but lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Downer has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (17.3%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.2%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 13.2% to 13.8%, while the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has decreased from 18.0% to 17.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Downer, with the strongest projected growth occurring among residents aged 45-54 (38%), adding 217 residents to reach a total of 786 in this age group.