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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Downer statistical area (Lv2) is around 4,515, reflecting an increase of 219 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 5.1% change from the previous population count of 4,296 people. The latest estimate is based on AreaSearch's examination of the ABS's ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional nine validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 2,769 persons per square kilometer for Downer (SA2). Over the past decade, from 2015 to 2025, Downer has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%, outperforming its respective SA4 region. The primary driver of population growth in recent periods was overseas migration, contributing approximately 78.0% of overall population gains.

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, using 2022 as the base year, are adopted. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, an above median population growth is projected for Downer (SA2), with an expected increase of 968 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 21.4% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Downer has recorded approximately 18 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 94 homes have been approved, with an additional 5 approved in FY-26 so far.

This indicates that on average, about 4.4 people move to the area annually for each dwelling built during these years. This demand outpaces supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers. The construction value of new properties averages around $405,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Downer has significantly less development activity, 69.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. However, recent trends show increased construction activity.

New building activity comprises approximately 39.0% standalone homes and 61.0% medium to high-density housing. This shift towards denser development provides accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant change from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (currently 67.0%), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Downer exhibits characteristics of a low-density area, with around 152 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate Downer will add approximately 968 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with 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 to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects are Watson Solar Farm, Dickson Shops Upgrade, Apricus, and The Establishment Watson. The following details projects likely 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.

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

Downer has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.7% as of September 2025.

Employment grew by an estimated 1.1% over the past year. There are 2,620 residents employed currently, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation is similar to ACT's 69.6%. Key industries for employment among residents include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and education & training.

Accommodation & food has a high employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance employs only 8.6% of local workers, below ACT's 11.7%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1%, with labour force also increasing by 1.1%, keeping the unemployment rate stable at 4.7%. In contrast, ACT saw employment rise by 1.4% and unemployment fall to 3.8%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase 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 only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Downer's median income among taxpayers is $63,279. The average income in Downer during this period was $78,225. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Using Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Downer would be approximately $69,139 (median) and $85,469 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, 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 $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, 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 highly in disposable income at the 82nd percentile nationally. 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

Dwelling structure in Downer, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 67.1% houses and 32.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Downer was at 27.4%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (35.6%) or rented (36.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Downer was $420, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $476. Nationally, Downer's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Downer features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 63.6% of all households, including 28.9% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.4%, with lone person households at 27.1% and group households comprising 9.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.2.

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's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks. 56.0% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 29.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%). Vocational pathways account for 18.0%, with advanced diplomas at 7.2% and certificates at 10.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.2% 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

Transport analysis shows 23 active transport stops operating within Downer. These are a mix of bus services. There are 57 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 3033 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 206 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 433 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 131 weekly trips per stop.

Downer's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Downer residents. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 58% of the total population (~2,622 people) has private health cover, compared to 65.9% across Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 10.5 and 8.0% of residents respectively. Around 69.8% of residents declare themselves as completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.8% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 12.4% of residents aged 65 and over (559 people), which is higher than the 11.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 29.9% born overseas and 24.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Downer, comprising 29.2%. Buddhism, however, is overrepresented at 6.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 3.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.9%), Australian (22.6%), and Other (13.1%). Notably, French (0.8% vs regional 0.7%), Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%), and Russian (0.5% vs 0.4%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in Downer.

Downer's population is younger than the national pattern

Downer's median age is 35 years, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure but lower than Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Downer has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (17.6%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (6.4%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 13.2% to 13.8%, while the 0-4 age group has decreased from 6.3% to 5.7%. By 2041, Downer's population is forecasted to change significantly demographically. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow by 44%, adding 239 residents and reaching a total of 786. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age cohort is expected to grow by a modest 3% (an increase of 26 people).