Isabella Plains

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Isabella Plains is estimated at around 4,277 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a decrease of 52 people (1.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,329 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,277, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to 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 0.2% growth, highlighting divergent population trends. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 65.0% 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, lower quartile growth of national areas is anticipated, with the suburb expected to increase by 57 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 1.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Isabella Plains has seen approximately one new home approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated five homes. As of FY26, one approval has been recorded. The area's population decline during this period suggests adequate development activity relative to its size, which could benefit buyers.

This year, $1.1 million in commercial approvals have been granted, indicating a primarily residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, Isabella Plains shows significantly reduced construction levels (90.0% below), typically reinforcing demand and pricing for existing properties. This level is also lower than the national average, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations. Recent development has consisted solely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's suburban identity and catering to buyers seeking spacious family homes. Notably, developers are constructing more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (76.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes.

With around 4270 people per dwelling approval, Isabella Plains reflects a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 56 residents by 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 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 five projects that may affect this region. Notable 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 list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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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 was 4.5% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4%.

As of June 2025, 2,306 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation was similar to the ACT's 69.6%. Key industries included public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction, with a particularly notable concentration in construction at 1.5 times the regional average. Professional & technical services had limited presence at 7.1% compared to the regional average of 11.1%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 2.4%, labour force by 1.6%, and unemployment fell by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, the ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9% and unemployment falling by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Isabella Plains' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

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 2022 shows that median income in Isabella Plains is $64,002 and average income stands at $70,933. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 is approximately $72,706 and average income is $80,580. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Isabella Plains rank highly nationally, between the 74th and 85th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The dominant income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999 with 36.0% of residents (1,539 people), consistent with metropolitan trends at 34.3%. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 31.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.5% of income and strong earnings place residents in the 76th percentile for disposable income. 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 evaluation, 75.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 24.5% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This is compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Isabella Plains stood at 29.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 50.4% and rented ones at 20.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,880, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,000. The median weekly rent was $450, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's $425 but substantially above the national average of $375. Nationally, Isabella Plains' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches 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%, substantially below the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (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. The area has two schools serving 2,120 students: Isabella Plains Early Childhood School and St Mary MacKillop College. The area's ICSEA score is 1048, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. There is one primary and one secondary institution providing conventional educational provision. The area functions as an education hub with 49.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 14.9, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Isabella Plains has 25 active public transport stops offering mixed bus services. These are served by 10 routes in total, facilitating 816 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport access is deemed good with residents generally situated 226 metres from the nearest stop.

Daily service averages 116 trips across all routes, equating to around 32 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. Common health conditions are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older residents.

Approximately 55% (~2,361 people) have private health cover, compared to 57.2% in the Australian Capital Territory. Asthma and mental health issues are most common, affecting 9.3 and 9.2% of residents respectively. 67.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.1% across the ACT. 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.

Isabella Plains 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

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, making up 47.8% of its population. However, there was an overrepresentation in Other religions, which comprised 2.3% compared to 1.0% across Australian Capital Territory.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (26.1%), English (25.6%), and Other (9.5%). Notably, Spanish (0.9%) Serbian (0.7%) and Macedonian (0.5%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.7%, 0.4% and 0.2% respectively.

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

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