Latham (ACT)

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

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Latham (ACT) is estimated at around 3754 people. This reflects a decrease of 13 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3767 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3741 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1375 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 59% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 494 persons by 2041, but growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group projected to expand by 57 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 in Latham shows around 6 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 30 homes were approved, with a further 4 approved so far in FY-26.

On average, about 3.4 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed during this period. This high demand-to-supply ratio often leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Latham has significantly lower building activity, at 72.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Latham's development level is also lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New developments consist equally of standalone homes and attached dwellings, providing accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This shift from the area's predominantly house-based housing stock (currently 88.0%) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options.

Latham's population density, at around 681 people per approval, suggests a mature, established area. With stable or declining population projections, Latham is expected to have reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Latham has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified three projects that are expected to impact the area. Key projects include 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.

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 performance in Latham has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Latham has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.7% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of that date, 1,907 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 2.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation was lower at 68.9%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. Census responses indicated that only 12.8% of residents worked from home, but Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors were public administration & safety, construction, and education & training. Construction showed notable concentration with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

However, public administration & safety was under-represented, with only 28.0% of Latham's workforce compared to 30.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.7% while labour force grew by 0.7%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.9%. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 1.4%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Latham's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Latham had a median taxpayer income of $63,909 and an average income of $72,240 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national average, contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $69,827 (median) and $78,929 (average). The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Latham ranking between the 74th and 85th percentiles nationally. In income distribution, the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 34.9% of residents (1,310 people), consistent with broader trends showing 34.3% in the same category. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 31.1% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income, and residents rank within the 76th percentile for disposable income. The area'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

As per the latest Census evaluation in Latham, 87.9% of dwellings were houses while 12.1% comprised other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Latham stood at 32.8%, with mortgaged properties at 45.7% and rented ones at 21.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Latham was $400, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Latham's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 against the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents stood at $400 exceeding 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, consisting of 33.1% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.5%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. 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 the most common at 19.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 33.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (21.5%). Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (10.6%), secondary education (7.5%), and tertiary education (5.5%).

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

Latham has 21 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 57 different routes that together facilitate 4,509 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of public transport in Latham is rated as good, with residents typically living 245 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to its residential nature. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 91%, while bus use stands at 5%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The average service frequency across all routes is 644 trips per day, equating to approximately 214 weekly trips per individual 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 indicators show below-average outcomes, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are slightly more common than average across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is very high, at approximately 56% of the total population (around 2,092 people), compared to 62.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (10.7%) and asthma (9.3%). About 64.6% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 16.6% of residents aged 65 and over (623 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 had a higher than average cultural diversity, 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, making up 46.1% of people. Notably, the 'Other' category comprised 1.2%, compared to 1.4% across Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 27.0%, English 25.3%, and Irish 10.1%. Hungarian (0.4%), Polish (0.9%), and Russian (0.4%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.3%, 0.8%, and 0.3% respectively.

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 75-84 (7.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 4.6% to 7.0%, while the 35 to 44 age group increased from 15.3% to 16.7%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has declined from 13.9% to 11.8%, and the 65 to 74 age group dropped from 10.2% to 8.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Latham's age profile. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 113%, adding 55 residents to reach a total of 104. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, reinforcing trends towards an aging population. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to experience population declines.