Gilmore (ACT)

Gilmore has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Gilmore's population is estimated at around 2,661 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 45 people (1.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,706 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,648, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,298 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Gilmore experienced a 1.7% decline since census, the SA3 area achieved 0.1% growth, highlighting divergent population trends. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 68.0% 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, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb of Gilmore (ACT) expected to contract by 165 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 45 to 54 age group, which is projected to expand by 39 people.

The level of residential development activity in Gilmore is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Gilmore averaged around 5 new dwelling approvals each year over the past 5 financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 28 homes. As of July 2026 (FY-26), 0 approvals have been recorded.

During this period, population has fallen, suggesting new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering good choice to buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $79,000, below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Comparatively, Gilmore has 11.0% less new development per person than the Australian Capital Territory. Nationally, it places among the 39th percentile of areas assessed, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity in Gilmore shows 17.0% detached dwellings and 83.0% medium and high-density housing.

This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points, suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. It represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing, which is currently 93.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 442 people per approval, Gilmore indicates a mature market. Given population is expected to remain stable or decline, Gilmore should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

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

No factor influences a region's performance more than changes to local infrastructure projects. AreaSearch has identified zero projects likely to impact this area. Key initiatives include Monaro Highway Safety Upgrades, Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong, Queanbeyan Regional Integrated Transport Plan, and Deakin Private Hospital. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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Gilmore has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Gilmore has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6%. As of September 2025, 1,396 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation is similar to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. According to Census responses, only 9.1% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 7.5%, compared to Australian Capital Territory's 11.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.6% and labour force by 0.7%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 1.4%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with a decrease in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 estimate national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gilmore's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch released its latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. In Gilmore suburb, median income among taxpayers is $68,725 with an average of $76,168. Nationally, this is high compared to Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. By September 2025, current estimates suggest median income will be approximately $75,089 and average $83,221 based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26%. The 2021 Census shows Gilmore's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally between the 88th and 89th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 36.6% of residents (973 people) earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, reflecting surrounding regions' patterns. Notably, 37.9% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, indicating strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Gilmore, evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.8% houses and 7.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gilmore was 30.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.1% and rented ones at 23.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Gilmore was $2,048, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Gilmore was $430, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Gilmore's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Gilmore features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 80.7% of all households, including 38.6% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 13.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 19.3%, with lone person households at 18.6% and group households comprising 1.2%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Gilmore shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 24.8%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (23.4%). Educational participation is high at 27.4%, comprising primary education (9.9%), secondary education (7.7%), and tertiary education (3.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 15 active transport stops operating within Gilmore. These stops are served by 32 individual routes, providing a total of 2,359 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 202 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most residents commute outward. Car remains dominant at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above regional average.

Only 9.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 337 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 157 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Gilmore is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Gilmore faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts in Gilmore.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,524 people), compared to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be asthma and mental health issues, impacting 9.7% and 9.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 66.9% of Gilmore residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The working-age population in Gilmore faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. As of a recent report (15/03/2021), the area has 14.6% of residents aged 65 and over (388 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Gilmore are above average, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Gilmore records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Gilmore's cultural diversity is above average, with 18.5% of its population born overseas and 15.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Gilmore, accounting for 50.5% of people. Buddhism, at 2.1%, is overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 3.0%.

The top three ancestral groups are Australian (28.0%), English (25.4%), and Irish (9.3%). Notably, Serbian (0.8%) Spanish (0.7%), and Dutch (1.7%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.5%, and 1.3% respectively.

Gilmore's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Gilmore's median age is 37 years, slightly older than Australian Capital Territory's 35 but aligned with the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group has strong representation at 13.6%, compared to Australian Capital Territory, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 12.9%. From 2021 to present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 2.4% to 4.4% of the population, and the 0-4 cohort increased from 6.1% to 7.4%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort declined from 11.7% to 9.2%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 14.9% to 13.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Gilmore. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase by 23 people (7%), from 348 to 372. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 50% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both 55-64 and 75-84 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.