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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Hackett is around 3,352, reflecting a 125-person increase since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 3.9% rise from the previous population count of 3,227 people. AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,345 in June 2025, combined with 15 validated new addresses since the Census date, supports this increase. The resulting population density is 1,719 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83% of overall population gains in recent periods.

For projections, ABS/Geoscience Australia data from 2024 with a 2022 base year is used for each SA2 area; for uncovered areas and years post-2032, ACT Government's SA2 area projections with a 2022 base are adopted. By 2041, the suburb of Hackett's population is projected to decline by 11 persons overall, while specific age cohorts like the 65 to 74 group are expected to grow by 69 people.

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 shows Hackett experienced around 12 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 61 homes were approved, with another 3 so far in FY-26. Each new dwelling brought an average of 2.4 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost for these dwellings was $307,000. This financial year, Hackett recorded $144,000 in commercial development approvals, indicating minimal commercial activity compared to residential. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Hackett's building activity is 73.0% below the regional average per person. The current dwelling mix consists of 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing proportion of townhouses and apartments. This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (76.0%).

Hackett has approximately 234 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Stable or declining population forecasts suggest less housing pressure in the area, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Hackett has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects expected to influence this region. Notable projects include The Establishment Watson, Watson Place Precinct Redevelopment (Watson On Aspinall), Majura Primary School Modernisation (Watson), and Watson Gasworks Arts Precinct. Relevant details are listed below.

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 has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3%. As of December 2025, 1,769 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was 67.0%, below the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 15.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors included public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical services.

Health care & social assistance showed lower representation at 8.6% compared to the regional average of 11.7%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 1.3% alongside labour force growth of 1.3%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% expansion 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, assuming constant population projections.

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 ended June 30, 2023 shows median income in Hackett suburb is $76,554 and average income is $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 10.44% from July 1, 2023 to March 2026, estimated current incomes are approximately $84,546 (median) and $104,515 (average). Census data indicates Hackett's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 92nd and 96th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show 31.9% of residents earn over $4,000 annually, contrasting with the region where 34.3% earn between $1,500 and $2,999. High consumer spending is supported by 46.8% of households earning over $3,000 weekly after housing costs. Residents retain 88.2% of income post-housing expenses, reflecting strong purchasing power. The suburb'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

Hackett's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 76.3% houses and 23.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hackett stood at 38.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.0% and rented ones at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment 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 $450. 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 at 3.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is greater than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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 is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 59.7% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This high level of attainment is led by bachelor degrees (29.8%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.4%) and graduate diplomas (7.5%). Vocational pathways account for 15.7%, 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 11.0% in primary education, 10.3% in secondary education, and 7.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 14 active stops operating in Hackett. These are served by 61 routes, offering 5,372 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is rated good, with residents typically 200 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward. Car use dominates at 77%, with cycling at 14% and bus at 6%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.2 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.5% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 767 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 383 weekly trips per stop.

Hackett's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows Hackett residents have positive health outcomes, with AreaSearch's analysis finding mortality rates and health conditions mostly align with national averages. Common health conditions are low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at 65% (2,164 people), compared to ACT's 62.4% and Australia's 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are most common, affecting 10.0% and 7.6%, respectively; 67.9% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than ACT's 70.2%. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 16.3% (546 people), higher than ACT's 14.3%, but lower nationally.

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'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 people, while Judaism is overrepresented at 0.9%, compared to 0.2% across Australian Capital Territory. The top three ancestry groups are English (27.1%), Australian (23.9%), and Irish (11.6%).

Other ethnic groups with notable divergences include Scottish (overrepresented at 9.3% vs regional 7.3%), Welsh (0.7% vs 0.6%), and Croatian (0.8% vs 0.9%).

Hackett's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Hackett is notably higher than that of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which averages at 35 years, and also modestly exceeds the national median age of 38 years. Compared to ACT, Hackett has a higher concentration of residents aged 45-54 years, with 15.6%, but fewer individuals aged 25-34 years, at 10.5%. According to the Census data from 2021, the population aged 15-24 years has increased from 11.1% to 14.3%, while the age group of 5-14 years has declined from 15.3% to 13.2%. The 35-44 age group has also seen a decrease, from 14.7% to 13.0%. By the year 2041, significant changes in Hackett's age composition are projected. Leading this demographic shift, the 65-74 age group is expected to grow by 23%, reaching 337 people from the previous figure of 274. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 79% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 15-24 and 0-4 age cohorts.