Mawson

Mawson has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Mawson's population is estimated at around 3,547 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 107 people (3.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,440 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,526 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,681 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 overseas migration that contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, lower quartile growth of statistical areas across the nation is anticipated, with the suburb expected to increase by 67 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 1.3% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Mawson shows an average of around 15 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 76 homes. In FY-26, so far, 23 approvals have been recorded. Over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of 1.1 new residents arrived per new home built.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost value for new homes is $357,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In this financial year, $1.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Mawson has substantially reduced construction levels, at 73.0% below the regional average per person. This typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

The new building activity shows 47.0% standalone homes and 53.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a trend towards denser development that caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With around 344 people per dwelling approval, Mawson exhibits characteristics of a developed market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Mawson is expected to grow by 46 residents through to 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Mawson has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

AreaSearch has identified two major projects that could impact the area's performance: Mixed-Use Complex in Mawson and Phillip Swimming And Ice-Skating Centre Redevelopment. Other significant projects include Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment and Canberra Hospital Master Plan. The following list provides details on these projects, focusing on those most relevant to the area.

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 Mawson demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Mawson has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.9% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.8%.

As of December 2025, 1,929 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was 67.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 10.1% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Health care & social assistance has particularly high employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. However, public administration & safety is under-represented with only 27.8% of Mawson's workforce compared to 30.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8% while labour force increased by 1.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 0.9% with a labour force growth of 1.2% and an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Mawson's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

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

Mawson suburb's median income among taxpayers was $65,691, with an average income of $87,844 in financial year 2023. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. By March 2026, estimated median income is approximately $72,549, and average income is around $97,015, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 10.44%. In Mawson, household incomes rank between the 78th and 88th percentiles nationally. Predominant income cohort spans 33.0% (1,170 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to broader regional trends at 34.3%. High weekly earnings exceeding $3,000 are achieved by 34.9% of households, indicating strong consumer spending. Housing accounts for 13.6% of income, with residents ranking in the 80th percentile for disposable income. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Mawson displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Mawson, as per the latest Census, comprised 54.2% houses and 45.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mawson was at 32.9%, with the rest either mortgaged (30.7%) or rented (36.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Mawson was $400, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Mawson's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Mawson has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 66.9% of all households, including 27.4% couples with children, 28.9% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 29.2% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

Mawson's residents aged 15 and above have a higher educational attainment than national and regional averages. 53.0% of Mawson residents hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 46.8% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 31.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.8%). Vocational pathways account for 23.6% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 12.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 7.2% in tertiary education, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Mawson shows that there are 16 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 34 individual routes providing service to the area. The weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 2,978. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located approximately 220 meters from their nearest transport stop. As Mawson is predominantly residential, most commuting patterns show residents travelling outward from the area. The dominant mode of transportation remains the car, used by 83% of residents.

Bus usage stands at 10%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, only 10.1% of residents work from home. The service frequency across all routes averages 425 trips per day, equating to approximately 186 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Mawson is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Mawson shows superior health outcomes, as per AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions' prevalence is low among Mawson's general population but exceeds the national average among older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover stands at 62% (2,195 people), surpassing the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.3% and 7.6% respectively, while 70.8% report being free from medical ailments, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory's 70.2%. Under-65 residents exhibit better-than-average health outcomes. Mawson has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (677 people), which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's 14.3%, but ranks lower nationally compared to broader population figures.

Mawson was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Mawson's cultural diversity is notable, with 35.5% of its population born overseas and 30.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Mawson, comprising 40.9% of people. However, Hinduism stands out as overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, making up 8.9% of Mawson's population versus 4.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (20.8%), Australian (19.5%), and Other (17.5%), with 'Other' being substantially higher than the regional average of 12.2%. Certain ethnic groups show notable divergences in representation: Welsh at 0.9% compared to 0.6% regionally, Hungarian at 0.5% versus 0.3%, and Russian also at 0.5% against a regional average of 0.3%.

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

Mawson's median age is 38 years, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Mawson has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (15.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 9.9% to 11.6%, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 8.6% to 10.2%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group declined from 16.6% to 15.1%, and the 75-84 group decreased from 7.1% to 5.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Mawson's age profile. The 65-74 cohort is projected to grow by 18%, adding 64 residents to reach a total of 426. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 62% of population growth, indicating ongoing demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the populations aged 0-4 and 5-14 are expected to decline.