Suburb profile · Australian Capital Territory
Hughes (ACT) has an estimated 3,159 residents, down 1.6% since the 2021 Census, with 48 projects tracked in the area around Hughes (ACT).
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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Conveniently situated 6.5 kilometres south-southwest from Canberra CBD, the suburb of Hughes (ACT) is a tranquil, leafy residential community admired for its picturesque streets, manicured parks, and striking mountain views. Based on AreaSearch's analysis of yearly ERP releases alongside quarterly updates to national address records, the suburb of Hughes (ACT) maintains an estimated population of around 3,159 as of August 2026, indicating minimal overall variation since the 3,210 residents recorded at the 2021 Census. Known for a friendly atmosphere and strong social cohesion, Hughes offers an attractive family setting supported by well-regarded local schools, neighbourhood retail centres, and comprehensive recreational amenities.
The residential landscape features a notable proportion of 15 to 24yo residents alongside a well-represented elderly cohort, accompanied by a solid employment base in public administration and a strong apartment presence.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Conveniently situated 6.5 kilometres south-southwest from Canberra CBD, the suburb of Hughes (ACT) is a tranquil, leafy residential community admired for its picturesque streets, manicured parks, and striking mountain views. Based on AreaSearch's analysis of yearly ERP releases alongside quarterly updates to national address records, the suburb of Hughes (ACT) maintains an estimated population of around 3,159 as of August 2026, indicating minimal overall variation since the 3,210 residents recorded at the 2021 Census. Known for a friendly atmosphere and strong social cohesion, Hughes offers an attractive family setting supported by well-regarded local schools, neighbourhood retail centres, and comprehensive recreational amenities.
The residential landscape features a notable proportion of 15 to 24yo residents alongside a well-represented elderly cohort, accompanied by a solid employment base in public administration and a strong apartment presence.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 2,988 in 2006 and 3,149 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 3,159 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 15 to 24, 15.4%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $4000+, 35.5%.
Hughes (ACT) ranks in the 97th percentile nationally for income and the 97th for education.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
AreaSearch tracks 48 projects in and around Hughes (ACT), 7 of them under construction.
A new four-storey facility in Woden Town Centre that will centralise community and government services under one roof, bringing together services currently operating from multiple buildings in the region. It will include child and family services, meeting rooms, a multi-purpose hall, and workshop spaces. Construction is expected to commence in 2026-27.
Staged redevelopment of the Phillip Swimming and Ice-Skating Centre site in Woden by Geocon. Stage one, approved by the ACT Territory Planning Authority on 16 December 2025, comprises two 13-storey residential towers with 286 apartments above a new public aquatic centre featuring a 25-metre, eight-lane indoor lap pool, warm water program pool, splash pad…
Mixed-use redevelopment of the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre (Woden Pool) comprising a new public indoor aquatic centre with 25m lap pool, learn-to-swim pool, leisure and toddler pools, splash pad, sauna, steam room and cafe, together with two residential towers containing 286 apartments in Stage 1.
A landmark 20-storey mixed-use residential tower comprising 188 luxury apartments with ground-floor retail and commercial space, located directly opposite Westfield Woden in the Phillip town centre. Developed by Zapari, the project forms part of the broader high-rise transformation of the Woden Town Centre precinct.
A premium 18-storey residential tower offering 212 apartments with rooftop amenities, ground-floor retail and direct connection to the redeveloped Woden Town Square.
The development will deliver 98 homes comprising 83 affordable rental apartments offered at below 75 percent of market rates alongside 15 specialist supported homes for individuals living with mental health challenges.
A proposed Over 55s retirement village of up to 125 dwellings, including 77 single-storey homes and 48 apartments in six three-storey buildings. The project is a partnership between the Federal Golf Club and developer Mbark. The development has faced some community opposition and legal challenges.
The Woden Bus Depot and Transport Interchange are fully completed and operational as of April 2026. The new interchange on Callam Street serves over 10,000 Canberrans daily with 10 platforms, improved amenities, and future-proofed light rail capabilities.
ACT Government public realm improvements to Woden Town Square and surrounding streets in Phillip, delivered in stages as part of the broader Woden renewal program. Works include new landscaping and tree planting, street furniture, wayfinding signage, improved pedestrian connectivity and active travel links around the CIT Woden Campus and town centre.
The final stage of Canberra developer Doma Group's 670-apartment masterplan. It includes two new buildings of 16 and 18 storeys, comprising 189 apartments with basement and podium level car parking, communal areas, and a pool.
Twin residential towers in Woden providing premium apartment living with retail spaces at ground level. Completed development contributing to urban density.
A modern residential complex proposal incorporating sustainable design principles and community-focused amenities for local residents.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 10 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2023 1, 2024 0, 2025 0, 2026 0, 2027 5, 2028 3, 2029 0, 2030 0, 2031 0, 2032 0, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 1. 23 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 3 substantial development applications lodged in and around Hughes (ACT) over the past 5 years, 1 in the last 12 months. Coverage varies by council.
Status of the 3 tracked applications: 2 approved, 0 under assessment, 1 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 3 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 1 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 2.3 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 30th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 7 | ABS building approvals | 15th percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 2 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Hughes include: Woden Pool Project (Phillip Swimming and Ice-Skating Centre Redevelopment) (Dev. Approval); Canberra Hospital Master Plan (Approved); Woden Community Services Hub (Planning); Woden Bus Depot and Transport Interchange (Completed); and Woden Town Centre Public Realm Upgrades (Completed). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of Hughes spans multiple sectors including Transport & Logistics, Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, and Sports & Recreation, among others.
With an infrastructure score in the top 40%, the suburb of Hughes demonstrates above-average development activity compared to national benchmarks.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity in Hughes is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally.
Dwelling approval activity in the suburb of Hughes area has seen 15 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of Hughes's current population of 3,159 has been supported by 7 approvals on average over recent years.
The suburb of Hughes has seen 2.3 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 9.2 approvals in Australian Capital Territory. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 421 people in the suburb of Hughes, compared to one for every 147 in Australian Capital Territory.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of Hughes's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 7, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
Over the past five years, the suburb of Hughes has seen 36 residential approvals while population has remained stable or declined, indicating potential market oversupply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
An assessment of population growth drivers in Hughes reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,159 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | -1.6% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 3rd percentile nationally |
| Population density | 1,765 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 66th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | -0.2% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +0.3% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 3,210 | 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | -0.4% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | -0.6% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 1.79 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the suburb of Hughes was estimated to be approximately 3,159 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 3,149 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The suburb of hughes has lost approximately 51 people and shown a 1.59% decrease from the 3,210 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the suburb of Hughes is estimated at 1,765 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Hughes has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.3% per annum.
Population growth in the suburb of Hughes is driven by: Overseas migration (100.0%), Natural increase (0.0%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 100.0% of overall population gains.
Hughes hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 42 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 72nd percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 18.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 17.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 24.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 48.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 43 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 4.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 13.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 15.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 9.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 13.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 13.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 11.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 8.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 6.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 3.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of Hughes at 42 years as at August 2026. That is down from the 2021 Census figure of 43 years, with AreaSearch updating the age profile for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 42 years as at August 2026, Hughes is 7 years older than the Australian Capital Territory 2021 Census average (35 years) and 4 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of Hughes compared to the Australian Capital Territory region is the 5 - 14 group, making up 13.7% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of Hughes compared to the Australian Capital Territory region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 9.5% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the suburb of Hughes show significant variance compared to Australian Capital Territory. The most over-represented age group is 85+ year-olds (3.6% vs 1.8%). The most under-represented age group is 25-34 year-olds (9.5% vs 17.2%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 17.9% of the population in the suburb of Hughes as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 18.7% of the population in the suburb of Hughes as at August 2026.
The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 3% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $81,789 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 96th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $110,162 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $2,797 | 2021 Census, weekly | 95th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $1,298 | 2021 Census, weekly | 94th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 48.2% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $3,669 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 13.3% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Hughes is approximately $87,531. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $81,789.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Hughes is approximately $117,895. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $110,162.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Hughes is approximately $87,531 compared to $81,672 in Australian Capital Territory. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $81,789 and $76,315 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Hughes is approximately $117,895 compared to $96,344 in Australian Capital Territory. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $110,162 and $90,024 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the suburb of Hughes's households (~35.5% / 402 households) is the $4000+ cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the suburb of Hughes is the $4000+ group, representing about 35.5% of households. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 34.3% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Hughes is $2,797/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Hughes is $3,669/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Hughes is $1,298/wk.
The suburb of Hughes's income level is among the top percentile nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-24. The suburb of Hughes's median income among taxpayers is $81,789 and the average income stands at $110,162, which compares to figures for Australian Capital Territory's of $76,315 and $90,024 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 7.02% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $87,531 (median) and $117,895 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Hughes is $10,675 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The suburb of hughes's disposable income is $10,675 compared to $8,812 for Australian Capital Territory, based on AreaSearch analysis.
The labour market in Hughes shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 62.9% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 1,583 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 2,615 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 1,627 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of March 2026, the suburb of Hughes has approximately 1,583 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 2.7%. This very low unemployment rate indicates a tight labour market with strong demand for workers. Employment performance is above the national median, showing positive labour market dynamics.
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of Hughes stands at 2.7%, which is 1.3 percentage points below Australian Capital Territory's rate of 4.1%. This lower unemployment rate suggests stronger local employment conditions. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the suburb of Hughes is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are public administration & safety (31.3% of employment), health care & social assistance (15.5%), and professional & technical (11.9%). These three sectors alone account for 58.7% of local employment, indicating significant concentration. Other significant employers include education & training and accommodation & food.
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of Hughes has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Australian Capital Territory saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Hughes is 62.9%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This healthy participation rate reflects good employment opportunities and workforce engagement. The local rate trailing the Australian Capital Territory average of 71.1%, suggesting potential for increased workforce participation.
The suburb of hughes shows notable specialisation in health care & social assistance, which employs 15.5% of the local workforce compared to 11.7% across Australian Capital Territory. This moderate specialisation indicates some local strength in the sector.
The long-run outlook for employment is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
The suburb of hughes's employment market shows above-average performance nationally, placing in the top half of areas assessed. Employment indicators suggest healthy labour market conditions relative to other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 7.3% decline, ranking 35th out of 37 regions nationally.
Hughes demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 3% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 31.2% | 2021 Census | 88th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 20.8% | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 58.7% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 8.5% | 2021 Census | 5th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 6.7% | 2021 Census | 99th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 8.4% | 2021 Census | 11th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 24.4% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 30.9% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 6.1% | 2021 Census | 71st percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 10.1% | 2021 Census | 50th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 9.0% | 2021 Census | 73rd percentile nationally |
58.7% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Hughes have university qualifications, compared to 46.8% in Australian Capital Territory.
24.4% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Hughes have no formal qualifications, compared to 28.6% in Australian Capital Territory.
The suburb of hughes ranks in the 97th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Hughes are: Bachelor Degree (31.2%), Postgraduate (20.8%), Certificate (8.5%).
30.9% of the population in the suburb of Hughes is currently engaged in formal education, including 10.1% in primary school, 9.0% in secondary school, 6.1% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of Hughes is 1151, indicating above-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 1 schools within the suburb of Hughes, with a combined enrollment of approximately 433 students.
The suburb of hughes includes 1 primary school.
Hughes features high concentrations of couples with children but relatively few single parent families, with a larger average household size than Australian Capital Territory.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.6 people | 2021 Census | 63rd percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 25.6% | 2021 Census | 52nd percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 36.7% | 2021 Census | 70th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 24.8% | 2021 Census | 32nd percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 9.0% | 2021 Census | 30th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 2.8% | 2021 Census | 51st percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 1,131 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 1,113 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 71.5% | 2021 Census | 53rd percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.6 per family | 2021 Census | 46th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of Hughes had 1,131 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has decreased by approximately 1.6% to an estimated 1,113 households today.
The average household size in the suburb of Hughes is 2.6 people. This compares to 2.5 in Australian Capital Territory and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 71.5% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (25.6%), group households (2.8%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 809 family households, couples with children account for 36.7% of all households, couples without children at home 24.8%, and single parent families 9.0%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Australian Capital Territory, the suburb of Hughes shows distinct household patterns. This family-oriented profile influences local demand for family homes, schools, and children's services.
Families in the suburb of Hughes have an average of 1.6 children, slightly above the Australian Capital Territory average of 1.4. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 49.8% of the adult population are currently married, while 31.3% have never married. This compares to 46.8% married and 39.2% never married across Australian Capital Territory.
Single-person households represent 25.6% of all households in the suburb of Hughes, similar to the average for Australian Capital Territory of 25.7%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.8% of households, below the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.7%. This lower rate suggests less student or young professional shared accommodation.
The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Hughes was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 26.4% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 16.4% | 2021 Census | 56th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 83.6% | 2021 Census | 43rd percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 88.9% | 2021 Census | 67th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 73.6% | 2021 Census | 43rd percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 0.7% | 2021 Census | 30th percentile nationally |
Hughes was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 16.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 26.4% born overseas.
Christianity is the most commonly reported religion in Hughes, at 43.6% of people, although more residents (47.6%) reported no religion. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.5% of the population, compared to 0.2% across Australian Capital Territory.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Hughes are Australian, comprising 25.5% of the population, English, comprising 25.1% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 1.3% of Hughes (vs 0.6% across Australian Capital Territory), Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%) and Polish at 1.0% (vs 0.8%).
26.4% of the suburb of Hughes population was born overseas, compared to 29.9% across Australian Capital Territory.
16.4% of the population in the suburb of Hughes speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 25.6% in Australian Capital Territory.
0.7% of the suburb of Hughes population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 1.4% in Australian Capital Territory.
88.9% of the suburb of Hughes population holds citizenship, compared to 85.8% in Australian Capital Territory.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Hughes is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 24.5% | 2021 Census | 40th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 37.7% | 2021 Census | 63rd percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 73.6% | 2021 Census | 30th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $2,700 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 92nd percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 37.8% | 2021 Census | 60th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 13.2% | 2021 Census | 67th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $400 | 2021 Census, weekly | 66th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 14.3% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 7th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 22.3% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 34th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.8 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
In the suburb of Hughes, 37.7% of homes are owned outright, 37.8% are owned with a mortgage, and 24.5% are rented.
According to the latest data, 73.6% of dwellings in the suburb of Hughes are houses.
In the suburb of Hughes, 13.2% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 13.2% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Hughes stands at 37.7%, compared to 27.3% in Australian Capital Territory.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Hughes is $2,700, compared to $2,080 in Australian Capital Territory.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Hughes is $1,445, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the suburb of Hughes, households with mortgages typically spend 22.3% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 14.3% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Hughes is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the suburb of Hughes shows mortgage holders spending 22.3% of income on repayments (vs 20.2% in Australian Capital Territory), while renters spend 14.3% of income on rent (vs 19.0% in Australian Capital Territory).
The dwelling mix in the suburb of Hughes consists of 73.6% detached houses, 13.2% semi-detached dwellings, 13.2% apartments, and 0.0% other dwelling types.
Housing in Hughes consumes approximately 11.9% of median household income ($12,111 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Hughes show attached dwellings contributing 29% of approvals compared to 26% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 71% of applications versus 74% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. Housing density growth is around the national average.
Health in Hughes (ACT): private health cover 69.6%, no long-term health condition 67.3%.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 69.6% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 91st percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 67.3% | 2021 Census | 38th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 8.5% | 2021 Census | 90th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 76.1% | 2021 Census | 50th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 1.1% | 2021 Census | 40th percentile nationally |
Around 69.6% of people in the suburb of Hughes are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 62.2% in Australian Capital Territory.
In the suburb of Hughes, 8.5% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 4.6% of people in Australian Capital Territory require similar assistance.
8.0% of people in the suburb of Hughes are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 8.1% of the population across Australian Capital Territory is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 2.8% of the suburb of Hughes population, while in Australian Capital Territory, 3.5% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
3.9% of people in the suburb of Hughes have heart disease. Across Australian Capital Territory,2.8% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the suburb of Hughes, 69.6% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Australian Capital Territory sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 62.2%.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 62 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 62nd percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 8 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 8th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 1,280 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 38th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 395 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 20 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.3 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 14.6% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 8 public transport stops within the suburb of Hughes.
The suburb of Hughes has 1,280 weekly trips across 20 routes, averaging 182 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 270 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 399 m away and the nearest school 418 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 8 stops nearby, 1,280 weekly trips, access rating 62 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 80 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 80th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 399 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 418 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 462 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 473 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest pharmacy | 521 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 899 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 950 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 1.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 1.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 1.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 1.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There is 1 long day care centre with 27 places in Hughes (ACT), about 4.9 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Hughes (ACT) is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Hughes (ACT).
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity in Hughes is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally.
Hughes has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 19% nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
An assessment of population growth drivers in Hughes reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends.
Hughes hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average.
The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 3% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis.
The labour market in Hughes shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions.
Hughes demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 3% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
Hughes features high concentrations of couples with children but relatively few single parent families, with a larger average household size than Australian Capital Territory.
The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Hughes was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
Hughes is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
Health in Hughes (ACT): private health cover 69.6%, no long-term health condition 67.3%.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Hughes (ACT) has an estimated 3,159 residents, down 1.6% since the 2021 Census, with 48 projects tracked in the area around Hughes (ACT).
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Hughes (ACT).
Data currency
Refreshed . Population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Jul 2025. Housing and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL80076). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census and statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Jul 2025) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, households, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Hughes (ACT) from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Hughes (ACT) with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
