Gungahlin

Gungahlin lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Gungahlin's population is estimated at around 10,030 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,444 people (16.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,586 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,573 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 981 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,199 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Gungahlin's 16.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (8.3%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 64.0% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to increase by 6,161 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 56.8% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Gungahlin among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Gungahlin averaged approximately 313 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25. This totals an estimated 1,568 homes. So far in FY26, one approval has been recorded. On average, 1 person moved to the area for each dwelling built during this period.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $249,000. In FY26, there have been $31.1 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Gungahlin records 255.0% more development activity per person. This level is well above the national average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent development has been entirely comprised of attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This marks a significant change from the current housing mix, which is 36.0% houses.

With around 27 people per dwelling approval, Gungahlin shows characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Gungahlin is expected to grow by approximately 5,696 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Gungahlin has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 55 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Gungahlin Community Centre, Moncrieff East Residential Estate, Raya Gungahlin, and Gungahlin Town Centre East Expansion. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Gungahlin remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Gungahlin's workforce is highly educated with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.9% in December 2025, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Gungahlin was 75.6%, compared to the ACT's 70.5%.

According to Census responses, 9.7% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance sectors. Gungahlin shows strong specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, public administration & safety has lower representation at 23.4% compared to the regional average of 30.4%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year ending December 2025, Gungahlin's employment increased by 0.5%, while labour force increased by 1.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, the ACT recorded employment growth of 0.9% and unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gungahlin's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Gungahlin suburb's income level aligns with national averages per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers is $56,805, average income stands at $67,291. ACT's figures are $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. With a 10.44% Wage Price Index growth since FY2023, current estimates are approximately $62,735 (median) and $74,316 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes rank highly in Gungahlin, between the 78th and 82nd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 38.7% earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly (3,881 residents), consistent with broader regional trends at 34.3%. The district demonstrates affluence with 31.3% earning over $3,000 per week. High housing costs consume 17.1% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 76th percentile. Area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Gungahlin features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Gungahlin, as per the latest Census, consisted of 35.7% houses and 64.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gungahlin was at 13.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented dwellings at 53.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,801, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080, while the median weekly rent figure was $450, equal to the Australian Capital Territory's figure. Nationally, Gungahlin's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Gungahlin features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 68.0% of all households, including 29.6% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 25.1% and group households making up 6.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Educational achievement in Gungahlin places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Gungahlin's educational attainment significantly exceeds national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 48.3% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This high level of education positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 26.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%).

Vocational pathways account for 23.2% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 12.4%. Educational participation is notably high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in tertiary education, 7.0% in primary education, and 6.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 35 active transport stops operating within Gungahlin. These include a mix of light rail and bus services. They are serviced by 68 individual routes, collectively providing 5119 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 184 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 74%, with bus at 8% and walking at 5%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 731 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 146 weekly trips per individual stop.

Gungahlin's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Gungahlin. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups.

The rate of private health cover was approximately 54% of the total population (~5,394 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 62.4%. Mental health issues impacted 8.4% and asthma affected 6.5% of residents. 78.4% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. The area had 8.8% of residents aged 65 and over (882 people), lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 14.3%. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

Gungahlin is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Gungahlin's cultural diversity is notable, with 49.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 49.8% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 32.4%. Hinduism is overrepresented at 11.4%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%.

Top ancestry groups include Other (19.9%), English (17.2%), and Australian (17.1%). Korean (2.7%), Indian (5.8%), and Vietnamese (2.0%) ethnicities are notably overrepresented in Gungahlin compared to regional averages of 0.6%, 3.3%, and 1.0% respectively.

Gungahlin hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Gungahlin has a median age of 32 years, which is younger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and significantly under the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Gungahlin has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (25.9%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.4%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 65 to 74 age group grew from 4.2% to 5.8%, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 7.3% to 8.6%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 27.8% to 25.9%, and the 15 to 24 age group dropped from 14.6% to 13.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that Gungahlin's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 35 to 44 age cohort projected to expand considerably, increasing by 1,018 people (57%) from 1,775 to 2,794.