Hackett

An assessment of population growth drivers in Hackett reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The population of the Hackett statistical area (Lv2), as estimated by AreaSearch, was around 3,315 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census population of 3,227 people, marking a rise of 88 individuals or approximately 2.7%. The latest estimate is derived from AreaSearch's resident population count of 3,295 in June 2024 and the validation of an additional 13 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of around 1,700 persons per square kilometer for the Hackett (SA2), which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver behind this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for the Hackett statistical area (Lv2) are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, using 2022 as a base year, are adopted. The demographic trends indicate that over this period, there is expected to be no overall population increase for the Hackett (SA2), with an anticipated zero net growth by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 65 to 74 age group, which is forecasted to expand by 76 people over this period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Hackett recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Hackett shows around 12 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 61 homes were approved, with another 3 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built over these years brought an average of 2.4 new residents per year, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $307,000. This financial year has seen $144,000 in commercial development approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to the Australian Capital Territory, where Hackett records 73.0% lower building activity per person. The scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. New development consists of 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points. This shows a significant shift from the current housing mix, which is currently 76.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

Hackett has approximately 234 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Hackett may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Hackett has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that could impact this region. Notable initiatives include The Establishment Watson, Watson Gasworks Arts Precinct, Watson Place Precinct Redevelopment, and Majura Primary School Modernisation (Watson). Details about these relevant projects are listed below.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Hackett has been broadly consistent with national averages

Hackett has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.6% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. There were 1,766 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 0.3% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation was somewhat lower at 66.1%, compared to the ACT's 69.6%.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical services. Health care & social assistance showed lower representation at 8.6% versus the regional average of 11.7%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 1.6% alongside labour force increasing by 1.4%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. As of 25-Nov-25, ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hackett's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Hackett suburb is $76,554. Average income stands at $94,635. This compares to Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates for Hackett would be approximately $83,643 (median) and $103,398 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Hackett rank between the 92nd and 96th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show 31.9% of residents earn over $4,000 annually, compared to the regional leading bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 at 34.3%. Economic strength is evident with 46.8% of households earning over $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 88.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Hackett, as per the latest Census, was 76.3% houses and 23.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Hackett was 38.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.0% and rented dwellings at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,500, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Hackett was $374, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $476. Nationally, Hackett's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 70.5% of all households, including 37.1% couples with children, 22.8% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 25.7% and group households comprising 3.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.2.

Hackett demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Hackett's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 59.7% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This gives Hackett a strong position for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most common at 29.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.4%) and graduate diplomas (7.5%).

Vocational pathways account for 15.7% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 6.6% and certificates at 9.1%. Educational participation is high, with 34.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (11.0%), secondary education (10.3%), and tertiary education (7.4%).

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

Transport analysis indicates 14 active stops operating within Hackett, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by 61 routes, facilitating 5,372 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents usually located 200 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 767 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 383 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hackett's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data for Hackett shows positive outcomes, with common health conditions similar across young and elderly residents. Private health cover is high at approximately 65%, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (10.0%) and asthma (7.6%). A total of 67.9% reported no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 70.8%. In Hackett, 15.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (520 people), higher than the ACT average of 11.4%, but generally in line with overall population health profiles.

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

Hackett has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 21.2% of its population born overseas and 13.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hackett, making up 31.2% of people. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to regional averages, comprising 0.9% of Hackett's population versus 0.5% across Australian Capital Territory.

The top three ancestry groups are English (27.1%), Australian (23.9%), and Irish (11.6%). Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented at 9.3%, Welsh at 0.7%, and Croatian at 0.8%.

Hackett's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Hackett, at 40 years, exceeds both the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and the national median of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Hackett has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (15.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.6%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 increased from 11.1% to 13.8%, while the proportions for ages 5-14 decreased from 15.3% to 13.4% and ages 35-44 decreased from 14.7% to 13.6%. By 2041, Hackett's age composition is projected to shift notably. The 65-74 age group is expected to grow by 27%, reaching 336 people from 265. This growth will be led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 73% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 45-54 age cohorts.