Farrer

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Farrer is around 3,764, reflecting a decrease of 23 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population estimate by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 was 3,751, with an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this figure. This results in a density ratio of 1,818 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for the suburb. 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 used, also based on 2022. According to these projections, over this period, the suburb's population is expected to contract by 232 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like those aged 85 and over are anticipated to grow, with a projection of an increase by 129 people in this group.

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 around 37 homes. As of FY-26, there has been 1 recorded approval. Historically, an average of 4.5 new residents per year has arrived per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This demand outpaces supply, typically exerting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $518,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $46,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared 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 to high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 74.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. With approximately 629 people per approval, Farrer demonstrates its mature, established nature.

Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified zero projects expected to affect this region. 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. Relevant details are listed below.

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.

Farrer ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Farrer has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2%.

As of June 2025, 1,978 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.8% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation was at 60.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. Leading employment industries among residents included public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Construction, however, was under-represented with only 5.8% of Farrer's workforce compared to 6.8% in the Australian Capital Territory. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.2%, while labour force increased by 1.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 1.9% and a fall in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected that national employment would expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Farrer's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not account for localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Farrer is among the highest in Australia. The median income is $69,379 and the average income stands at $92,775. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $68,678 and an average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $78,815 (median) and $105,392 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Farrer, between the 91st and 92nd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 31.2% of the community earns $4000 or more per week (1,174 individuals), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 34.3%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 43.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of income. 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 per the latest Census, consisted of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Australian Capital Territory's 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. Median weekly rent in Farrer was $450, compared to the Australian Capital Territory figure of $440. Nationally, Farrer's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 versus 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 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%. The median household size is 2.6 people, 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's educational attainment exceeds national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 48.7% possess university qualifications, compared to Australia's 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%, with advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 11.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary, 8.7% in secondary, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education. Farrer Primary School serves the area, enrolling 261 students. The school focuses on primary education, with ICSEA score of 1107. Secondary options are available nearby due to limited local capacity (6.9 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 18.4).

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

The analysis of public transport in Farrer shows that there are 15 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 6 individual routes providing service. The collective weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 1,712.

Residents have good accessibility to transport, with an average distance of 233 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 244 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 114 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%, affecting 2,402 people, compared to 68.1% in Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.9%) and asthma (7.4%).

A total of 67.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.1% in ACT. Farrer has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.6%, affecting 925 people, compared to 18.3% in ACT. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

Farrer 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

Farrer's population shows higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 26.9% born overseas and 18.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Farrer, accounting for 47.3%. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented, comprising 0.6% of Farrer's population compared to 0.3% in Australian Capital Territory.

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

Farrer hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Farrer's median age is 43 years, which is significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented at 10.4% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has grown from 12.0% to 13.1% of Farrer's population, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 11.4% to 10.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that Farrer's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 53%, adding 119 residents to reach 345. Residents aged 65 and older represent 80% of the anticipated growth, while population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts.