Isaacs

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the population of the suburb of Isaacs is estimated at around 2,346 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a decrease of 33 people (1.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,379 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,346, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Residential Population data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 759 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Moving forward with demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb of Isaacs' population expected to reduce by 220 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 41 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates virtually no dwelling approvals in Isaacs recently. Specifically, only an estimated 2 homes were approved between financial years FY21 to FY25, with none approved so far in FY26.

This trend aligns with population decline over recent years, maintaining adequate housing supply relative to demand and creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. The average construction cost value of new properties is $100,000, lower than regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Isaacs has significantly less development activity, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

However, recent periods have seen an increase in development activity. Nationally, Isaacs' development activity is also lower, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. Population projections showing stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Isaacs has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region: Canberra Hospital Master Plan. Other key projects include Mixed-Use Complex In Mawson, Affordable Housing Project Fund, and The Centenary Hospital for Women and Children Expansion Project. Most relevant projects are listed below.

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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Isaacs ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Isaacs has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.6% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of that date, 1,168 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.8% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation in Isaacs lagged at 57.5%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. The area has a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

Retail trade employs just 4.5% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's 6.6%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 0.9% alongside labour force increasing by 1.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. By comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 1.9%, labour force growth of 1.6%, with unemployment falling 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Isaacs. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Isaacs' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows income in Isaacs is among the top percentile nationally. The median assessed income is $74,144 while the average income stands at $99,147. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $68,678 and an average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $84,228 (median) and $112,631 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Isaacs, between the 93rd and 94th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $4000+ bracket dominates with 31.7% of residents (743 people). Unlike trends in the surrounding region where 34.3% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, higher earners represent a substantial presence with 45.3% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 90.5% of income. The area'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

Isaacs' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Australian Capital Territory's 58.4% houses and 41.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Isaacs was 51.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.6% and rented ones at 17.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,300, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $520, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $440. Nationally, Isaacs' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 percent of all households, including 32.0 percent couples with children, 34.5 percent couples without children, and 8.8 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 23.6 percent, with lone person households at 20.7 percent and group households making up 2.6 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, 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 notably higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. 53.6% of its residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This advantage is led by bachelor degrees at 28.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational pathways account for 19.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.2% and certificates at 11.6%.

Educational participation 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. Educational facilities appear to be located outside Isaacs' immediate boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Isaacs has 19 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two distinct routes that together facilitate 330 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated highly, with residents on average being situated just 164 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, an average of 47 trips per day is maintained, translating to roughly 17 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 faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 66% of Isaacs' total population (1556 people) has private health cover, higher than the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.9% and 7.0% of residents respectively. 66.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.1% in Australian Capital Territory. Isaacs has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.1% (659 people), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 18.3%. Health outcomes among seniors in Isaacs are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Isaacs is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch 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 the population. However, Hinduism is overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, comprising 6.6% of Isaacs' population.

The top three ancestry groups in Isaacs are English (21.9%), Australian (18.0%), and Other (13.5%). Some ethnic groups are notably divergent: Polish is overrepresented at 1.6%, Hungarian at 0.6%, and Croatian at 1.4%.

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

The median age in Isaacs is 48, which exceeds both the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 and the Australian median of 38. The 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented in Isaacs at 13.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 8.4%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 6.0%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of Isaacs' population in the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 10.2% to 13.2%, while those aged 15 to 24 have grown from 9.7% to 12.2%. Conversely, the percentages of those aged 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 have decreased to 14.4% and 12.7%, respectively, from their previous figures of 16.1% and 14.4%. Population forecasts for Isaacs in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 85+ age cohort projected to grow by 45 people (an increase of 88%), expanding 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.