Hackett

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Hackett is around 3,308 people. This figure represents an increase of 81 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,227 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,295 as of June 2024, based on examination of the latest ABS ERP data release and validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,696 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 are adopted, also with a base year of 2022. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to remain stable over time, with no overall increase anticipated by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow; notably, the 65 to 74 age group is expected to increase by 76 people during 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Hackett has experienced approximately 12 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 61 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26. Each new dwelling has resulted in an average of 2.4 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $307,000. This year, there have been $51,000 in commercial development approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. Hackett's building activity is 73.0% below the Australian Capital Territory's regional average per person. The dwelling approval mix consists of 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% medium and high-density housing, with an increasing proportion of townhouses and apartments. This represents a shift from the current housing mix, which is 76.0% houses.

Hackett has approximately 234 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. With stable or declining population forecasts, housing pressure may be less intense in Hackett, potentially creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Five projects identified by AreaSearch may impact the area: The Establishment Watson, Watson Gasworks Arts Precinct, Watson Place Precinct Redevelopment, and Majura Primary School Modernisation (Watson).

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

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Employment performance in Hackett has been broadly consistent with national averages

Hackett's workforce is highly educated with prominent professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 3.7% in the past year, showing an estimated growth of 1.5%.

As of June 2025, 1,772 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.3% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation was lower at 66.1%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical services.

Conversely, health care & social assistance had a lower representation of 8.6% versus the regional average of 11.7%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 1.5% while labour force grew by 1.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. For comparison, Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 1.9% and labour force growth of 1.6%, with a drop in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insights into potential future demand within Hackett. These projections estimate national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Hackett's median income was $76,554 and average income was $94,635. This is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. Using a Wage Price Index growth rate of 13.6% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $86,965 (median) and $107,505 (average). Census data ranks Hackett's household, family, and personal incomes between the 92nd and 96th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show 31.9% of residents earn over $4,000 annually, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is highest at 34.3%. High consumer spending is supported by 46.8% of households earning over $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 88.2% of their income, indicating 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

Dwelling structure in Hackett, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 76.3% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership level in Hackett was 38.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.0% and rented dwellings at 22.9%. Median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,500, above Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,080. Median weekly rent figure in Hackett was $374, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $476. Nationally, Hackett's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $374.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, which is 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

Educational attainment in Hackett is notably high, with 59.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are the 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 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 6.6% and certificates 9.1%. Educational participation is high, with 34.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.0% in primary education, 10.3% in secondary education, and 7.4% pursuing tertiary education. Blue Gum Community School serves the local educational needs within Hackett, enrolling 154 students as of a recent report. The area's schools demonstrate high performance, with an ICSEA score of 1158, indicating they are among the most advantaged nationally. All 1 schools in Hackett offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. However, local school capacity is limited at 4.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.4, leading many families to seek schooling in nearby areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 14 active stops operating in Hackett, serving a mix of buses. These stops are covered by 7 routes, collectively offering 215 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 200 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 30 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 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 residents shows relatively positive outcomes, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts being fairly standard. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (2,135 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues affecting 10.0% of residents and asthma impacting 7.6%. 67.9% of Hackett residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of 70.8%. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 15.7% (519 people), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 11.4%. This aligns broadly with the general population's health profile.

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

Hackett's cultural diversity is above average, 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, comprising 31.2% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Hackett compared to the Australian Capital Territory, with 0.9% versus 0.5%.

The top three represented ancestry groups are English (27.1%), Australian (23.9%), and Irish (11.6%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Scottish is overrepresented at 9.3% in Hackett compared to the regional average of 8.1%, Welsh remains consistent at 0.7%, and Croatian shows a slight increase from the regional average of 0.7% to 0.8%.

Hackett's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Hackett is 40 years, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and slightly above the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Hackett has a higher percentage 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 percentages for ages 5-14 decreased from 15.3% to 13.4% and for ages 35-44 dropped from 14.7% to 13.6%. By 2041, Hackett's age composition is projected to change significantly. The number of residents aged 65-74 is expected to grow by 27%, reaching 336 from 264. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, who are projected to comprise 73% of the population increase. Conversely, declines in population are projected for the ages 15-24 and 45-54 cohorts.