Farrer

Farrer has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Farrer is around 3,816, reflecting an increase of 29 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population was last estimated at 3,787 in the 2021 Census. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses using the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, along with an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 1,843 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed about 83.0% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 using 2022 as a base. Projected demographic shifts indicate an overall population decline in the suburb of Farrer by 275 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, projected to increase by 108 people during this period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Farrer according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Farrer has averaged around 7 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 37 homes. So far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.5 new residents arrive per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $518,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

Additionally, $68,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Farrer has significantly less development activity, 88.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 43.0% detached dwellings and 57.0% medium and high-density housing, indicating a shift towards higher-density living to create more affordable entry points and accommodate downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition of 74.0% houses, suggesting decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. With approximately 629 people per approval, Farrer shows characteristics of a mature, established area. Given population projections indicating stability or decline, Farrer should see reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Farrer should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Farrer has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could impact the area's performance. Notable projects include Mixed-Use Complex in Mawson, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, The Centenary Hospital for Women and Children Expansion Project, and Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong.

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Employment performance in Farrer exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Farrer has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.7% as of December 2025, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In this month, 1,898 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 1.1% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation lagged significantly at 61.0%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.0% of residents worked from home. Key industries of employment among residents were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Construction employed just 5.8% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's 6.8%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. During the year to December 2025, the labour force increased by 0.9% while employment declined by 0.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Farrer. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggested that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Farrer's employment mix indicated that local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

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 ended June 2023 shows that Farrer suburb has extremely high incomes nationally. The median assessed income is $69,379 while the average income stands at $92,775. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $76,622 (median) and $102,461 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Farrer, between the 91st and 92nd percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 31.2% of locals (1,190 people) in the $4000+ category, differing from patterns across the region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 34.3%. The substantial proportion of high earners (43.0% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout this suburb. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Farrer is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Farrer, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Farrer was 41.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.6% and rented ones at 18.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,600, compared to Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Farrer was $450, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure but significantly higher than the national average of $375. Nationally, Farrer's mortgage repayments were considerably higher at $2,600 compared to the Australian average of $1,863.

Farrer has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.2% of all households, including 36.6% couples with children, 28.4% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 24.5% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

Farrer has a notably high level of educational attainment, with 48.7% of its residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, significantly surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. This educational advantage is reflected in the variety of qualifications held by residents: Bachelor degrees are the most common at 26.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 16.1% and graduate diplomas at 5.9%. Vocational pathways also account for a significant portion, with advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 11.3%. Educational participation is high in Farrer, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.4% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Farrer has 15 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 48 different routes, together offering 3,886 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 233 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 88% of residents, while 8% use buses. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.0% of residents work from home, a figure possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 555 trips per day, equating to approximately 259 weekly trips per individual stop.

Farrer'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 positive outcomes for Farrer residents. Mortality rates and health conditions align with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is high at 64% of the total population (2,436 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.9 and 7.4% respectively. 67.4% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 70.2%. Under-65s have better health outcomes. Farrer has 24.5% of residents aged 65 and over (934 people), higher than the ACT's 14.3%. Senior health outcomes are above average, in line with national rankings for the general population.

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

Farrer has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 26.9% of its population born overseas and 18.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Farrer, making up 47.3% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Farrer compared to the Australian Capital Territory, with 0.6% of the population identifying as Jewish versus 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.2%), Australian (23.2%), and Irish (9.5%). Some other ethnic groups also show notable differences: Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.4%, Scottish at 9.0%, and Polish at 0.9%.

Farrer hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Farrer's median age is 43 years, which is significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 years and considerably older than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented in Farrer at 10.5%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 12.0% to 13.6% of Farrer's population, while the 5-14 age cohort has declined from 13.4% to 12.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that Farrer's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 41%, adding 91 residents to reach 313. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 75% of the population growth, while declines are projected for the 75-84 and 55-64 cohorts.