Isabella Plains

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

As of Nov 2025, the population of the Isabella Plains statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 4,276 people. This figure reflects a decrease of 53 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,329 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional validated new address since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,710 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Isabella Plains experienced a 1.2% decline since census, the SA3 area achieved 0.1% growth, indicating divergent population trends. Natural growth contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth for national areas. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Isabella Plains (SA2) is expected to increase by 57 persons to reach a total of 4,333 people by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 1.3% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates approximately one new home approved annually in Isabella Plains over the past five financial years, totaling an estimated five homes. As of FY26, one approval has been recorded. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population change, which is positive for buyers.

Commercial approvals this financial year amount to $67,000, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, Isabella Plains shows substantially reduced construction, 90.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties, with levels also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, sustaining Isabella Plains' suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests at Census, indicating continued strong demand for family homes.

With around 4270 people per dwelling approval, Isabella Plains reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Isabella Plains is expected to grow by 57 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Isabella Plains has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Tuggeranong Public Housing Development, Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong, Banks Gateway Estate, and Dairy Farmers Hill Precinct (1 Dairy Road). The following 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.

Employment conditions in Isabella Plains remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Isabella Plains has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.1% and there has been an estimated employment growth of 1.2% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 2,288 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.6% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation is similar to the ACT's 69.6%. Key industries of employment among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services have limited presence, with 7.1% employment compared to the regional average of 11.1%. The predominantly residential area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 1.2% alongside labour force growth of 1.3%, with unemployment remaining largely unchanged. In comparison, the ACT recorded employment growth of 1.4%, labour force growth of 1.2%, and a decrease in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Isabella Plains's current employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Isabella Plains is $64,002 and average income is $70,933. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory has a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025 (an increase of 9.26%), estimated incomes for Isabella Plains would be approximately $69,929 median and $77,501 average as of September 2025. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from August 2021, income rankings in Isabella Plains are high, between the 74th and 85th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. Income distribution shows 36.0% of residents (1,539 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to the metropolitan region's 34.3%. Higher earners make up a substantial portion with 31.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing costs account for 14.5% of income, and residents rank highly in disposable income at the 76th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Isabella Plains is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Isabella Plains, as per the latest Census, 75.5% of dwellings were houses while 24.5% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Isabella Plains was at 29.3%, with mortgaged properties at 50.4% and rented ones at 20.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,880, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Isabella Plains was $450, higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of $425. Nationally, Isabella Plains' mortgage repayments were slightly higher at $1,880 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $450 compared to the national figure of $375.

Isabella Plains has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 74.3% of all households, including 35.5% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.7%, with lone person households at 23.3% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, matching the Australian Capital Territory average.

The educational profile of Isabella Plains exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 26.3%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.2% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 24.1%. Educational participation is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.7% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 4.6% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 25 active transport stops operating in Isabella Plains, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are served by 52 individual routes, collectively providing 3032 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 226 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 433 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 121 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Isabella Plains are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Isabella Plains shows below-average health indicators with common conditions prevalent at levels higher than the national average among older residents. Approximately 55% (~2,360 people) have private health cover, compared to 58.1% in Australian Capital Territory.

Asthma and mental health issues are most common, affecting 9.3% and 9.2% respectively, while 67.1% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the ACT's 66.1%. The area has 16.5% (705 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the ACT's 17.6%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Isabella Plains was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Isabella Plains had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 23.6% of its population born overseas and 20.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Isabella Plains, comprising 47.8% of its population. The category 'Other' was notably overrepresented in Isabella Plains at 2.3%, compared to 1.0% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (26.1%), English (25.6%), and Other (9.5%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Spanish was overrepresented at 0.9% in Isabella Plains versus 0.7% regionally, Serbian at 0.7% compared to 0.4%, and Macedonian at 0.5% compared to 0.2%.

Isabella Plains's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Isabella Plains's median age is nearly 36 years, close to the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but younger than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Isabella Plains has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (11.8%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.5%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 65-74 has grown from 7.5% to 9.2%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 4.3% to 5.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 11.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Isabella Plains. The 65-74 age group is projected to grow by 27%, adding 105 residents and reaching a total of 499. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 71% of population growth, highlighting trends towards an aging demographic. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 55-64 age groups.