Fisher (ACT)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Fisher reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Fisher's population is estimated at around 3,320 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 101 people (3.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,219 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,310, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,101 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Fisher's 3.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (0.6%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb of Fisher was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Moving forward with demographic trends, lower quartile growth of national areas is anticipated, with the suburb expected to grow by 2 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a reduction of 0.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Fisher shows approximately five new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 28 homes were approved, with one more approved so far in FY-26.

Each year, about 7.1 people move to the area for each dwelling built during these five financial years. This high demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing buyer competition. The average construction cost of new properties is $303,000. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Fisher has about three-quarters the building activity per person. Nationally, it ranks in the 17th percentile of assessed areas, indicating relatively limited buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings.

This lower level may reflect market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity in Fisher consists of 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% medium to high-density housing. This shift from the area's current 83.0% houses indicates decreasing developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles needing more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 942 people per dwelling approval, Fisher demonstrates a highly mature market. Population is expected to remain stable or decline in Fisher, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating buying opportunities.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects that could affect the region. Major initiatives include Athllon Drive Duplication, The Hunter project, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and Centenary Hospital for Women and Children Expansion Project. Below is a list of these key projects.

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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.

The employment landscape in Fisher shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Fisher's workforce is highly educated with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate stands at 4.4%, reflecting relative stability over the past year according to AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas. As of September 2025, Fisher has 1,669 residents employed while its unemployment rate is 0.8% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation in Fisher lags at 67.3%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. Census data shows that only 12.9% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

However, retail trade has lower representation at 4.9%, compared to the regional average of 6.6%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.1% while labour force grew by 0.9%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points in Fisher. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 1.4% and a fall in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Fisher. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Fisher's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Fisher's postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows median income at $68,261 and average income at $81,206. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory has a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. By September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $74,582 (median) and $88,726 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census figures from 2021 rank Fisher's household, family, and personal incomes highly nationally, between the 82nd and 91st percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 25.9% of Fisher residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (859 individuals), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort represents 34.3%. Notably, 39.1% earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating prosperity that fuels local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Fisher's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.8% houses and 17.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fisher stood at 39.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.0% and rented ones at 20.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,354, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Fisher was recorded at $415, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Fisher's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Fisher has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 70.5% of all households, including 34.4% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 27.6% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

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

Fisher's educational attainment exceeds national averages significantly. Among residents aged 15 and above, 43.3% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This educational advantage is driven by bachelor degrees held by 25.6% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.3%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.0% of residents holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 12.2%, while certificates make up 14.8%.

Educational participation is high in Fisher, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (11.4%), secondary education (8.5%), and tertiary education (4.5%).

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

Fisher has 15 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 59 routes, offering a total of 3,676 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 197 meters to the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 89% of residents, while buses account for 6%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 525 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 245 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Fisher are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Fisher's health indicators show below-average results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (1,967 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.0 and 8.5% of residents respectively. 67.5% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 19.5% of residents aged 65 and over (647 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Fisher's cultural diversity was above average, with 23.3% of its population born overseas and 16.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Fisher, comprising 45.1% of people. Hinduism, however, was overrepresented at 2.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 4.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (25.9%), Australian (24.9%), and Irish (9.8%). Notable divergences included Hungarian (0.5% vs regional 0.3%), French (0.8% vs 0.5%), and Croatian (1.0% vs 0.9%) groups being overrepresented in Fisher.

Fisher's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Fisher is 40 years, which exceeds the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and is slightly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Fisher has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (8.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 9.4% to 10.7%, while the 75-84 age group has risen from 7.7% to 8.8%. Conversely, the 35-44 age group has decreased from 14.8% to 13.5%, and the 65-74 age group has dropped from 8.9% to 7.6%. By 2041, Fisher's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 45%, reaching 149 people from 102. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 61% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 45-54 age groups.