Farrer

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the Farrer statistical area (Lv2) as of November 2025 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 estimated resident population of 3,751 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS 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 the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also based on 2022 as the base year. Considering these projected demographic shifts, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population. According to this methodology, the Farrer (SA2)'s population is expected to contract by 232 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, with the 85 and over age group projected to grow by 129 people.

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 in Farrer shows an average of approximately 7 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 37 homes. In FY-26 so far, there has been 1 approval recorded. Historically, about 4.5 new residents have arrived annually for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates that demand is outpacing supply, which typically drives up prices and increases competition among buyers.

The average value of new homes being built is around $518,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In this financial year, $68,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating 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 of new homes can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. In terms of building types, approximately 43.0% are detached dwellings, while around 57.0% are medium and high-density housing. This shift towards higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, reflecting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles.

With a population density of around 629 people per approval, Farrer is considered a mature, established area. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers in the long run.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could affect this region. Notable initiatives 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. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

Farrer has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.3%.

Over the past year, it maintained relative employment stability. As of September 2025, 1,903 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation is lower at 60.2% versus ACT's 69.6%.

Key industries for employment include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Construction employs only 5.8% of local workers, below the ACT average of 6.8%. The predominantly residential area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Farrer's labour force increased by 0.6%, while employment declined by 0.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, ACT experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, slightly above the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Farrer's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant population growth 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 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 structure, 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 58.4% houses and 41.7% 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 $2,167. The median weekly rent in Farrer was $450, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $440. Nationally, Farrer's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and 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 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 constitute 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 2.4.

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 higher proportion of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications compared to the national average. Specifically, 48.7% of Farrer's residents hold such qualifications, surpassing Australia's 30.4%. This educational advantage is evident in various degrees: bachelor degrees are held by 26.7%, postgraduate qualifications by 16.1%, and graduate diplomas by 5.9%. Vocational pathways also contribute significantly to educational attainment, with advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 11.3%.

Educational participation is notably high in Farrer, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. Among these, 10.4% are 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. These are served by a mix of buses along 48 routes, offering 3,886 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents' average distance to the nearest stop is 233 meters.

Daily service frequency averages 555 trips across all routes, equating to about 259 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Farrer are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Farrer has below-average health indicators, with common conditions more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64%, comprising 2,402 people, compared to 69.2% in Australian Capital Territory and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.9%) and asthma (7.4%), while 67.4% of residents report being completely clear of ailments, compared to 70.1% across Australian Capital Territory.

The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.6% (925 people), compared to 18.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, generally aligning with the overall population's health profile.

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 high cultural diversity, with 26.9% born overseas and 18.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Farrer, accounting for 47.3%. Judaism, though small at 0.6%, was higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 0.3%.

The top ancestry groups were English (26.2%), Australian (23.2%), and Irish (9.5%). Some ethnicities showed notable differences: Hungarian (0.4% vs regional 0.3%), Scottish (9.0% vs 7.8%), and Polish (0.9% vs 0.8%) were more prevalent in Farrer than regionally.

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 10.4%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.0% to 13.1% of Farrer's population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age cohort has declined from 11.4% to 10.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Farrer's age profile will evolve significantly. The 85+ age group is projected to show the strongest growth at 53%, adding 119 residents to reach a total of 345. This demographic aging trend continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 80% of anticipated population growth. However, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 age cohorts.