Latham (ACT)

Latham has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Latham (ACT) had an estimated population of around 3,751 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by them. This figure represents a decrease of 16 people from the 2021 Census count of 3,767 individuals. The estimated resident population (ERP) for Latham was 3,741 as of June 2024, based on ABS data and AreaSearch's validation of new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,374 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average found across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Latham experienced a 0.4% decline since the Census, the surrounding Statistical Area Level 3 (SA3) area showed a 2.4% growth during this period, indicating divergent population trends within the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains in recent periods for the suburb.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, to estimate future demographic shifts. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted. According to these projections, Latham's population is expected to decrease by 494 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 57 people during this period.

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 in Latham shows approximately 6 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 30 homes. As of FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, about 3.4 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25.

Latham has significantly less development activity compared to the Australian Capital Territory, with 72.0% below the regional average per person. Recent construction consists of 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current housing mix of 88.0% houses. Latham reflects a highly mature market with around 681 people per dwelling approval. Population is expected to remain stable or decline, potentially reducing pressure on housing in the area.

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

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

Area performance is significantly influenced by local infrastructure changes. AreaSearch has identified three projects expected to impact the area: Kippax Fair Expansion & Upgrade, The Valley Ponds - Stage 3 & Future Stages, Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara), and Macgregor Primary School Expansion & Modernisation.

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Employment conditions in Latham remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Latham has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.1% as of June 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of June 2025, 1,971 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 3.4%, 1.7% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate. Workforce participation was somewhat lower at 66.1%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. The leading employment industries among Latham residents were public administration & safety, construction, and education & training. The area showed strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level, while public administration & safety employed only 28.0% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's 30.4%.

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.1%, while labour force grew by 1.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 1.9% and a decrease in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 provide insight into potential future demand within Latham. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Latham's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Latham's median income among taxpayers was $63,909 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $72,240 during the same period. These figures compare to the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates suggest Latham's median income would be approximately $72,601 and average income around $82,065, factoring in a 13.6% growth since financial year 2022 as per the Wage Price Index. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Latham rank between the 74th and 85th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 34.9% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, mirroring the metropolitan region's 34.3%. Notably, 31.1% of Latham residents earn over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing expenses account for 14.0% of income. Residents rank within the 76th percentile for disposable income, with the area's SEIFA income ranking placing it in the 7th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Latham, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.9% houses and 12.1% other dwellings. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Latham stood at 32.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.7% and rented ones at 21.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with the Australian Capital Territory average, while the median weekly rent was $400, compared to the territory's averages of $2,000 and $430 respectively. Nationally, Latham's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 27.5%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households at 3.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, 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 has lower university qualification rates at 32.9%, compared to 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 held by 33.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 21.5%. Educational participation is high, with 30.3% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.6% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 5.5% in tertiary.

Latham Primary School serves Latham, enrolling 339 students. The school has typical Australian conditions (ICSEA: 1028) with balanced educational opportunities. It focuses on primary education only; secondary options are available nearby. There are fewer school places per 100 residents here (9.0), compared to the regional average (15.1). Some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates 25 active stops operating in Latham. These are served by buses via four routes, offering 782 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 241 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 111 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 31 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Latham is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Latham faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~2090 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.7 and 9.3% of residents respectively. 64.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 68.1% across Australian Capital Territory. As of 2021, 16.4% of Latham's residents are aged 65 and over (615 people), which is higher than the 15.3% in Australian Capital Territory. This aligns broadly with the general population's health profile.

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

Latham's cultural diversity is above average, with 20.5% of its population born overseas and 16.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Latham, accounting for 46.1% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, comprising 1.2% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 1.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (27.0%), English (25.3%), and Irish (10.1%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.4%, Polish at 0.9%, and Russian at 0.4%.

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 proportion of residents aged 0-4 (7.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 4.6% to 6.7%, while the 35-44 age group increased from 15.3% to 16.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 13.9% to 12.1%, and the 65-74 age group dropped from 10.2% to 8.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Latham's age profile. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 152%, adding 62 residents to reach a total of 104. Residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. However, the 55-64 and 75-84 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.