Farrer

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

Based on ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Farrer as of Feb 2026 is around 3,764. This reflects a decrease of 23 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,787. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 3,751 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,818 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for Farrer was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 83.0% 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, and for areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted. Considering these projections, Farrer's population is expected to contract by 232 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are projected to grow, with an anticipated increase of 129 people in this cohort during this period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Farrer averaged approximately 7 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 37 homes. As of FY26, 1 approval has been recorded. Historically, around 4.5 new residents have arrived per year for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, suggesting demand outpaces supply, which may influence prices and competition among buyers. Developers focus on the premium segment, with an average construction value of $518,000.

This financial year has seen $68,000 in commercial development approvals, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Farrer has significantly less development activity, at 88.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity may strengthen demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, Farrer is also below average, indicating maturity and possible planning constraints. Building activity shows 43.0% detached dwellings and 57.0% medium to high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and appealing to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift contrasts with the area's existing housing composition, currently 74.0% houses. Farrer's population density, around 629 people per approval, indicates a mature, established area.

With stable or declining population projections, housing demand pressures may decrease, benefiting potential buyers.

Farrer has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No changes can impact an area's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that may affect the area. 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. The following list details those 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.

Employment conditions in Farrer demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Farrer has a highly educated workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.3%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) 3.6%. Employment stability has been relative over the past year based on AreaSearch aggregated data.

As of September 2025, 1,903 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.3% below ACT's rate. Workforce participation lags at 62.2%, compared to ACT's 72.5%. Moderate home work rates were found, with 14.0% of residents working from home.

Key industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Construction employs only 5.8% of local workers, lower than ACT's 6.8%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparison of working population vs resident population. From September 2024 to September 2025, the labour force increased by 0.6%, while employment declined by 0.4%, raising unemployment rates by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, ACT experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a drop in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Farrer. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Farrer's employment mix indicates 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 2023 shows that income in Farrer is extremely high 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 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $75,803 (median) and $101,366 (average) as of September 2025. 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 (1,174 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

Farrer's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Farrer stood at 41.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.6% and rented ones at 18.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Farrer was $450, matching the Australian Capital Territory's figure. Nationally, Farrer's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 24.5% and group households at 1.7%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5 people.

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's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion with university qualifications (48.7%) than the national average (30.4%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 26.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational pathways account for 22.5% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 11.3%. Educational participation is high, with 30.8% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.4% in primary, 8.7% in secondary, and 6.4% in 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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 48 different routes, together providing 3,886 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically located 233 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to Farrer being primarily residential. Cars are the dominant mode of transportation, used by 88% of residents, while 8% use buses. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.0% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 555 trips per day across all routes, 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

Farrer residents have shown relatively positive health outcomes according to AreaSearch's analysis. Mortality rates and health conditions were found to be largely in line with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions were seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level. Private health cover was exceptionally high, with approximately 64% of the total population (2,402 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.9 and 7.4% of residents respectively. 67.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. The under-65 population demonstrated better than average health outcomes. The area has 25.6% of residents aged 65 and over (963 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors were above average, with national rankings broadly in line with 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's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 26.9% born overseas and 18.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Farrer, accounting for 47.3%. Notably, Judaism had a higher representation in Farrer at 0.6%, compared to 0.2% across Australian Capital Territory.

For ancestry, the top groups were English (26.2%), Australian (23.2%), and Irish (9.5%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Hungarian was overrepresented at 0.4% in Farrer versus 0.3% regionally, Scottish at 9.0% versus 7.3%, and Polish at 0.9% versus 0.8%.

Farrer hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Farrer's median age is 43 years, notably higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 years and the Australian median of 38 years. The 2021 Census shows that Farrer has a notably higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (10.9%) compared to the ACT average, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 8.8%. Between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, the percentage of Farrer's population aged 85+ increased from 5.0% to 6.5%, and the 75-84 cohort grew from 9.7% to 10.9%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 5-14 decreased from 13.4% to 12.1%, and those aged 55-64 dropped from 11.4% to 10.1%. Demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Farrer's age profile by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 85+ cohort (41%), adding 100 residents to reach 345. The population of those aged 65 and older is expected to represent 78% of this growth. However, declines are projected for the 75-84 and 65-74 age cohorts.