Hughes (ACT)

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Hughes (ACT) statistical area (Lv2) is around 3,176, reflecting a decrease of 34 people since the 2021 Census. This decrease represents a 1.1% change from the previous population count of 3,210 people. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of resident population data derived from the latest ERP release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,774 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods for this area.

Population projections indicate a decline in overall population by 2041, with an expected decrease of 242 persons according to ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 and based on 2022 data. Despite the overall decline, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 65 to 74 age group, which is anticipated to expand by 10 people over this period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Hughes, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Hughes recorded approximately six residential properties granted approval annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 34 homes were approved, with another six approved in FY26 so far. Despite a falling population during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $381,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year, $176,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, predominantly focused on residential developments. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Hughes records significantly lower building activity, at 87.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's development is also under the national average, indicating its established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

New development consists of 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Hughes' traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 421 people per approval, Hughes indicates a mature market. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Hughes may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Hughes has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified three projects likely affecting the region: Federal Golf Club Retirement Village, Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, Woden Experiment Stage 2 - Public Realm & Active Travel Upgrades, and Woden Community Services Hub. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Hughes ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Hughes has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.4% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1%.

As of September 2025, 1,579 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. The workforce participation rate in Hughes was 61.4%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Key industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Notably, health care & social assistance had employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average, while construction employed only 4.2% of local workers, lower than ACT's 6.8%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. In the past year, employment increased by 1%, and the labour force grew by 0.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Comparatively, in ACT, employment grew by 1.4%, the labour force expanded by 1.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows ACT's employment growth was 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. National forecasts suggest total employment will increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hughes' employment mix indicates local employment should grow by 6.8% in five years and 13.9% in ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Hughes has an exceptionally high income level nationally, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Hughes is $74,575, while the average income stands at $103,767. These figures compare to those of the Australian Capital Territory, which are $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Hughes would be approximately $81,481 (median) and $113,376 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Hughes rank highly nationally, between the 94th and 95th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 35.5% of residents (1,127 people) fall within the $4,000+ bracket, unlike trends in the region where 34.3% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 48.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Hughes' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 73.6% houses and 26.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's 58.4% houses and 41.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hughes was at 37.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.8% and rented ones at 24.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hughes was $2,700, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure in Hughes was $400, compared to $440 in Australian Capital Territory. Nationally, Hughes' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,700 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $400 against the national figure of $375.

Hughes has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 72.1% of all households, including 36.7% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.9%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households comprising 2.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.4.

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

Hughes has a higher educational attainment than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 58.7% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% in the SA4 region. This gives Hughes an advantage for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most common at 31.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.8%) and graduate diplomas (6.7%).

Vocational pathways account for 16.9%. Advanced diplomas make up 8.4% and certificates 8.5%. Educational participation is high, with 30.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Hughes has nine active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 22 different routes that together facilitate 1580 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is considered good, with residents on average located 268 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 225 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 175 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hughes is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Hughes faces significant health challenges due to common conditions prevalent in both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 68% of the total population of 2,165 people, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.9%) and asthma (8.0%). A majority, 67.3%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 70.1%. As of a recent study, 19.3% of residents are aged 65 and over (612 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 16.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 26.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hughes, making up 43.6% of the population. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, comprising 0.5% of Hughes' population versus 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (25.5%), English (25.1%), and Irish (10.7%). Other ethnic groups with notable differences include Welsh at 1.3% in Hughes compared to 0.6% regionally, Hungarian at 0.5% versus 0.3%, and Polish at 1.0% versus 0.8%.

Hughes hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Hughes has a median age of 42, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, Hughes has an over-representation of the 85+ cohort (4.7% locally) and an under-representation of 25-34 year-olds (9.5%). Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 11.0% to 13.8%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 13.0% to 14.6%. Conversely, the 85+ cohort declined from 6.5% to 4.7%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 12.0% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Hughes's age profile will evolve significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand by 8 people (6%), from 149 to 158. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 75 to 84 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.