Fisher (ACT)

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Fisher's suburb is around 3,317 people. This figure reflects a growth of 98 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,219 residents. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,310, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024 and validation of an additional 11 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 2,099 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average observed across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Fisher's suburb experienced a growth rate of 3.0% since the 2021 census, surpassing the SA3 area's growth rate of 0.6%, indicating its status as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.0% of overall population gains in recent periods for this suburb.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, using 2022 as a base, are adopted. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, Fisher's suburb is expected to grow by 2 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall reduction of 0.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Fisher has seen approximately five new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 28 homes were approved, with none so far in FY26.

Each year, an average of 7.1 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years. This demand significantly outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $303,000. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Fisher records about three-quarters the building activity per person. Nationally, it places in the 17th percentile of assessed areas, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings.

This level reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity shows 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% medium to high-density housing, indicating an expanding range of medium-density options across various price brackets. With around 942 people per dwelling approval, Fisher reflects a highly mature market. Given the expected stable or declining population, pressure on housing is likely to reduce, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

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

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are likely to impact this area. Notable projects include Athllon Drive Duplication, The Hunter, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and The Centenary Hospital for Women and Children Expansion Project, with the following list outlining those 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.

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

Fisher's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.8% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5% over the past year.

There were 1,708 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation was lower at 64.3%, compared to the ACT's 69.6%. Leading employment industries included public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Retail trade had lower representation at 4.9% versus the regional average of 6.6%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.5%, labour force by 1.6%, resulting in a slight rise in unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, the ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9% with a fall in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Fisher. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Fisher's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

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 indicates that income in Fisher is extremely high nationally. The median assessed income is $68,261 while the average income stands at $81,206. 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 $77,544 (median) and $92,250 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Fisher, between the 82nd and 91st percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 25.9% of the community (859 individuals), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 34.3%. A significant 39.1% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust 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

The dwelling structure in Fisher, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 82.8% houses and 17.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 81.7% houses and 18.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fisher was 39.8%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged at 40.0% or rented at 20.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Fisher was $2,354, above the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,251. The median weekly rent figure in Fisher was $415, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $420. Nationally, Fisher's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,354 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Fisher has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.6.

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

In Fisher, 43.3% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 25.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.3%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 27.0% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 14.8%. Educational participation is high, with 30.3% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (11.4%), secondary (8.5%), and tertiary (4.5%).

Schools are located outside immediate catchment boundaries, requiring residents to access them in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates 16 operational public transport stops in Fisher. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling four distinct routes. Weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 685.

Transport accessibility is rated highly, with residents on average located 196 meters from their nearest stop. Service frequency averages 97 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 42 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Fisher is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Fisher faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, particularly among older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (1,965 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.0% and 8.5% of residents respectively. A total of 67.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.3% across the Australian Capital Territory. The area has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over (630 people), which is lower than the 20.6% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention than the broader population.

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

Fisher had a cultural diversity index above average, with 23.3% of its population born abroad and 16.7% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Fisher, accounting for 45.1%. Hinduism showed overrepresentation in Fisher at 2.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 2.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (25.9%), Australian (24.9%), and Irish (9.8%). Notable differences existed in Hungarian, French, and Croatian ethnicities: Hungarians made up 0.5% in Fisher versus 0.6% regionally, French 0.8% versus 0.7%, and Croatians 1.0% versus 0.9%.

Fisher's median age exceeds 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 of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Fisher has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (8.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.2%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 9.4% to 10.7%, while the 75-84 cohort has risen from 7.7% to 8.9%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group has decreased from 8.9% to 7.3%. By 2041, Fisher's age composition is expected to change significantly. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 60%, reaching 149 from 92. This growth will be led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 67% of the projected growth. However, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 5-14 age groups.