Latham (ACT)

Latham 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 since the Census, Latham's population is estimated at around 3,765 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 2 people (0.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,767 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,763, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,379 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 59.0% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to contract by 468 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 65 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Latham according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Latham indicates approximately 6 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 30 homes. As of FY26, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, about 3.4 new residents per year arrive per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, suggesting supply is lagging demand, which could lead to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Latham has significantly less development activity, being 72.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Latham's level of development is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a trend towards denser development to provide accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 88.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 681 people per dwelling approval, Latham reflects a highly mature market. Given the expected stable or declining population, Latham should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Latham should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Latham has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified three projects likely affecting the region: The Valley Ponds - Stage 3 & Future Stages, Kippax Fair Expansion and Redevelopment, Ginninderry Estate - Strathnairn & Macnamara (Stages 1-7+), and Macgregor Primary School Expansion & Modernisation. Relevant details are listed below.

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.

Latham shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Latham has an educated workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of December 2025 is 6.2%. Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively consistent, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of December 2025, 1,900 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.4% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Latham stands at 68.5%, slightly below the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, only 12.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are public administration & safety, construction, and education & training.

Latham shows strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. However, public administration & safety employs only 28.0% of local workers, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 30.4%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.1%, while labour force increased by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Latham. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific growth rates vary significantly. Applying these projections to Latham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes 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

The suburb of Latham's income level is above the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Latham is $63,909 and the average income stands at $72,240. These figures compare to those for the Australian Capital Territory which are $72,206 (median) and $85,981 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $70,581 (median) and $79,782 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Latham all rank highly nationally, between the 74th and 85th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 34.9% of individuals in Latham earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, which is similar to the metropolitan region where 34.3% fall into this bracket. The area demonstrates considerable affluence with 31.1% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 76th percentile for disposable income. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Latham is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

At the latest Census evaluation, dwelling structures in Latham comprised 87.9% houses and 12.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Latham was at 32.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.7% and rented dwellings at 21.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Latham was $2,000, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure for Latham was $400, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Latham's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $400 compared to the national figure of $375.

Latham has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 72.5% of all households, including 33.1% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.5%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Latham exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 32.9%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 33.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (21.5%). Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (10.6%), secondary (7.5%), and tertiary (5.5%) levels.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 21 active transport stops in Latham. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 57 individual routes. They collectively provide 4,509 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 245 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with bus at 5%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 12.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 644 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 214 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Latham are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Latham's health outcomes are below average, according to AreaSearch's assessment using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions were slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover was very high at approximately 56% of Latham's total population (~2,098 people), compared to 62.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues impacted 10.7% of residents, while asthma affected 9.3%. 64.6% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents showed an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Latham has 16.7% of residents aged 65 and over (628 people), higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Latham was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Latham's cultural diversity was above average, with 20.5% of its population born overseas and 16.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Latham, accounting for 46.1% of the population. Notably, the category 'Other' comprised 1.2% of Latham's population, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 1.4%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (27.0%), English (25.3%), and Irish (10.1%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences in representation: Hungarian was overrepresented at 0.4% compared to the regional average of 0.3%, Polish at 0.9% versus 0.8%, and Russian at 0.4% against a regional average of 0.3%.

Latham's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Latham's median age is 38 years, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but equivalent to Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Latham has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (14.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.2%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75-84 has increased from 4.6% to 7.2%, while the 35-44 age group has risen from 15.3% to 16.5%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group has decreased from 10.2% to 8.2%, and the 25-34 age group has fallen from 13.9% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Latham's age profile, with the strongest growth expected in the 85+ cohort (115%), adding 56 residents to reach a total of 105. Residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups are projected to experience population declines.