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 of Nov 2025, Jacka's population is estimated at around 1,707 people. This reflects an increase of 995 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 712 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 678, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of 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 of 139.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the state (5.9%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed 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 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Considering projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, with the suburb expected to grow by 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 in Jacka shows approximately 18 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 93 homes. As of July 2026115 approvals have been recorded.

Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, which could be beneficial for buyers. The average construction cost value of new homes is $377,000. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Jacka records 164.0% more development activity per person as of June 2021. This high level of activity suggests strong developer confidence in the area and provides buyers with ample choice. All new construction in Jacka since July 2021 has 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 indicates (44.0% at Census), suggesting continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. As of June 2021, there were approximately 15 people per dwelling approval in Jacka, indicating an expanding market. Population projections showing stability or decline may reduce housing demand pressures in Jacka, benefiting potential buyers.

Jacka has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones are Gungahlin Tennis Facility (Amaroo Tennis Centre), Jacka Social Housing Apartments, Gold Creek Homestead Precinct, and Casey Emergency Services Station. The following list 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 Jacka demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Jacka has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%, with estimated employment growth of 1.6% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of June 2025, there are 433 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation in Jacka is high at 79.9%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. Leading industries for employment among residents are 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.

However, public administration & safety has limited presence in Jacka, with 23.5% employment compared to the region's 30.4%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment increased by 1.6%, while labour force also increased by 1.6% in Jacka (AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data). This kept the unemployment rate relatively stable compared to the Australian Capital Territory's growth rates. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Jacka. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these 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 consider 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 ended June 30, 2022 shows median income in Jacka was $64,666 and average income was $73,994. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had a median income of $68,678 and an average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% from July 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes for Jacka would be approximately $73,461 (median) and $84,057 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Jacka ranked between the 75th and 89th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile showed that 48.3% of residents earned between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. Housing costs consumed 18.5% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 72nd percentile.

Jacka displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Jacka, as evaluated at 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 66.3% houses and 33.7% 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 the area was $1,772, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,123. The median weekly rent figure was $450, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $462. Nationally, Jacka's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Jacka features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 24.9%, with lone person households at 19.0% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

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 exceeds Australian averages significantly. 44.8% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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+ holding them – advanced diplomas comprise 11.2%, certificates 17.3%.

Educational participation is high at 42.4%, including primary education (15.3%), secondary education (8.8%), and tertiary education (5.3%). Schools are located outside immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access them in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates two operational public transit stops in Jacka. These stops offer mixed bus services, with two distinct routes serving them collectively facilitating 355 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents generally situated 322 meters away from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 50 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 177 weekly trips per individual stop.

Jacka's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health outcomes data shows notable results across Jacka. A variety of health conditions significantly impact both younger and older age groups.

The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 56%, covering about 963 people in total. This figure is close to the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 58.6%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 8% and 6.4% of residents respectively. About 80.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 76.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. Jacka has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 4.8%, with approximately 81 people falling into this age group. This is less than the Australian Capital Territory's figure of 8.3%. While health outcomes among seniors require more attention, overall health outcomes in Jacka are promising.

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 scores highly in cultural diversity, with 46.5% of its population born overseas and 52.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, comprising 32.0%. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, making up 15.5%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 9.5%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are Other (26.3%), Australian (16.9%), and English (15.9%). There are notable divergences in certain ethnic groups: Indian is overrepresented at 13.2% versus 6.4%, South African at 1.3% versus 0.4%, and Korean at 1.5% versus 1.2%.

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

Jacka has a median age of 31, which is younger than the Australian Capital Territory's figure of 35 and substantially lower than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Jacka has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (24.2%), but fewer residents aged 55-64 (2.5%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.2%. Between 2021 and present, Jacka's median age has increased by 1.4 years from 30 to 31, indicating an aging population. During this period, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 grew from 10.8% to 14.0%, while those aged 65-74 increased from 2.1% to 4.7%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5-14 decreased from 20.9% to 14.8%, and those aged 0-4 dropped from 10.1% to 8.8%. By 2041, Jacka's population is projected to undergo significant demographic changes. The 55-64 age group is expected to grow by 160%, adding 68 residents to reach a total of 111. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 15-24 and 65-74 age groups.