Gowrie (ACT)

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

The population of the suburb of Gowrie (ACT) is estimated to be around 3,098 as of February 2026. This figure represents a decrease of 42 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,140. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and includes an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,605 persons per square kilometer, which is 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 0.1% growth, indicating divergent population trends. Natural growth contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. These projections indicate an expected decline in the suburb's population by 284 persons by 2041. However, growth is anticipated within specific age cohorts, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 56 people over this period.

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 allocated from statistical area data indicates Gowrie averaged approximately 2 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 10 homes. As of FY-26, no approvals have been recorded yet. Between FY-21 and FY-25, the average was 1.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed. However, this figure has increased to 9 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing demand and tightening supply.

This year, $595,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting Gowrie's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Gowrie has significantly lower building activity, at 72.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically boosts demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, Gowrie's activity is also below average, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development in the area has been exclusively standalone homes, preserving its traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

With approximately 3108 people per dwelling approval, it demonstrates an established market. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Gowrie may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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 identified three projects likely affecting the area: 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.

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 prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.9% as of September 2025, with relative employment stability over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. There were 1,532 residents employed at this time, while the unemployment rate was 3.3% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation was lower, at 67.7%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. Census responses indicated that only 10.8% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The primary industries for employment among residents were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Gowrie has a notable specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services were under-represented, with only 8.5% of Gowrie's workforce compared to 11.1% in the Australian Capital Territory. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the difference between the Census working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.6%, while employment decreased by 0.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.9 percentage points, according to AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a drop of 0.2 percentage points in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide further insight into potential future demand within Gowrie. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Gowrie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though it is important to note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Gowrie has a median taxpayer income of $68,311 and an average income of $79,768, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is among the highest in Australia, compared with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. By September 2025, current estimates suggest these figures would be approximately $74,637 (median) and $87,155 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Gowrie rank highly nationally, between the 91st and 93rd percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 30.6% of locals (947 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 category. This is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region, where 34.3% of residents are in the same income bracket. Economic strength is evident in Gowrie, with 43.1% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 88.2% of their income, reflecting 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% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is in contrast to the Australian Capital Territory's breakdown of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gowrie stood 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, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure for Gowrie was $440, slightly above the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Gowrie's median monthly mortgage repayment is significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and its median weekly rent is substantially above the national figure 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, which is 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 the 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

Public transport analysis reveals 24 active transport stops operating within Gowrie. These stops are serviced by 64 individual routes, collectively providing 3868 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 166 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 91%, with 5% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 10.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 552 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 totals 1,818 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 18.8% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 582 people, which is 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 population showed above-average cultural diversity, with 20.8% born overseas and 15.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 50.5%. Judaism, however, was slightly overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 0.2%.

Ancestry-wise, Australians comprised 27.1%, followed by English (26.7%) and Irish (9.3%). Notably, Spanish (0.8%), Russian (0.6%), and Croatian (0.9%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 0.3%, and 0.9% respectively.

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 concentration of residents aged 65-74 (11.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.4%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 75 to 84 increased from 4.3% to 6.6%, while the 35 to 44 age group grew from 14.5% to 16.1%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group declined from 13.5% to 11.4%, and the 55 to 64 age group decreased from 12.2% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Gowrie's age profile. The population aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 83%, adding 30 residents to reach a total of 68. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 89% of population growth, indicating prominent demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 age group and the 0 to 4 age group are expected to experience population declines.