Isaacs

Isaacs has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of 1 Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Isaacs statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,346, a decrease of 33 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 2,379 in the Isaacs (SA2). This recent estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS as of Jun 2024. This results in a density ratio of approximately 759 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing about 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted. According to these projections, the Isaacs (SA2) population is expected to decline by approximately 220 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are projected to grow by about 41 people during this period.

The level of residential development activity in Isaacs is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Isaacs has seen only 2 residential development approvals in the past five years. This limited new construction activity suggests an established suburb with fewer opportunities for new dwellings, which can support existing property values. However, buyers should note that the market may be relatively stable due to fewer transactions.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Isaacs shows substantially reduced construction activity. The constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Recently, there has been an intensification of construction activity in the area, but it remains below average nationally.

This reflects the suburb's maturity and potential planning constraints. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Isaacs should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the region: Canberra Hospital Master Plan. Key projects include Mixed-Use Complex In Mawson, Affordable Housing Project Fund, and The Centenary Hospital for Women and Children Expansion Project, with the following list detailing 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.

Employment performance in Isaacs exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Isaacs has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.9% in the past year, showing a 0.5% employment growth according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 1,149 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation was 57.5%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Key industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Health care & social assistance showed strong specialization with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level, while retail trade had lower representation at 4.5% compared to the regional average of 6.6%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparison. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.5%, labour force by 1.0%, raising unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, ACT experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate growth of 6.6% over five years and 14.1% over ten years for Isaacs, based on industry-specific projections applied to its employment mix.

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

The suburb of Isaacs has one of the highest income levels nationally, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Isaacs is $74,144, with an average income of $99,147. These figures compare to the Australian Capital Territory's median and average incomes of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on a 9.26% Wage Price Index growth suggest the median income will be approximately $81,010 and the average income $108,328. The 2021 Census ranks Isaacs' household, family, and personal incomes between the 93rd and 94th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, 31.7% of Isaacs' community (743 individuals) earn over $4,000 annually, contrasting with the region where the majority fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket at 34.3%. Economic strength is evident with 45.3% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, indicating elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 90.5% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

In Isaacs, as per the latest Census evaluation, 83.9% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 16.1% being semi-detached homes, apartments or other types. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) figures of 58.4% houses and 41.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Isaacs stood at 51.9%, higher than ACT's rate. Mortgaged dwellings constituted 30.6% while rented ones made up 17.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,300, surpassing ACT's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure for Isaacs was $520 compared to ACT's $440. Nationally, Isaacs' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 76.4% of all households, including 32.0% couples with children, 34.5% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.6%, with lone person households at 20.7% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.4.

Isaacs shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Isaacs has a higher level of educational attainment than the broader Australian average. Specifically, 53.6% of Isaacs residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% in the SA4 region. This educational advantage is reflected in the types of qualifications held: Bachelor degrees are the most common (28.2%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational pathways also contribute significantly, with advanced diplomas accounting for 8.2% and certificates for 11.6%.

Educational participation in Isaacs is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Isaacs has 19 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 42 different routes that combined offer 3,615 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents being an average of 164 meters away from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 516 trips across all routes, which equates to about 190 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Isaacs has significant health challenges with common conditions prevalent across age cohorts. Private health cover is high at approximately 66% of the total population (1556 people), compared to 69.2% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis affecting 9.9% of residents and asthma impacting 7.0%.

66.8% of residents declare no medical ailments, compared to 70.1% in Australian Capital Territory. 28.1% of residents are aged 65 and over (659 people), higher than the 18.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, better than the general population in health metrics.

Isaacs was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Isaacs has a high level of cultural diversity, with 36.6% of its population born overseas and 31.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Isaacs, making up 51.1% of people there. However, Hinduism shows an overrepresentation compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, with 6.6% of Isaacs' population identifying as Hindu.

The top three ancestry groups in Isaacs are English (21.9%), Australian (18.0%), and Other (13.5%). Notably, Polish, Hungarian, and Croatian ethnicities have higher representations in Isaacs compared to regional averages: Polish at 1.6% vs 0.8%, Hungarian at 0.6% vs 0.3%, and Croatian at 1.4% vs 0.8%.

Isaacs hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Isaacs is 48 years, which is notably higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and also exceeds the national median of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 75-84 age cohort is significantly over-represented in Isaacs at 13.2%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.4%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.0%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.2% to 13.2% of Isaacs' population, while the 15 to 24 age cohort has increased from 9.7% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 16.1% to 14.4%, and the 65 to 74 age group has dropped from 14.4% to 12.7%. Population forecasts for Isaacs in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 85+ age cohort projected to grow substantially by 45 people (an increase of 88%), from 51 to 97. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.