Gowrie (ACT)

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Gowrie (ACT) is around 3,098 people. This figure reflects a decrease of 42 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,140 people. AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 3,096, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and validation of seven new addresses since the Census date, supports this decrease. This population level results in a density ratio of 1,605 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Gowrie experienced a 1.3% decline since the census, the SA3 area achieved 0.2% growth, indicating divergent population trends within the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the suburb.

According to projections adopted by AreaSearch from ABS/Geoscience Australia (released in 2024 with a base year of 2022), the suburb's population is expected to decrease by 284 persons by 2041, despite anticipated growth across specific age cohorts, notably the 75 to 84 age group projected to grow by 56 people.

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 in Gowrie shows an average of around 2 new dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling approximately 10 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 0 approvals have been recorded. This averages out to about 1.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, recent figures show an acceleration to 9 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, suggesting increasing demand and tightening supply.

This financial year has seen $595,000 in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Gowrie records notably lower building activity, at 72.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this activity is also below average, indicating an established market with possible planning constraints. Recent development has consisted entirely of standalone homes, maintaining Gowrie's traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

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

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to 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. Below is a list of these key projects.

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 strong representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.5% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.7%. Leading industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction is particularly prominent, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services are under-represented, at 8.5% compared to Australian Capital Territory's 11.1%.

The area shows limited local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.7%, while labour force grew by 1.7%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 1.9% and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Gowrie's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Gowrie shows a median taxpayer income of $68,311 and an average of $79,768 according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is high nationally compared with Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $77,601 (median) and $90,616 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Gowrie rank highly nationally, between the 91st and 93rd percentiles. Distribution data shows that 30.6% of locals (947 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income category, reflecting broader area patterns where 34.3% occupy this range. The district demonstrates affluence with 43.1% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. 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

Dwelling structure in Gowrie, as evaluated at the latest Census on 27 August 2016, comprised 99.3% houses and 0.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gowrie was at 35.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.3% and rented ones at 15.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was $440. Nationally, Gowrie's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863 as of June 2021, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375 in the same period.

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 make up the remaining 17.6%, composed of 15.5% lone person households and 2.0% group households. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.6.

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%, 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% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.2% in primary, 6.5% in secondary, and 4.7% in tertiary.

Gowrie Primary School and Holy Family Primary School serve 855 students collectively. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1057) and functions as an education hub with 27.6 school places per 100 residents, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Gowrie has 25 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 8 different routes that together facilitate 806 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 165 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 115 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Gowrie are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Gowrie shows below-average health outcomes with common conditions more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (1,818 people). Mental health issues impact 9.7% of residents, while asthma affects 8.4%. Sixty-six percent declare themselves clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.1% in Australian Capital Territory. Eighteen point six percent of residents are aged 65 and over (576 people), higher than the 17.6% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, better than the general population's health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Gowrie was found to be 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 predominant religion in Gowrie, comprising 50.5% of people. However, Judaism showed significant overrepresentation at 0.3%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (27.1%), English (26.7%), and Irish (9.3%). Notable divergences included Spanish (0.8% vs regional 0.7%), Russian (0.6% vs 0.3%), and Croatian (0.9% vs 0.8%) groups.

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

Gowrie's median age is 38 years, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but equal to Australia's median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Gowrie has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (11.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.7%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 4.3% to 6.0%, while those aged 35-44 have increased from 14.5% to 16.0%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 25-34 has decreased from 13.5% to 11.7%, and those aged 55-64 have dropped from 12.2% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Gowrie's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 20%, adding 37 residents to reach 223. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 88% of population growth, reflecting broader demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 0-4 age groups are projected to experience population declines.