Downer

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Downer is around 4,515, reflecting an increase of 219 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4,296. This increase was inferred from AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of nine new addresses since the Census date. The current population density is 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 shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%, outpacing its SA4 region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78% 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 and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also based on 2022 data. Future demographic trends project an above median population growth for national statistical areas, with Downer expected to grow by 968 persons to reach a total of 5,483 by 2041, reflecting an 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Downer recorded approximately 30 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 154 homes were approved, with an additional four approved so far in FY-26.

Each year, an average of 2.7 new residents is gained per dwelling built over these five years. The average construction value of new homes is $405,000, which is moderately above regional levels and suggests emphasis on quality construction. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Downer has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person but ranks among the 91st percentile nationally in terms of assessed areas. Recent years have seen intensified construction activity, with 26.0% standalone homes and 74.0% medium and high-density housing. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 67.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options.

Downer has around 75 people per dwelling approval, characteristic of a low density area. Population forecasts indicate Downer will gain approximately 968 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction pace is maintaining with projected growth, although increasing population could lead to growing competition among buyers.

Downer has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Watson Solar Farm, Dickson Shops Upgrade, Apricus, and The Establishment Watson. Below is a list of projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Downer remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Downer's workforce is highly educated with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 4.5% in the past year, showing an estimated growth of 1.3%.

As of June 2025, 2,639 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation was similar to the ACT's 69.6%. Key employment sectors included public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area had a strong specialization in accommodation & food services (1.3 times the regional level), but lower representation in health care & social assistance (8.6% vs regional average of 11.7%).

Employment opportunities seemed limited locally based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, while labour force grew by 1.6%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, the ACT had employment growth of 1.9% and a fall in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) 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 these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do 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

AreaSearch released postcode-level ATO data for financial year 2022. Downer's median income among taxpayers was $63,279, with an average of $78,225. Nationally, this is high compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. By September 2025, estimates suggest Downer's median income would be approximately $71,885 and average $88,864, based on a 13.6% growth in Wage Price Index since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data shows incomes in Downer rank highly nationally, between the 81st and 87th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The earnings profile indicates that 31.1% of individuals earn between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, consistent with broader trends across the region at 34.3%. Notably, 37.3% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income, and residents rank within the 82nd percentile for disposable income. Downer'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 while 32.8% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This differs from the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) distribution of dwelling structures, which was 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Downer stood at 27.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.6% and rented ones at 36.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Downer was $2,167, higher than the ACT average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Downer was recorded at $420, compared to the ACT's $476. 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 higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 36.4%, with lone person households making up 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 has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above. Specifically, 56.0% of these residents hold university qualifications, which is significantly higher than the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's average of 46.8%. This indicates a substantial educational advantage for Downer, positioning it well for knowledge-based opportunities. The distribution of university qualifications in Downer shows that bachelor degrees are the most common, with 29.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding one.

Postgraduate qualifications follow at 20.5%, while graduate diplomas account for 5.6%. Vocational pathways make up 18.0% of qualifications in this age group, with advanced diplomas representing 7.2% and certificates making up the remaining 10.8%. Educational participation is notably 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. However, it appears that educational facilities are primarily located outside the immediate catchment boundaries of Downer. Consequently, families may need to access schools in neighboring areas for their educational needs.

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

Public transport analysis shows 23 active transport stops operating within Downer. These stops serve a mix of buses. They are serviced by 13 individual routes, collectively providing 752 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 206 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 107 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual 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

Downer residents show relatively positive health outcomes, with low prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 58% (2,622 people), compared to 65.3% across Australian Capital Territory.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.5 and 8.0% of residents respectively. 69.8% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the 70.8% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.4% (559 people), compared to 11.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, mirroring the general population's health profile.

Downer 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

Downer's population shows high cultural diversity, with 29.9% born overseas and 24.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Downer, practiced by 29.2%. Buddhism, however, is more prevalent here than in the Australian Capital Territory, comprising 6.6% compared to the regional average of 3.5%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (22.9%), Australian (22.6%), and Other (13.1%). Notably, French (0.8%) and Hungarian (0.4%) ethnicities show higher representation in Downer than regionally (French: 0.7%, Hungarian: 0.3%).

Downer's population is younger than the national pattern

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