Gowrie (ACT)

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Gowrie (ACT) is around 3100, a decrease of 40 people from the 2021 Census figure of 3140. This decline of 1.3% is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3100, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 1606 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Gowrie experienced a decline, the SA3 area achieved growth of 1.4%, indicating divergent trends. Natural growth contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. Population projections indicate a decline in overall population to 2833 persons by 2041, with specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84 group expected to grow by 40 people over this period.

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. As we examine future population trends, Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 267 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 40 people. <i>See the age section for more details.</i>

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Gowrie averaged approximately 2 new dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling around 10 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 0 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 0.8 new residents arrived per new home constructed. This suggests new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections.

In FY-26, $595,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Gowrie has significantly lower building activity, at 72.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically increases demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this activity is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development in Gowrie has been exclusively standalone homes, preserving its traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The location has approximately 3108 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Gowrie may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers in the future.

Gowrie has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that could affect this region: Wanniassa Hills Primary School Modernisation, Erindale Group Centre Master Plan Implementation - Stage 1, The Valley Ponds - Wanniassa, and Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong. Details of these relevant projects are listed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Gowrie recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Gowrie has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.2% as of December 2025, showing stability over the past year according to AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas. By December 2025, 1,531 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.3% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Gowrie was 67.8%, slightly below the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. A low 10.8% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Gowrie has a specialization in construction with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level but is under-represented in professional & technical services at 8.5% compared to Australian Capital Territory's 11.1%.

The predominantly residential area may offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.0%, while employment decreased by 0.1%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points in Gowrie. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Gowrie. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Gowrie's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

Gowrie suburb has a median taxpayer income of $68,311 and an average of $79,768 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. By March 2026, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $75,443 and an average of $88,096, accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Gowrie rank highly nationally, with household, family, and personal incomes between the 91st and 93rd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 30.6% of locals (948 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region at 34.3%. Economic strength is evident through 43.1% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 88.2% of income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

In Gowrie, as per the latest Census evaluation, 99.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 0.7% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is in contrast to the Australian Capital Territory's dwelling composition of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gowrie stood at 35.2%, with mortgaged properties making up 49.3% and rented dwellings accounting for 15.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in Gowrie was $440, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figure of $450. Nationally, Gowrie's median monthly mortgage repayment is significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while its median weekly rent figure is substantially above the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 82.4% of all households, including 38.7% couples with children, 31.0% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 17.6%, with lone person households at 15.5% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Gowrie shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 34.8%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational credentials are held by 32.4% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.7% and certificates at 19.7%. Educational participation is high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.2% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Gowrie has 24 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are connected by 64 unique routes, offering a total of 3,868 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents' average proximity to the nearest stop being 166 meters. In this primarily residential area, outward commuting dominates, with cars being the primary mode at 91%, and buses at 5%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.8, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 10.8% of residents work from home, a figure possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

On an average day, there are 552 trips across all routes, translating to roughly 161 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Gowrie is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Gowrie demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population, which consists of 1,819 people. This compares to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.7 and 8.4% of residents respectively. Sixty-six percent declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.5% of residents aged 65 and over, which totals 604 people, higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Gowrie's cultural diversity was above average, with 20.8% of its population born overseas and 15.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Gowrie, comprising 50.5% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (27.1%), English (26.7%), and Irish (9.3%). There were also notable divergences in certain ethnic groups: Spanish was overrepresented at 0.8% versus the regional average of 0.5%, Russian at 0.6% compared to 0.3%, and Croatian at 0.9%.

Gowrie's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Gowrie's median age is 38 years, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Gowrie has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (11.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.3%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 4.3% to 6.7%, while the 35-44 age group has increased from 14.5% to 16.2%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 13.5% to 11.3%, and the 55-64 age group has dropped from 12.2% to 10.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that Gowrie's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The population aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 91%, adding 36 residents to reach a total of 77. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 87% of population growth, indicating a trend towards demographic aging. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups are projected to experience population declines.