Jacka

Jacka lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

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.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Jacka recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

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.

Jacka has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

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.

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Employment performance in Jacka exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

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.

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 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.

Jacka displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

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.

Jacka features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

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.

Jacka demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

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.

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

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.

Jacka's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

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.

Jacka is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

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.

Jacka hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

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.