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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.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Isabella Plains has an estimated 4,324 residents. That puts 1,730 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
According to investigations of ABS population estimates for the broader region, alongside fresh addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Isabella Plains has an estimated population of approximately 4,324 as of May 2026. This represents a drop of 5 people (0.1%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 4,329 residents. The shift is calculated using the resident population of 4,324, compiled by AreaSearch after reviewing the most recent ERP statistics published by the ABS (June 2025) and 1 further validated new address since the Census.
This population level translates to a density of 1,729 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical figure across national areas analyzed by AreaSearch. Although the suburb of Isabella Plains recorded a 0.1% downturn since the census, the SA3 region grew by 1.4%, showing contrasting population paths. Demographic expansion in the locality was mostly fueled by natural increase, which accounted for roughly 65.0% of all population rises in recent times. AreaSearch implements ABS and Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, published in 2024 with 2022 as the baseline. For SA2 regions lacking this information, and for years after 2032, age group growth percentages from ACT Government SA2 projections, using 2022 as a baseline, are used. Looking ahead at demographic patterns for the suburb of Isabella Plains, growth is expected to align with the lower quartile of national areas, with projections indicating an addition of 60 residents by 2041, representing a total increase of 1.4% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
According to AreaSearch evaluations of ABS building approvals, distributed from statistical area statistics, the suburb of Isabella Plains has averaged approximately 1 newly approved home per year, amounting to a total of 5 approved dwellings over the previous 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been documented. Since the population declined over the preceding timeframe, residential supply has been sufficient to meet demand, yielding a balanced market with healthy buyer options. In addition, commercial approvals reached $67,000 this financial year, highlighting the residential character of the locality.
In comparison to the Australian Capital Territory, the suburb of Isabella Plains exhibits much lower construction activity (90.0% below the regional per capita average). This limited supply of new builds generally bolsters demand and prices for established homes. This volume is also below the nationwide average, reflecting the mature state of the area and indicating possible planning constraints. Furthermore, recent building activity has consisted entirely of separate houses, maintaining the suburban feel of the neighborhood with a focus on spacious family residences. Interestingly, builders are constructing traditional homes at a higher rate than the historic distribution suggests (76.0% at Census), showing ongoing demand for houses. With roughly 4300 residents for every residential approval, the suburb of Isabella Plains represents a highly established market. Looking forward, the suburb of Isabella Plains is projected to add 60 residents by 2041 (starting from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly projection). If current construction trends persist, housing completions might fall short of population gains, which could intensify competition among buyers and support faster price appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Isabella Plains
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Isabella Plains, worth an estimated $85 million. A further 21 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $2.8 billion. 3 are already under construction and 6 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. 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
Local infrastructure projects, planning initiatives, and major developments are key drivers of regional change. AreaSearch has identified a total of 5 projects expected to influence the neighborhood. Significant projects include the Tuggeranong Public Housing Development, Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong, Banks Gateway Estate, and the Dairy Farmers Hill Precinct (1 Dairy Road), with the following details focusing on those of greatest local significance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Tuggeranong Public Housing Development
Major public housing development in Tuggeranong providing affordable housing options for low-income families and individuals. Includes multiple apartment complexes and townhouses with community facilities and support services.
Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong
Proposed southern extension of the Canberra light rail network connecting Woden Town Centre to Tuggeranong Town Centre via the Athllon Drive corridor. Recent 2026 updates indicate the ACT Government is developing a transit-oriented development (ToD) plan for the Athllon Drive corridor, with conceptual integrated bus and light rail network options for Canberra South expected by June 2026. The project remains part of the long-term City-wide Light Rail Network plan to support a population of 500,000.
Wanniassa Hills Primary School Modernisation
ACT Government modernisation project at Wanniassa Hills Primary School delivering a preschool upgrade and replacement of existing gas boilers with fully electric heat pumps to improve energy efficiency, thermal comfort and learning environments. The works build on the school's earlier major modernisation program including new learning communities, administration refurbishment, hall improvements and expanded parking. Electrical supply upgrade works were tendered in 2025 to support the new HVAC system.
Erindale Group Centre Master Plan Implementation - Stage 1
A long-term revitalisation of the Erindale Group Centre focused on transforming public spaces, improving pedestrian and active travel links, and upgrading community infrastructure. The 2025-26 ACT Budget specifically funded the Erindale shops upgrade, with concept designs for public space improvements, including new lighting, paving, and furniture, expected for community feedback in 2026. The broader master plan facilitates future mixed-use development and roughly 800 new dwellings to support Tuggeranong growth.
Southquay Greenway Stage 2 - Block 1 Section 80 Public Housing
Public housing development on Block 1 Section 80 in the Southquay Greenway precinct on Lake Tuggeranong, proposing 30 Class C adaptable units (12 x two-bedroom, 17 x three-bedroom, and 1 x four-bedroom) aligning with the ACT Planning Strategy for compact, efficient, and accessible developments.
Empire Global Mixed-Use Development
Major mixed-use development comprising 299 residential apartments, 6 serviced apartments, and 1 commercial unit across two buildings up to 8 storeys. Includes three basement parking levels with 371 car spaces. The project was initially refused due to solar access concerns, but the developer plans to resubmit with amendments addressing planning authority concerns.
Banks Gateway Estate
New residential subdivision by the Suburban Land Agency delivering approximately 220 new homes in Banks, directly adjacent to northern Gordon and within the same primary school catchment. The project is focused on creating a thriving local community.
Calwell Retirement Living Precinct
A retirement living precinct proposal by KBDC, featuring 30 one-storey townhouses alongside the Calwell shopping strip.
2,282 residents of Isabella Plains are employed, from a labour force of 2,428. Unemployment sits at 6.0%, with participation at 70.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 3,312, about 77% 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 suburb of Isabella Plains has a qualified labor force with strong representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of 6.0%, and a stable job market over the past year based on aggregated data. In March 2026, there were 2,282 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 2.0% higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, while labor force participation matched the territory figure of 70.8%. Census data indicates that a modest 9.5% of workers worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind. The primary sectors employing residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction.
The community displays a particularly strong concentration in construction, with employment levels reaching 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services have a minor footprint, accounting for 7.1% of employment compared to 11.1% across the region. This mostly residential locality appears to provide few local jobs, as shown by the comparison of the Census working population against the resident labor force. According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from wider geographic zones, the 12-month timeframe saw the labor force expand by 1.3% while employment shrank by 0.4%, leading to a 1.6 percentage point increase in unemployment. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 0.3%, the labor force grow by 1.1%, and unemployment increase by 0.7 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia dated May-25 provide additional context for future demand trends in the suburb of Isabella Plains. These projections, looking five and ten years ahead, have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential employment shifts. Nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though expansion rates vary widely by industry. Projecting these industry trends onto the local workforce suggests employment in the suburb of Isabella Plains should rise by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years (this represents a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and excludes local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Isabella Plains is $2,131 a week (about $111,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,084 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $64,002 a year against an average of $70,933. 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
The most recent postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2023 indicates that incomes in the suburb of Isabella Plains exceed the national average, with a median of $64,002 and an average of $70,933. This is lower than the Australian Capital Territory medians of $72,206 and averages of $85,981. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to roughly $70,684 (median) and $78,338 (average) as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census records, household, family, and individual incomes are all positioned high nationally, falling between the 74th and 85th percentiles.
The primary weekly income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, containing 36.0% of residents (1,556 people), which aligns with the metropolitan average of 34.3% in this bracket. High earners are well represented, with 31.4% making over $3,000 weekly, demonstrating robust spending power. Housing costs consume 14.5% of income, while solid earnings place local residents in the 76th percentile for disposable income, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Isabella Plains had 1,613 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 76% detached houses and 0% apartments. 50% are owned with a mortgage, 20% rented and 29% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $450 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,880 a month. Rent absorbs 21.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, the housing mix in the suburb of Isabella Plains consisted of 75.5% separate houses and 24.5% semi-detached properties, townhouses, apartments, or other structures, compared to 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings in the Australian Capital Territory. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Isabella Plains were higher than the Australian Capital Territory average at 29.3%, with remaining homes either being purchased under a mortgage (50.4%) or occupied by renters (20.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,880 was below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080, while median weekly rent was $450, matching the Australian Capital Territory median of $450.
On a national level, mortgage payments in the suburb of Isabella Plains exceed the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are higher than the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Isabella Plains counted 1,613 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 36% are couples with children, against 24% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 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 74.3%, consisting of couples with children at 35.5%, couples without children at 24.4%, and single parents at 13.2%. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.7%, with single-person households representing 23.3% and group households at 2.3%. The median household occupancy is 2.6 people, which is slightly larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
26.3% of adults in Isabella Plains hold a university qualification, including 17.7% with a bachelor degree and 5.7% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 24.1% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 2,120 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,048 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
Educational statistics show room for growth, with university completion rates at 26.3%, which is lower than the SA4 regional average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.7% and graduate diplomas at 2.9%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 36.2% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (24.1%). A high proportion of residents are engaged in study, with 29.2% of the local population enrolled in education. This comprises 10.7% in primary school, 7.2% in secondary school, and 4.6% undertaking tertiary courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Isabella Plains reaches 24 stops on 52 routes, timetabled for about 3,000 services a week. The typical home sits about 230 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.6 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
An analysis of public transport options shows 24 active transit stops in the suburb of Isabella Plains, consisting of bus services. These stops support 52 distinct routes, which provide 3,032 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is rated favorably, with residents living an average of 226 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential layout, most workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary transport mode at 93% and buses carrying 5%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.6 per household, which is higher than the regional average. A relatively low 9.5% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 regulations.
Transit frequency averages 433 daily trips across the network, translating to roughly 126 weekly departures from each transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
67.1% of residents in Isabella Plains report no long-term health condition. 5.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 55.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.3 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 present challenges in the suburb of Isabella Plains, according to AreaSearch evaluations of mortality and chronic illness rates across younger and older demographics, although private health insurance coverage is high at roughly 55% of residents (~2,387 people). This compares to a rate of 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. Asthma and mental health issues are the most frequent diagnoses, affecting 9.3% and 9.2% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 67.1% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents experience chronic health conditions at rates above the average.
Residents aged 65 and over make up 17.5% of the community (756 people), compared to 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes for older residents present some difficulties, with national performance metrics generally mirroring the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Isabella Plains is largely Australian-born, at 76.4% of residents, with 20.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (26.1%) and English (25.6%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The suburb of Isabella Plains displays greater cultural diversity than most local areas, with 23.6% of residents born outside Australia and 20.8% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 47.8% of the population. The most prominent statistical variance is in the Other religious category, which accounts for 2.3% of residents compared to 1.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. Regarding parental birthplace, the largest ancestral groups in the suburb of Isabella Plains are Australian (26.1%), English (25.6%), and Other (9.5%). Notable deviations from regional trends include Spanish ancestry at 0.9% (compared to 0.5% regionally), Serbian ancestry at 0.7% (compared to 0.4%), and Macedonian ancestry at 0.5% (compared to 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Isabella Plains is 36. 25.6% 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 in the suburb of Isabella Plains is 36 years, which is close to the Australian Capital Territory median of 35 and younger than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, the suburb of Isabella Plains has a larger share of residents aged 65 - 74 (9.7%) but a smaller proportion aged 25 - 34 (14.3%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 demographic grew from 7.5% to 9.7% of the population, and the 75 to 84 bracket rose from 4.3% to 5.8%.
Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 age bracket decreased from 15.9% to 14.3%, and the 55 to 64 group fell from 13.0% to 11.6%. Future forecasts for 2041 indicate demographic shifts, with the 65 to 74 age bracket expected to grow by 21%, adding 89 residents to reach 509. Seniors aged 65+ are projected to account for 64% of all population growth, highlighting the aging trend. In contrast, population decreases are expected in the 0 to 4 and 55 to 64 demographics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Isabella Plains
9 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 9 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) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| 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. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 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 Aug 2025. | ||
| 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) | Aug 2026 this 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 2 sections | ||
| 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 — 1 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (4,329 at the 2021 Census → 4,324 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 (SAL80079). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.