Lawson (ACT)

Population growth drivers in Lawson are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Lawson's population is estimated at around 2,918 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 179 people (6.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,739 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,872 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 947 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lawson's growth of 6.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.7%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 65.0% 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 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. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the Lawson (ACT) statistical area's population expected to reduce by 287 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 45 to 54 age group, which is projected to grow by 71 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Lawson averaged around 1 new dwelling approval annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 6 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 0 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 91.2 new residents arrived per year per dwelling constructed, indicating demand significantly exceeds supply, which typically results in price growth and increased buyer competition. This financial year, $27,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Lawson records markedly lower building activity, 91.0% below regional average per person, reflecting possible planning constraints and creating favourable conditions for buyers given stable or declining population forecasts.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Lawson may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Lawson has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely to affect the area. Notable projects include Mona Tait Gardens & Bullecourt Retirement Village Expansion, AIS Podium Project, Bruce Sports, Health and Education Precinct, and Bruce Innovation District. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Lawson rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Lawson has a highly educated workforce. Its unemployment rate was 1.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9%.

As of September 2025, Lawson's unemployment rate is 2.5% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%, and its workforce participation rate is higher at 81.3% compared to ACT's 69.6%. The dominant employment sectors among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Notably, the accommodation & food sector has employment levels 1.5 times the regional average. However, public administration & safety is under-represented in Lawson, with only 20.9% of its workforce compared to ACT's 30.4%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, while labour force increased by 0.9%, keeping Lawson's unemployment rate relatively stable. In comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Lawson's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on 28/06/2023 for financial year 2023, the suburb of Lawson's median income among taxpayers is $66,556, with an average of $80,376. This is high nationally, compared to Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Lawson would be approximately $72,719 (median) and $87,819 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Lawson rank highly nationally, between the 90th and 90th percentiles. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 40.7% of residents (1,187 people), similar to the broader area where 34.3% occupy this bracket. Economic strength is evident through 40.3% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 18.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 87th percentile nationally, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Lawson's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 19.7% houses and 80.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lawson was at 8.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (45.8%) or rented (46.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, matching Australian Capital Territory's average, while the median weekly rent was $548, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $2,000 and $430 respectively. Nationally, Lawson's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 62.4% of all households, including 21.5% couples with children, 31.5% couples without children, and 5.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.6%, with lone person households at 19.6% and group households comprising 17.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

Lawson has a notably high level of educational attainment, with 62.7% of its residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This figure is significantly higher than the broader Australian average of 30.4% and the SA3 area average of 43.8%. The most common university qualification in Lawson is a Bachelor degree, held by 35.5% of residents. Postgraduate qualifications follow at 23.1%, with graduate diplomas making up 4.1%.

Vocational pathways are also pursued, with advanced diplomas accounting for 7.5% and certificates for 9.1% among those aged 15 and above. Educational participation in Lawson is high, with 38.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 20.1% in tertiary education, 5.6% in primary education, and 3.6% pursuing secondary education.

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

Lawson has nine active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by forty different routes that together facilitate 2,601 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 168 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 371 daily trips across all routes, translating to approximately 289 weekly trips per individual stop.

Lawson's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Lawson, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Approximately 59% of the total population (1,719 people) have private health cover. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 6.7% and 6.5% of residents respectively. 84.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 3.0% of residents aged 65 and over (87 people), lower than the 15.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

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

Lawson has a population where 54.0% speak languages other than English at home, with 53.0% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, making up 25.4% of Lawson's population. Hinduism, however, is significantly overrepresented at 11.3%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.0%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' comprises 18.6%, higher than the regional average of 12.0%. Chinese ancestry makes up 17.6% in Lawson, surpassing the regional average of 4.2%. English ancestry stands at 15.2%, notably lower than the regional average of 23.7%. There are also notable disparities in Korean (1.6% vs regional 0.4%), Indian (7.7% vs regional 2.5%), and Vietnamese (2.8% vs regional 1.2%) ethnic groups.

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

Lawson's median age is 29 years, which is lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 years and significantly below Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Lawson has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (36.7%), but fewer residents aged 65-74 (1.5%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of Lawson's population aged 35-44 has increased from 16.0% to 19.1%, while the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has risen from 6.4% to 8.6%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has decreased from 21.0% to 16.1%, and the proportion of residents aged 0-4 has dropped from 5.8% to 4.6%. Population forecasts for Lawson in the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 688%, reaching 69 from an initial figure of 8. This growth will be led by demographic aging, with residents aged 65 and older representing 53% of the anticipated population increase. In contrast, population declines are projected for the age groups 65-74 and 0-4 years.