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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Fadden has an estimated 3,016 residents. That puts 970 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's evaluation of regional ABS updates alongside validated new addresses post-Census, the population of the suburb of Fadden is projected at roughly 3,016 as of Aug 2026. This represents an addition of 10 people (0.3%) relative to the 2021 Census tally of 3,006 people. The updated figure builds on an estimated resident population of 3,014 determined by AreaSearch from the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with 8 validated new addresses recorded after the Census date. Population density stands at 969 persons per square kilometer, aligning closely with broader benchmarks recorded across AreaSearch locations.
While the suburb of Fadden registered 0.3% growth following the Census, trailing the SA3 area figure of 1.4% by 1.1 percentage points, it continues to exhibit solid underlying fundamentals. Natural increase served as the primary contributor to local growth, accounting for roughly 52.0% of recent population additions. SA2-level projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia (published in 2024 with 2022 as the base year) are utilised by AreaSearch, with ACT Government SA2 projections (2022 base) applied for subsequent periods beyond 2032 or unlisted areas. Future outlooks place the suburb of Fadden in the lower quartile of statistical areas evaluated by AreaSearch, with aggregated SA2 modelling pointing to an increase of 30 persons by 2041, corresponding to a total expansion of 0.9% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Dwelling approval figures compiled by AreaSearch from ABS statistical data reveal an almost complete absence of residential building activity in Fadden, with only 4 homes approved over the past 5 financial years. Throughout FY-25 to date, no approvals have been registered. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 7.2 people moved into the area for every home constructed, underscoring a severe supply shortfall relative to incoming demand that intensifies market competition and exerts upward pressure on property prices. Per-capita building activity in Fadden trails the wider Australian Capital Territory by a substantial 82.0%, reflecting a trend that also tracks below national figures and highlights planning constraints within this highly established suburb.
The scarce pipeline of new construction reinforces demand and asset values for existing stock. Furthermore, new additions have consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving the suburban, family-focused fabric of the neighbourhood. Characterised by roughly 5981 people per dwelling approval, the local residential market remains exceptionally mature.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Fadden
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 19 current infrastructure and development projects close to Fadden, worth an estimated $2.29 billion. 3 are already under construction and 4 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure upgrades, major planning undertakings, and capital programs play a pivotal role in shaping local community development. AreaSearch has tracked 3 key projects anticipated to influence the area, highlighted by the Wanniassa Hills Primary School Modernisation, Erindale Group Centre Master Plan Implementation - Stage 1, The Valley Ponds - Wanniassa, and Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Wanniassa Hills Primary School Modernisation
ACT Government modernisation project at Wanniassa Hills Primary School delivering a preschool upgrade and replacement of existing gas boilers with fully electric heat pumps to improve energy efficiency, thermal comfort and learning environments. The works build on the school's earlier major modernisation program including new learning communities, administration refurbishment, hall improvements and expanded parking. Electrical supply upgrade works were tendered in 2025 to support the new HVAC system.
Erindale Group Centre Master Plan Implementation - Stage 1
A long-term revitalisation of the Erindale Group Centre focused on transforming public spaces, improving pedestrian and active travel links, and upgrading community infrastructure. The 2025-26 ACT Budget specifically funded the Erindale shops upgrade, with concept designs for public space improvements, including new lighting, paving, and furniture, expected for community feedback in 2026. The broader master plan facilitates future mixed-use development and roughly 800 new dwellings to support Tuggeranong growth.
The Valley Ponds - Wanniassa
Proposed medium-density residential estate of approximately 120-150 townhouses and apartments on former open space land between Wanniassa Hills and the Erindale Centre, part of the broader Indicative Land Release Program.
Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong
Proposed southern extension of the Canberra light rail network connecting Woden Town Centre to Tuggeranong Town Centre via the Athllon Drive corridor. Recent 2026 updates indicate the ACT Government is developing a transit-oriented development (ToD) plan for the Athllon Drive corridor, with conceptual integrated bus and light rail network options for Canberra South expected by June 2026. The project remains part of the long-term City-wide Light Rail Network plan to support a population of 500,000.
Empire Global Mixed-Use Development
Major mixed-use development comprising 299 residential apartments, 6 serviced apartments, and 1 commercial unit across two buildings up to 8 storeys. Includes three basement parking levels with 371 car spaces. The project was initially refused due to solar access concerns, but the developer plans to resubmit with amendments addressing planning authority concerns.
Wanniassa Playing Fields Irrigation & Lighting Upgrade
Installation of automated irrigation system and sports field lighting at Wanniassa District Playing Fields to support increased usage, night use, and drought resilience.
Calwell Retirement Living Precinct
A retirement living precinct proposal by KBDC, featuring 30 one-storey townhouses alongside the Calwell shopping strip.
Calwell Public Housing Development
30 new public housing townhouses (2 and 3 bedroom) built to Class C Adaptable standards. Features evaporative heating/cooling, 6-star energy rating hot water systems, double-glazed windows, and sustainable design.
1,637 residents of Fadden are employed, from a labour force of 1,658. Unemployment sits at 1.3%, with participation at 68.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,318, about 77% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market in Fadden is defined by high education levels and a prominent professional services sector, boasting an unemployment rate of merely 1.3% alongside an estimated 1.0% annual employment expansion, according to AreaSearch statistical aggregations. By March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,637. The local jobless rate sits 2.8% beneath the Australian Capital Territory benchmark of 4.1%, whereas labour force participation registers at 68.2%, below the territory average of 70.6%. Census figures indicated that 14.7% of employed locals worked remotely, though this was recorded amid Covid-19 lockdown conditions. Key industries employing residents comprise public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.
In contrast, accommodation & food services accounts for only 4.8% of local workers compared to the 6.5% regional benchmark. Comparing Census resident counts with locally based jobs highlights that internal employment opportunities within the area are scarce. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.0% alongside labour force increasing by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. This compares to Australian Capital Territory, where employment grew by 0.3%, labour force expanded by 1.1%, and unemployment rose 0.7 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Mar-26 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Fadden. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Fadden's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Fadden is $3,302 a week (about $172,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,415 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $80,083 a year against an average of $93,514. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's release of ATO postcode data for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Fadden generated a median income of $80,083 and an average of $93,514. These figures sit well above nationwide averages as well as the Australian Capital Territory median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% post-financial year 2023, modeled earnings as of March 2026 reach approximately $88,444 (median) and $103,277 (average). Census records place Fadden between the 96th and 98th percentiles nationally across household, family, and individual income metrics.
Top-tier earnings are prominent, with 38.1% of residents (1,149 people) in the $4000+ weekly bracket, in contrast to the broader region where 34.3% earn between $1,500 - 2,999. Overall, 55.8% of individuals receive more than $3,000 per week, fostering high economic capacity. Households retain 90.8% of income after servicing housing costs, aligning with a SEIFA income placement in the 10th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Fadden had 1,039 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 97% detached houses and 1% apartments. 48% are owned with a mortgage, 6% rented and 45% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $620 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,383 a month. Rent absorbs 18.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 16.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential stock in Fadden at the latest Census was overwhelmingly dominated by separate houses at 96.8%, with semi-detached dwellings, apartments, and other configurations accounting for just 3.1%, compared to 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings across the Australian Capital Territory. Outright home ownership reached 45.3%, significantly higher than the territory average, while mortgaged properties accounted for 48.4% and rental accommodation comprised 6.3%. Monthly mortgage payments commanded a median of $2,383, surpassing the Australian Capital Territory level of $2,080 and the national figure of $1,863. Median weekly rents stood at $620, exceeding the territory figure of $450 and the Australian benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Fadden counted 1,039 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.9 people each. 44% are couples with children, more than in 87% of areas nationally, against 33% couples without children. 13% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute 86.0% of all households, led by couples with children at 44.0%, couples without children at 33.1%, and single parent households at 8.1%. The remaining 14.0% consists of non-family living arrangements, primarily lone-person dwellings at 12.7% alongside group households at 1.2%. The median household size stands at 2.9 people, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
47.1% of adults in Fadden hold a university qualification, including 26.0% with a bachelor degree and 14.5% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 83% of areas nationally. A further 14.0% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 233 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,081 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Higher education qualifications in Fadden exceed broader benchmarks by a wide margin, with 47.1% of residents aged 15+ possessing university credentials, compared to 31.1% across the SA3 area and 30.4% across Australia. Holding a bachelor degree is most widespread at 26.0%, while postgraduate qualifications represent 14.5% and graduate diplomas comprise 6.6%. Vocational education is also well established, as 25.6% of residents aged 15+ hold technical qualifications, consisting of 11.6% with advanced diplomas and 14.0% with certificates. Formal study engagement is substantial throughout the community, with 28.4% of the population enrolled in an educational institution.
This proportion is made up of 10.1% in primary schooling, 8.6% attending secondary school, and 5.4% undertaking tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Fadden reaches 22 stops on 36 routes, timetabled for about 2,800 services a week. The typical home sits about 190 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.9 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport connectivity in Fadden is facilitated by 22 operational stops dedicated to bus services. A total of 36 distinct bus routes service these locations, delivering 2,843 weekly passenger trips. Overall transport access is strong, with residents living a typical distance of 186 meters from their closest stop. Given the area's residential character, commuter travel is primarily outward, with private vehicles accounting for 92% of journeys and buses accommodating 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, above the territory benchmark, while 14.7% of residents worked from home at the 2021 Census under potential COVID-19 influences.
Across all transit lines, trip frequency averages 406 daily services, providing roughly 129 departures each week per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
69.6% of residents in Fadden report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 84% of areas nationally. 4.1% need daily assistance with core activities, and 64.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Evaluations by AreaSearch regarding mortality and chronic disease indicators highlight exceptional health outcomes across Fadden, marked by low disease incidence across all demographics. Private health insurance coverage is notably widespread, encompassing approximately 64% of the population (1,934 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. Among recorded long-term conditions, arthritis and asthma are most prevalent, affecting 8.7 and 8.0% of the local population respectively, while 69.6% reported having no chronic medical conditions compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents demonstrate standard health profiles. Individuals aged 65 and over account for 21.8% of the community (657 people), tracking above the 14.2% territory benchmark, with senior cohorts displaying strong health metrics in line with national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Fadden is largely Australian-born, at 76.2% of residents, with 15.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (26.4%) and Australian (24.0%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics in Fadden register above average levels, with overseas-born individuals making up 23.8% of the populace and 15.3% speaking a non-English language in their homes. Christianity is the predominant faith, representing 52.0% of residents. Islam accounts for 2.0% of the population, compared to 3.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. Regarding ancestral backgrounds based on parents' birthplace, the primary ancestries identified in Fadden are English at 26.4%, Australian at 24.0%, and Irish at 9.4%. Several specific backgrounds show distinct local concentrations, including Welsh at 0.8% (against 0.6% regionally), Serbian at 0.7% (against 0.4%), and Hungarian at 0.4% (against 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Fadden is 43. 20.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The demographic profile in Fadden is older than the Australian Capital Territory overall. As of August 2026, AreaSearch estimates indicate that residents aged 65+ make up 21.8% of the community compared to 14.2% territory-wide, while adults aged 25 - 44 represent 18.5% locally versus 32.8% across the territory. The median age is estimated at 43, holding steady since the 2021 Census and remaining 8 years higher than the Australian Capital Territory Census median of 35, while Australia recorded a median of 38. The most significant shift since the Census occurred in the 25 - 44 cohort, declining from 21.8% to 18.5%.
Projections to 2041 anticipate the 45 - 64 age bracket expanding the most, adding 48 (6%) residents to reach 844, whereas the younger adult cohort is expected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Fadden
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 8 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (3,006 at the 2021 Census → 3,016 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL80051). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.