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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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Jacka has an estimated 1,707 residents, up from 712 at the 2021 Census — a change of 995 people, or 139.7%. 355 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Natural increase accounts for 68.0% of that increase. That puts 587 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
As per ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Jacka as of Feb 2026 is around 1,707. This represents an increase of 995 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 712. The change is inferred from the resident population of 678, estimated by AreaSearch after examining the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 355 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 586 persons per square kilometer.
Jacka's growth rate of 139.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the state's growth rate of 6.7%. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting 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, also based on 2022. Considering projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted for Jacka over the period, with an expected increase of 769 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a reduction of 15.2% in total over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
93 new dwellings have been approved in Jacka over the past five years, an average of 18 a year. That is 26.8 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 23 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 100% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 300, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Jacka indicates an average of around 18 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals approximately 93 homes. As of FY26150 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, which is positive for buyers. The average construction cost value of new homes is $377,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Jacka has 164% more construction activity per person.
This suggests strong developer confidence in the location and provides ample choice for buyers, which is substantially higher than the national average. All new constructions have been detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (44% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 15 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. With population projections showing stability or decline, Jacka should see reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Jacka
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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 Jacka. A further 78 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $5.41 billion. 11 are already under construction and 24 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and education & training. 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
AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could impact the area. Key projects include the Gungahlin Tennis Facility (Amaroo Tennis Centre), Jacka Social Housing Apartments, Gold Creek Homestead Precinct, and North Gungahlin Community Health Centre. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.
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
Gungahlin Tennis Facility (Amaroo Tennis Centre)
New regional tennis hub featuring 10 full-size ITF standard courts, 2 Hot Shots courts for junior development, a hitting wall, pavilion with female-friendly change rooms, LED lighting for night play, accessible pathways, and a 33-vehicle carpark. The facility supports diverse programs including Hot Shots, cardio tennis, school programs, and competitive leagues for all ages and abilities. Joint funding of $9.934 million from the ACT Government and $400,000 from Tennis ACT and Tennis Australia. Construction commenced September 2025 by Complex Co.Tennis ACT and affiliated clubs will operate and maintain the facility.
North Gungahlin Health Centre
A new community health centre planned for a 2.4-hectare greenfield site on Kingsland Parade in Casey, close to Casey Market Town and public transport. The centre will offer free preventative health services, treatment for chronic disease, and a strong focus on child and family services for the growing North Gungahlin community. It will be staffed by a multidisciplinary team of nurses, allied health workers and visiting medical professionals, complementing existing nurse-led Walk-in Centres and the Gungahlin Community Health Centre.The wider precinct will also include a new indoor sports facility and a co-located ACTAS Ambulance and Fire Station. Funded through the 2024-25 ACT Budget at 21.72 million dollars, with detailed design underway and the development application stage expected to follow in 2025.
Amaroo Village Development - Block 9 Section 111
DA approved 3-storey development comprising 8 residential units on upper floors with 2 including ground floor multi-purpose space and undercroft parking. 580sqm site zoned CZ2 Business Zone adjacent to Amaroo Village Precinct.
Gold Creek Homestead Precinct
An $80 million intergenerational precinct comprising the restoration of the historic 1860s Gold Creek Homestead and a major expansion of The Grove Ngunnawal retirement village. The project includes 45 premium independent living villas, featuring Australia's first retirement 'Passive House' pilot for ultra-low energy consumption. The restored Homestead officially reopened in March 2026 as a multipurpose community hub. Construction continues on a co-located 124-bed residential aged care facility by Arcare, featuring a three-storey design with a cafe, wellness gym, and cinema, targeted for completion in late 2026 or early 2027.
Jacka Local Centre
A sustainable mixed-use local centre featuring a minimum of 55 dwellings and 1,000 to 1,500 square metres of commercial and retail space. The project follows a 'shop-top' housing model and is central to the Jacka masterplan, which emphasizes all-electric living and high-quality public realms.
Casey Emergency Services Station
New emergency services station planned for Casey in West Gungahlin to support ACT Ambulance Service and ACT Fire & Rescue operations. ACT Government information says investigation and concept design have progressed, with the station intended to improve emergency services access and response times for the growing Gungahlin region. The station forms part of the broader Casey community precinct near Kingsland Parade, alongside planned health and community facilities.
Gungahlin Community Centre
A new 25 million AUD multipurpose facility designed to serve the growing Gungahlin community. The two-storey center includes a youth hub, art workshops, a large community hall for dance and judo, and a commercial-grade kitchen. It features secure outdoor green spaces centered around a preserved 100-year-old Blakelys Redgum tree, alongside public parking and end-of-trip facilities for commuters.
Jacka Social Housing Apartments
A 57-unit social housing scheme consisting of a trio of apartment buildings. The project will include a mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments to cater to a range of needs. Housing ACT plans trio of apartment buildings with 57 social housing apartments in a new neighbourhood in Canberra.
418 residents of Jacka are employed, from a labour force of 433. Unemployment sits at 3.5%, with participation at 84.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.9% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Jacka has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, with relative employment stability over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025418 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.1% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation stands at 84.0%, surpassing the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. Census responses indicate that 9.5% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.
Notably, health care & social assistance has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety has limited presence with 23.5% employment compared to the regional average of 30.4%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.5% while labour force grew by 0.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory saw employment grow by 1.4%, labour force expand by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Jacka. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Jacka's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Jacka is $2,160 a week (about $112,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,161 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $64,666 a year against an average of $73,994. 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
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 30, 2023 indicates that income in Jacka is higher than average nationally. The median income was $64,666 while the average income stood at $73,994. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since June 30, 2023, current estimates would be approximately $70,654 (median) and $80,846 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Jacka, between the 75th and 89th percentiles nationally.
The earnings profile shows that the largest segment comprises 48.3% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (824 residents), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 34.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 18.5% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 72nd percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Jacka had 237 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 45% detached houses and 1% apartments. 61% are owned with a mortgage, 33% rented and 6% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $450 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,772 a month. Rent absorbs 20.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 18.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The dwelling structure in Jacka, as per the latest Census, consisted of 44.5% houses and 55.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had a dwelling structure of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Jacka was at 5.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 61.0% and rented dwellings at 33.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Jacka was $1,772, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080 and national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Jacka was $450, higher than the national average of $375 but equal to the Australian Capital Territory average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Jacka counted 237 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 568 today, averaging 2.9 people each. 48% are couples with children, against 14% couples without children. 19% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.3 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households constitute 75.1% of all households, including 48.1% couples with children, 14.3% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 24.9%, with lone person households at 19.0% and group households making up 3.8%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
44.8% of adults in Jacka hold a university qualification, including 26.5% with a bachelor degree and 16.0% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 100% of areas nationally. A further 17.3% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Educational attainment in Jacka is notably higher than national averages. As of 2016, 44.8% of residents aged 15 and above held university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This educational advantage is reflected in the area's strong focus on knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 26.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 28.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 11.2%, while certificates account for 17.3%. Educational participation is high in Jacka, with 42.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016.
This includes 15.3% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Jacka means driving: households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport analysis shows two active stops operating within Jacka. These stops serve a mix of buses, with eleven routes providing 579 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 322 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains dominant at 87%, while bus usage stands at 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 9.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 82 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 289 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
80.6% of residents in Jacka report no long-term health condition. 4.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 56.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health data for Jacka residents shows positive outcomes, with mortality rates and health conditions largely matching national averages. Common health conditions are relatively uncommon among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national figures. Approximately 56% (~963 people) have private health cover, slightly lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 62.4%. Mental health issues (8.0%) and asthma (6.4%) are most prevalent, with 80.6% reporting no medical ailments, higher than the ACT's 70.2%. Only 5.0% (~85 people) of residents are aged 65 or over, lower than the ACT's 14.3%.
Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
46.5% of Jacka residents were born overseas and 52.6% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 89% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (16.9%) and English (15.9%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Jacka has a high level of cultural diversity, with 46.5% of its population born overseas and 52.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Jacka, comprising 32.0% of people. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, making up 15.5% of the population compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%. In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is the largest group at 26.3%, higher than the regional average of 12.2%. Australian ancestry makes up 16.9%, lower than the regional average of 23.0%. English ancestry also stands at 15.9%, lower than the regional average of 23.3%.
Notably, Indian (13.2% vs 3.3%), South African (1.3% vs 0.3%), and Korean (1.5% vs 0.6%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in Jacka compared to regional averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Jacka is 32, younger than 96% of areas nationally. That is 2 years older than at the 2021 Census. 29.3% 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
Jacka's median age is 32 years, which is slightly younger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 years and substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Jacka has a higher concentration of residents aged 35-44 (24.7%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (2.4%). This concentration of residents aged 35-44 is well above the national average of 14.3%. According to post-2021 Census data, demographic aging is evident in Jacka, with the median age advancing from 30 years to 32 years between censuses. Notable shifts include the 45 to 54 age group growing from 10.8% to 14.6%, and the 65 to 74 cohort increasing from 2.1% to 4.9%.
Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 20.9% to 14.7%, and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 10.1% to 8.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Jacka. The 55 to 64 age group shows the strongest projected growth at 171%, adding 70 residents to reach a total of 111. In contrast, both the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Jacka
8 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 8 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 2024 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. | ||
| 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 3 sections | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 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 Jul 2025. | ||
| 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 2024 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 355 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Feb 2026, not a 2021 count (711 at the 2021 Census → 1,707 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 Feb 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 (SAL80080). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.