Hughes (ACT)

Suburb (SAL)

Australian Capital Territory / Woden Valley

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Data Sources ABSValuer GeneralRental BoardACARA Newest Aug 2026 · Refreshed ABS QuickStats SAL80076 How we calculate this
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Suburb (SAL) Boundary Analysis

This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.

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 comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.

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Sales ActivityProperty Sales Trends in Hughes (ACT)

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DemographicsPopulation Growth in Hughes (ACT)

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Hughes (ACT) has an estimated 3,159 residents, down from 3,210 at the 2021 Census — a change of 51 people, or 1.6%. That puts 1,765 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.

Detail

Hughes (ACT) has an estimated population of 3,159 as of May 2026, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census. This represents a decline of 51 people (1.6%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 3,210 residents. The current estimate is based on a resident population of 3,149 calculated by AreaSearch using the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025), combined with an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population size results in a density of 1,764 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the national average for locations assessed by AreaSearch.

Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains, serving as almost the sole contributor to growth in recent periods. For each SA2 region, AreaSearch uses projections released by the ABS/Geoscience Australia in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For SA2 regions lacking this coverage, and for any years after 2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 projections (2022 base) are applied. Looking at future demographic trends, projections using this methodology indicate the overall population of the suburb of Hughes (ACT) is expected to shrink by 239 persons by 2041. In contrast, certain age cohorts are expected to grow, particularly the cohort aged 85 and over, which is projected to increase by 9 people. See the age section for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions - Population

What is the latest population estimate for the suburb of Hughes?
Total population for the suburb of Hughes was estimated to be approximately 3,159 as at May 26. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 3,149 from the ABS up to June 2025.
How has the population in the suburb of Hughes changed since 2021?
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.
What is the population density in the suburb of Hughes?
The population density in the suburb of Hughes is estimated at 1,764 persons per square kilometer based on the latest population estimate.
How much has the population grown over the past 10 years in the suburb of Hughes?
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Hughes has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.3% per annum.
What are the main drivers of population growth in the suburb of Hughes?
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.

Residential SupplyHousing Development & Building Approvals in Hughes (ACT)

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34 new dwellings have been approved in Hughes (ACT) over the past five years, an average of 6 a year. That is 2.1 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 8, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.

Detail

Hughes has maintained an annual average of approximately 6 new dwelling approvals, resulting in an estimated 34 homes over the last 5 financial years, based on AreaSearch's allocation of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data. During FY-26 so far, 8 approvals have been registered. With the local population declining, this new supply has likely matched demand, providing buyers with good options, while new construction displays an average value of $381,000, indicating a developer focus on high-end, premium projects. Commercial approvals have reached $176,000 this financial year, highlighting the residential focus of the suburb.

In comparison to Australian Capital Territory, the volume of construction in Hughes is very low, tracking 87.0% below the regional average per capita. This constrained addition of new dwellings generally helps support demand and property values for existing homes. This rate of construction also falls below the national average, reflecting a mature market and suggesting potential planning constraints. Detached houses make up 71.0% of the new developments, while townhouses or apartments constitute 29.0%, preserving the classic suburban feel with spacious family properties. With approximately 420 people per dwelling approval, the local market is well established. As population forecasts point to stability or decline, housing demand pressures in Hughes are expected to ease, which should benefit prospective buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions - Development

How many dwelling approvals have occurred in the suburb of Hughes recently?
Dwelling approval activity in the 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 6 approvals on average over recent years.
How does the suburb of Hughes's development activity compare to the broader region?
The suburb of Hughes has seen 0.21 approvals per 100 people in recent years, compared to 0.97 approvals in the broader region. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 419 people in the suburb of Hughes, compared to one for every 141 in the broader region.
Is the suburb of Hughes keeping up with housing demand?
Population forecasts suggest stable or declining population, reducing pressure on housing supply in the the suburb of Hughes area.
What has been the trend in development approvals over the past five years in the suburb of Hughes?
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of Hughes's approval levels have been slightly above the yearly average of 6, showing modest growth in recent years.
How does recent development compare to population growth in the suburb of Hughes?
Over the past five years, the population in the suburb of Hughes has grown by approximately 161 people, while 34 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 4.7 people added for each new dwelling approval. This high ratio suggests strong population growth relative to housing supply, potentially indicating unmet housing demand.
Are there opportunities for residential developers in the suburb of Hughes?
With dwelling approval activity running at an average of 6 approvals per year and a population of 3,159, stable population forecasts suggest a mature market with selective development opportunities.
Approvals Pipeline Development applications near Hughes (ACT)

Development applications around Hughes (ACT)

Development approvals is a new addition to AreaSearch. We’re actively expanding council coverage and refining the dataset — details and statuses for some councils may be partial. Check back regularly for the latest pipeline.
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.

Project PipelineInfrastructure & Major Projects in Hughes (ACT)

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AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Hughes (ACT). A further 48 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $6.07 billion. 8 are already under construction and 8 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and health & medical. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.

Detail

Infrastructure updates, major development projects, and local planning decisions are critical drivers of local performance. AreaSearch has identified 3 projects expected to impact the area. The key initiatives include the Federal Golf Club Retirement Village, the Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, the Woden Community Services Hub, and the Canberra Hospital Master Plan, with the most relevant ones detailed in the list below.

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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure

What are some of the major infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Hughes?
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Hughes include: Federal Golf Club Retirement Village (Approved); Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment (Construction); Woden Community Services Hub (Planning); Canberra Hospital Master Plan (Construction); and Trilogy Apartments (Construction). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
What types of infrastructure projects are impacting the suburb of Hughes?
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of Hughes spans multiple sectors including Residential Development, Health & Medical, and Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, among others.
What is the scale of infrastructure investment impacting the suburb of Hughes?
Infrastructure investment analysis indicates substantial capital deployment exceeding $4.4 billion in projects that will impact the extended area, with a notable concentration of investment within the immediate the suburb of Hughes vicinity.
How does the suburb of Hughes's infrastructure development compare to other areas?
With an infrastructure score in the top 40%, the suburb of Hughes demonstrates above-average development activity compared to national benchmarks.
Woden Community Services Hub
Category: Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal
Stage: Planning | Est. Comp: 2028
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

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.

Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal

Skye by Trilogy (Section 117 Phillip)
Category: Communities
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2027
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

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.

Communities

Woden Pool Project (Phillip Swimming and Ice-Skating Centre Redevelopment)
Category: Sports & Recreation
Stage: Dev. Approval | Est. Comp: 2028
Source / Links: Link 1   

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, learn-to-swim and toddler areas, cafe, and steam and sauna facilities. The existing outdoor 50-metre pool and the ice-skating rink will remain operational during stage one construction, with their future considered in later stages.Geocon intends to eventually deliver around 696 to 700 apartments across five buildings in three stages on the 1.29 hectare site. Minor structural amendments to the approved stage one design remain under assessment.

Sports & Recreation

The Oaks - Yamba Sports Club Redevelopment
Category: Sports & Recreation
Stage: Planning | Est. Comp: 2026
Source / Links: Link 1   

Redevelopment of community sports club facilities with modern amenities and expanded capacity for recreational activities.

Sports & Recreation

Ivy by Morris (Section 54 Phillip)
Category: Residential Development
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2027
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

A premium 18-storey residential tower offering 212 apartments with rooftop amenities, ground-floor retail and direct connection to the redeveloped Woden Town Square.

Residential Development

Canberra Hospital Master Plan
Category: Health & Medical
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2041
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

A 20-year strategic transformation (2021-2041) of the Canberra Hospital campus to modernize clinical facilities and improve campus integration. Following the 2024 completion of the $640 million Critical Services Building (Building 5), current works focus on the demolition of Buildings 6 and 23 to facilitate the new Pathology and Clinical Support Building. The plan ultimately organizes the campus into seven distinct clinical precincts, including new inpatient buildings and expanded parking infrastructure to support long-term regional health demand.

Health & Medical

Federal Golf Club Retirement Village
Category: Health & Medical
Stage: Approved | Est. Comp: 0
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

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. Redevelopment of Federal Golf Club into a $100M retirement village with 125 independent living units.

Health & Medical

Woden Pool Redevelopment
Category: Sports & Recreation
Stage: Dev. Approval | Est. Comp: 2028
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

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. The broader masterplanned redevelopment is proposed to ultimately deliver around 696 dwellings across three stages.

Sports & Recreation

Jobs & IndustryEmployment Trends in Hughes (ACT)

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1,583 residents of Hughes (ACT) are employed, from a labour force of 1,627. Unemployment sits at 2.7%, with participation at 63.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,615, about 83% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.

Detail

The local workforce is highly educated with strong representation in essential services, showing an unemployment rate of only 2.7% and estimated job growth of 1.2% over the last year, based on AreaSearch's compilation of statistical area data. Working residents numbered 1,583 as of March 2026, while the local unemployment rate is 1.3% below the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%. However, workforce participation is notably lower at 63.6% compared to the Australian Capital Territory rate of 70.8%. Census data indicates a moderate 14.6% of residents worked from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical. The suburb displays a strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with its employment share in this sector measuring 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, construction has a relatively small presence, employing 4.2% of workers compared to 6.8% across the region. The comparison between the Census working population and the resident population suggests local job opportunities are limited in this highly residential area. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data from broader statistical areas indicates that during the twelve months ending March 2026, local employment grew by 1.2% and the labour force expanded by 1.2%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. Over the same period, Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 0.3%, the labour force grow by 1.1%, and the unemployment rate increase by 0.7 percentage points. Future demand trends in Hughes can be analyzed using Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential growth. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by sector. Applying these sectoral forecasts to the local employment mix suggests Hughes's employment could rise by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation for comparison purposes rather than a localized population forecast.

Frequently Asked Questions - Employment

What is the employment situation in the suburb of Hughes?
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.
How does the suburb of Hughes's unemployment rate compare to the broader region?
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%.
What are the major employment sectors in the suburb of Hughes?
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.
How has employment changed recently in the suburb of Hughes?
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 rise. By comparison, Australian Capital Territory saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
What is the workforce participation rate in the suburb of Hughes?
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Hughes is 63.6%, 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 70.8%, suggesting potential for increased workforce participation.
Which industries are over-represented in the suburb of Hughes's employment market?
The suburb of hughes shows notable specialization in health care & social assistance, which employs 15.5% of the local workforce compared to 11.7% regionally. This moderate specialization indicates some local strength in the sector.
What are the employment growth prospects for the suburb of Hughes?
Based on Jobs and Skills Australia projections applied to the suburb of Hughes's industry mix, employment is expected to grow by 6.8% over the next five years and 13.9% over ten years. This exceeds the national forecast of 6.6% over five years, suggesting the area's industry composition is well-positioned for future growth. Steady growth is anticipated across multiple sectors, providing diverse employment opportunities.
How does the job market in the suburb of Hughes compare nationally?
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 18.9% decline, ranking 37.0th out of 37 regions nationally.
What employment opportunities exist for skilled workers in the suburb of Hughes?
Skilled workers will find good opportunities in the suburb of Hughes, with skilled sectors accounting for 39.5% of employment. Key sectors for skilled workers include health care & social assistance (15.5%), professional & technical (11.9%), and education & training (9.7%). With projected employment growth of 6.8% over five years, demand for skilled workers is expected to remain strong.

EarningsHousehold Income in Hughes (ACT)

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Median household income in Hughes (ACT) is $2,797 a week (about $145,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,298 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $74,575 a year against an average of $103,767. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.

Detail

Based on the latest ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023, local income levels rank in the top national percentile. Taxpayers in the suburb recorded a median income of $74,575 and an average income of $103,767, compared to Australian Capital Territory averages of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since the financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 stand at approximately $82,361 for the median and $114,600 for the average. Census 2021 data confirms that household, family, and individual incomes in Hughes are high, placing between the 94th and 95th percentiles nationally.

Income distribution shows that 35.5% of the population (1,121 individuals) earn in the $4000+ bracket, in contrast to the broader territory where the $1,500 - 2,999 range is the most common at 34.3%. High earners are highly represented, with 48.2% earning over $3,000 per week, indicating substantial local purchasing power. Residents retain 88.1% of their income after paying for housing, and the area is positioned in the 9th decile for SEIFA income ranking.

Frequently Asked Questions - Income

What is the median taxable income in the suburb of Hughes?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Hughes is approximately $82,361. The official ATO data from FY-23 recorded a median of $74,575.
What is the average taxable income in the suburb of Hughes?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Hughes is approximately $114,600. The official ATO data from FY-23 recorded an average of $103,767.
How does the median taxable income in the suburb of Hughes compare to the region?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Hughes is approximately $82,361 compared to $79,744 in Australian Capital Territory. The official ATO data from FY-23 shows $74,575 and $72,206 respectively.
How does the average taxable income in the suburb of Hughes compare to the region?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Hughes is approximately $114,600 compared to $94,957 in Australian Capital Territory. The official ATO data from FY-23 shows $103,767 and $85,981 respectively.
What are the main income cohorts in the suburb of Hughes according to the 2021 Census?
As per the 2021 Census, the income bracket containing the largest proportion (~35.5% / 1,121 persons) of the suburb of Hughes's population is the $4000+ cohort.
How do the main income cohorts in the suburb of Hughes compare to the region?
The largest income cohort in the suburb of Hughes is the $4000+ group, representing about 35.5% of the population. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory's largest income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 34.3% of its population, according to the 2021 Census.
What is the median household income in the suburb of Hughes according to the 2021 Census?
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Hughes is $2,797/wk.
What is the median family income in the suburb of Hughes according to the 2021 Census?
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Hughes is $3,669/wk.
What is the median personal income in the suburb of Hughes according to the 2021 Census?
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Hughes is $1,298/wk.
How does the suburb of Hughes's income rank nationally?
The suburb of Hughes shows a median taxpayer income of $74,575 and an average of $103,767 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is among the top percentile nationally, contrasting with Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $82,361 (median) and $114,600 (average) as of March 2026.
What is the disposable income in the suburb of Hughes?
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Hughes is $10,675 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
How does the suburb of Hughes's disposable income compare to the region?
The suburb of hughes's disposable income is $10,675 compared to $8,812 for Australian Capital Territory, based on AreaSearch analysis.

Housing StockHousing & Dwellings in Hughes (ACT)

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Hughes (ACT) had 1,131 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 74% detached houses and 13% apartments. 38% are owned with a mortgage, 25% rented and 38% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $400 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,700 a month, a total housing cost higher than 77% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 14.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 22.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.

Detail

The Census recorded that the local housing stock consisted of 73.6% detached houses and 26.4% other dwelling types such as apartments, semi-detached, and alternative options, compared to Australian Capital Territory figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership was high at 37.7%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 37.8% and rented homes making up 24.5%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,700, and the median weekly rent was $400, compared to Australian Capital Territory medians of $2,080 and $450. On a national level, mortgage repayments in Hughes are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents exceed the national average of $375.

Frequently Asked Questions - Housing

What percentage of homes are owned vs rented in the suburb of Hughes?
In the suburb of Hughes, 37.7% of homes are owned outright, 37.8% are owned with a mortgage, and 24.5% are rented.
What percentage of dwellings in the suburb of Hughes are houses?
According to the latest data, 73.6% of dwellings in the suburb of Hughes are houses.
What percentage of dwellings in the suburb of Hughes are apartments or units?
In the suburb of Hughes, 13.2% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 13.2% being semi-detached dwellings.
What is the level of outright home ownership in the suburb of Hughes?
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Hughes stands at 37.7%, compared to 27.3% in Australian Capital Territory.
What is the median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Hughes?
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Hughes is $2,700, compared to $2,080 in Australian Capital Territory.
What is the median weekly rent in the suburb of Hughes?
The median weekly rent in the suburb of Hughes is $400, compared to $450 in Australian Capital Territory.
What is the distribution of rental prices in the suburb of Hughes?
In the suburb of Hughes, 13.1% of rentals are $0-149/week, 29.5% are $150-349/week, 42.2% are $350-649/week, 14.2% are $650-949/week, and 1.1% are $950+/week.
What is the average monthly housing cost in the suburb of Hughes?
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Hughes is $1,445, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
What percentage of income do residents spend on housing in the suburb of Hughes?
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.
How crowded are homes in the suburb of Hughes?
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Hughes is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
How does housing affordability in the suburb of Hughes compare to the region?
Housing affordability in the suburb of Hughes shows mortgage holders spending 22.3% of income on repayments (vs 20.2% regionally), while renters spend 14.3% of income on rent (vs 19.0% regionally).
What types of dwellings are most common in the suburb of Hughes?
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.
What is the weighted average housing cost based on tenure mix in the suburb of Hughes?
Accounting for the local ownership mix, the weighted average monthly housing cost is approximately $1,445. This accounts for outright owners paying no housing costs, mortgage holders paying $2,700/month, and renters paying $1,732/month.
How affordable is housing in the suburb of Hughes relative to local incomes?
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.
How do proposed developments compare to existing housing types in the suburb of Hughes?
Recent development applications in Hughes show attached dwellings contributing 14% of approvals compared to 26% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 86% of applications versus 74% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. Housing density growth is around the national average.

HouseholdsHousehold Composition in Hughes (ACT)

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Hughes (ACT) counted 1,131 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 37% are couples with children, against 25% couples without children. 26% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.

Detail

Families make up the majority of households at 72.1%, consisting of couples with children (36.7%), couples without children (24.8%), and single parents (9.0%). The remaining 27.9% are non-family households, which are mostly lone persons (25.6%) alongside group households (2.8%). The median household size is 2.6 residents, slightly larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Frequently Asked Questions - Households

How many households are in the suburb of Hughes?
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.
What is the typical household size?
The median 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.
What types of households are most common?
Family households dominate at 72.1% of all households. The remaining households consist of lone person households (25.6%), group households (2.8%), and other household types (0.0%).
How are families structured in the area?
Among the 815 family households, 36.7% are couples with children, 24.8% are couples without children at home, and 9.0% are single parent families. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
How does the suburb of Hughes compare to regional household patterns?
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.
What is the average family size?
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.
What are the marriage patterns in the suburb of Hughes?
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.
How significant are single-person households?
Single-person households represent 25.6% of all households in the suburb of Hughes, similar to the regional average of 25.7%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Are shared living arrangements common?
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.8% of households, well below the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.7%. This low rate suggests limited student or young professional shared accommodation.
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EducationSchools & Education in Hughes (ACT)

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58.7% of adults in Hughes (ACT) hold a university qualification, including 31.2% with a bachelor degree and 20.8% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 97% of areas nationally. A further 8.5% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 433 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,151 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.

Detail

Residents display high levels of education, with 58.7% of those aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% in the SA4 region. This high concentration of tertiary qualifications positions the local workforce well for knowledge-intensive roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 31.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 20.8% and graduate diplomas at 6.7%. Vocational education accounts for 16.9% of qualifications among residents aged 15+, comprising advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (8.5%). Participation in education is high, with 30.9% of the population currently enrolled in a course of study.

This is made up of 10.1% in primary school, 9.0% in high school, and 6.1% studying at a tertiary institution.

Frequently Asked Questions - Education

What percentage of people in the suburb of Hughes have university qualifications?
58.7% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Hughes have university qualifications, compared to 46.8% in the broader region.
What percentage of people in the suburb of Hughes have no formal qualifications?
24.4% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Hughes have no formal qualifications, compared to 28.6% regionally.
How does the suburb of Hughes's education level compare to national averages?
The suburb of hughes ranks in the 97th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
What types of qualifications are most common in the suburb of Hughes?
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Hughes are: Bachelor Degree (31.2%), Postgraduate (20.8%), Certificate (8.5%).
What proportion of the suburb of Hughes's population is currently attending educational institutions?
30.9% of the population in the suburb of Hughes is currently engaged in formal education, with 10.1% in primary school, 9.0% in secondary school, 6.1% at university.
What is the ICSEA score for schools in the suburb of Hughes?
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.
How many schools are located within the suburb of Hughes?
There are 1 schools within the suburb of Hughes, with a combined enrollment of approximately 433 students.
What types of schools are available in the suburb of Hughes?
The suburb of hughes includes 1 primary school.

Schools Detail

AmenitiesServices & Amenities in Hughes (ACT)

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Getting AroundTransport & Commuting in Hughes (ACT)

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Public transport in Hughes (ACT) reaches 9 stops on 22 routes, timetabled for about 1,600 services a week. The typical home sits about 270 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.

Detail

The public transport network in Hughes includes 9 active bus stops. These stops are served by 22 routes, which support 1,580 passenger journeys weekly. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 268 meters from their nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers commute out of the area; private cars are the main mode of travel at 81%, while 7% walk and 4% cycle. The average rate of car ownership is 1.3 vehicles per dwelling. Work-from-home arrangements accounted for 14.6% of commuters, based on 2021 Census data collected under pandemic conditions.

Bus services run an average of 225 times daily across all active routes, which averages out to roughly 175 weekly services per bus stop.

Frequently Asked Questions - Transport

How many public transport stops are in Hughes (ACT)?
There are 9 public transport stops within the suburb of Hughes.
How frequent are the transport services in Hughes (ACT)?
the suburb of Hughes has 1,580 weekly trips across 22 routes, averaging 225 trips per day.
How far are residents from public transport in Hughes (ACT)?
On average, residential properties are 268 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Transport Stops Detail

HealthcareHealth Services in Hughes (ACT)

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67.3% of residents in Hughes (ACT) report no long-term health condition. 8.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 68.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.

Detail

Health indicators are similar to national averages, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of local mortality and chronic illness rates, with typical health issues reported in the general population, though older demographics show higher rates than the national average. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 68% of the population (2,153 people) covered, compared to 62.4% in the Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical diagnoses, affecting 8.9% and 8.0% of the population, respectively. A total of 67.3% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.

Residents under the age of 65 experience better than average health outcomes. The cohort aged 65 and over represents 19.5% of the population (616 people), which is higher than the territory average of 14.3%. Older residents face some health challenges, with local seniors ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Frequently Asked Questions - Health

How many people in the suburb of Hughes have private health insurance?
Around 68.2% of people in the suburb of Hughes are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 62.4% in the broader region of Australian Capital Territory.
What percentage of the population requires ongoing medical assistance in the suburb of Hughes?
In the suburb of Hughes, 8.5% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. This figure is slightly different from the regional average, where 4.6% of people in Australian Capital Territory require similar assistance.
How prevalent is asthma in the suburb of Hughes?
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.
What percentage of people have diabetes in the suburb of Hughes?
Diabetes affects 2.8% of the the suburb of Hughes population, while in the surrounding region, 3.5% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
What is the percentage of people with heart disease in the suburb of Hughes?
3.9% of people in the suburb of Hughes have heart disease. Across the region of Australian Capital Territory, 2.8% of the population is affected by heart disease.
How does the suburb of Hughes compare to the region in terms of overall private health coverage?
In the suburb of Hughes, 68.2% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Australian Capital Territory sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 62.4%.

Ancestry & LanguageCultural Diversity in Hughes (ACT)

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26.4% of Hughes (ACT) residents were born overseas and 16.4% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (25.5%) and English (25.1%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.

Detail

Cultural diversity is higher than in most local areas, with 16.4% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 26.4% born outside Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 43.6% of residents. The most notable religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.5% of the population compared to 0.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The top three ancestral backgrounds reported are Australian (25.5%), English (25.1%), and Irish (10.7%). There are also notable differences in other backgrounds, with Welsh ancestry overrepresented at 1.3% of the population (compared to 0.6% across the region), Hungarian ancestry at 0.5% (compared to 0.3%), and Polish ancestry at 1.0% (compared to 0.8%).

Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity

What is the level of cultural diversity in the suburb of Hughes?
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.
What is the most common religion in the suburb of Hughes?
The main religion in Hughes was found to be Christianity, which makes up 43.6% of people in Hughes. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.5% of the population, compared to 0.2% across Australian Capital Territory.
What are the top countries of origin in the suburb of Hughes?
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% regionally), Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%) and Polish at 1.0% (vs 0.8%).
How does the percentage of people born overseas compare to the regional average?
26.4% of the the suburb of Hughes population was born overseas, compared to 29.9% regionally.
What percentage of the the suburb of Hughes population speaks a language other than English at home?
16.4% of the population in the suburb of Hughes speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 25.6% in the wider region.
How many people in the suburb of Hughes identify as Australian Aboriginal?
0.7% of the the suburb of Hughes population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 1.4% in the region.
What is the citizenship status of the population in the suburb of Hughes?
88.9% of the the suburb of Hughes population holds citizenship, compared to 85.8% in the wider region.

Age StructureAge Profile of Hughes (ACT)

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The median resident of Hughes (ACT) is 42. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 23.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.

Detail

The median age of 42 is higher than the Australian Capital Territory median of 35 and the national median of 38. The suburb has a high proportion of residents aged 85 and over (4.1%) compared to the territory average, while young adults aged 25 to 34 are underrepresented (9.5%). Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 grew from 11.0% to 13.8%, and those aged 35 to 44 rose from 13.0% to 14.3%. Meanwhile, the cohort aged 85 and over decreased from 6.5% to 4.1%, and the 55 to 64 group declined from 12.0% to 10.8%.

Demographic models suggest the age distribution of the suburb of Hughes (ACT) will change by 2041. The cohort aged 85 and over is projected to grow by 11 people (9%), increasing from 129 to 141. The combined cohorts aged 65 and over will account for 100% of the total population growth, reflecting an aging population. The 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 cohorts are projected to decrease in size.

Frequently Asked Questions - Age

What is the median age in the suburb of Hughes?
According to the latest data, the median age in the suburb of Hughes is 42 years.
How does the suburb of Hughes's median age compare to broader areas?
At 42 years, Hughes is 7 years older than the Australian Capital Territory average (35 years) and 4 years older than the national average (38 years).
What age groups are over-represented in the suburb of Hughes?
The most over-represented age group in the suburb of Hughes compared to the Australian Capital Territory region is the 85+ group, making up 4.1% of the population.
What age groups are under-represented in the suburb of Hughes?
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.
Are there age groups with notable population variances?
Yes, certain age groups in the suburb of Hughes show significant variance compared to the Australian Capital Territory region. The most over-represented age group is 85+ year-olds (4.1% vs 1.8%). The most under-represented age group is 25-34 year-olds (9.5% vs 17.7%).
What is the percentage of children (0-14 years) in the suburb of Hughes?
The percentage of children aged 0-14 years in the suburb of Hughes is 18.7%.
What is the percentage of older people (65+ years) in the suburb of Hughes?
The percentage of people aged 65 and over in the suburb of Hughes is 19.5%.

Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Hughes (ACT)

Data currency Refreshed

8 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.

Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.

The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section

Section Source & update cycle Currency
Updated within the last 12 months 8 sections
Population ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline.
Age profile ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate.
Development & approvals ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) May 2026 3 months ago all 13 measures
Property sales & rents Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures
Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026.
Employment ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census.
Education ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Transport ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Services & amenities Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures
Annual and financial-year sources 3 sections
Infrastructure projects Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily Jul 2025 about a year ago all 1 projects tracked here
Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2025.
Income ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail.
Health ABS, ATO Annual 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current.
Housing ABS 5-yearly (Census) 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures
Households ABS 5-yearly (Census) 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures
Cultural diversity ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures

"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.

How the numbers are built

Population

The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 21 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,210 at the 2021 Census → 3,159 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.

Age profile

Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".

Property sales

Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.

Rents

Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.

Development & infrastructure

Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.

Employment & income

Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.

Education, transport & amenities

School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.

Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.

Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.

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.

Common questions about this page

How do Hughes (ACT) suburb boundaries differ from Statistical Areas?
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/statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
Where does the data on this Hughes (ACT) page come from?
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources — including ABS, Geoscience Australia, Valuer General, Provider directories, DEWR, JSA, State Transport Departments and ACARA — then aggregates them to the boundary shown and calculates the rankings, 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.
Is the Hughes (ACT) data on this page just from the 2021 Census?
No. Most of this page is maintained well beyond the Census. Sourced entirely from current releases: development & approvals (May 2026), property sales & rents (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Jul 2025) and services & amenities (Jul 2026). Built on a Census baseline but carrying newer measures on top: population (to May 2026), age profile (to May 2026), employment (to Mar 2026), income (to FY 2023), education (to Jul 2026), transport (to Jul 2026) and health (to 2024). Population and age cohorts in particular are re-based to the latest ABS Estimated Resident Population rather than left at 2021 counts. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.

Nearby Areas