McKellar

McKellar 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, McKellar's population is estimated at around 2,633 as of November 2025. This reflects a decrease of 107 people (3.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,740 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,633, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,867 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 56% 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. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the McKellar (SA2) population expected to reduce by 499 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 43 people.

The level of residential development activity in McKellar is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in McKellar shows an average of around 1 new dwelling approval annually over the past 5 financial years ending June 2021, totalling an estimated 5 homes. As of July 2026, no approvals have been recorded yet for the current financial year. The population has fallen during this period, but housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $262,000. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, McKellar records markedly lower building activity, 94.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Nationally, McKellar's building activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 2646 people per dwelling approval, McKellar reflects a highly mature market. Given that population is expected to remain stable or decline, McKellar should see reduced pressure on housing in the future, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

No changes can significantly impact an area's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A total of 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially affecting this area. Notable projects include Wayfarer Belconnen by Geocon (Stage 2), Ginninderry Stage 3 - The Valley Release, Bruce Innovation District, and Belconnen Lakeshore - Connected Waterfront Precinct. Below is a list of those most likely to be relevant.

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.

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

McKellar's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.8% as of September 2025.

Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively consistent based on AreaSearch aggregated statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,340 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation was lower at 62.3%, compared to the ACT's 69.6%. Leading employment industries among McKellar residents include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance.

The area shows strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. However, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 27.8% of McKellar's workforce compared to 30.4% in the ACT. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force increased by 0.6%, while employment declined by 0.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with the ACT, where employment rose by 1.4% and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points over the same period. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19%, adding 710 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to McKellar's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The median taxpayer income in McKellar is $64,878, with an average of $78,350. This data was gathered by AreaSearch from the latest postcode level ATO figures for the financial year 2023. Nationally, this is a high figure compared to 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, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $70,886 (median) and $85,605 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, McKellar's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 89th and 93rd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 27.3% of locals (718 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 per week, reflecting a pattern seen in the broader area where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. The district's affluence is evident with 45.3% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 89.8% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in McKellar, as per the latest Census, was 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in McKellar stood at 42.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.0% and rented ones at 19.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in McKellar was $438, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $430. Nationally, McKellar's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $438 compared to the national figure of $375.

McKellar features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 79.4% of all households, including 35.7% couples with children, 32.9% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 20.6%, with lone person households at 17.6% and group households at 2.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Educational achievement in McKellar places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

McKellar's educational attainment is notably higher than Australian averages. Among residents aged 15+, 42.3% hold university qualifications compared to the national average of 30.4%. This includes 25.3% with bachelor degrees, 11.6% with postgraduate qualifications, and 5.4% with graduate diplomas. Vocational pathways account for 24.9%, comprising 9.2% advanced diplomas and 15.7% certificates.

Educational participation is high, with 27.6% currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.6% in primary, 7.1% in secondary, and 6.1% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis shows 21 active public transport stops in McKellar. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 59 individual routes. They facilitate 3,841 weekly passenger trips combined.

The accessibility rating is excellent, with residents usually located 158 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 548 trips daily across all routes, which translates to approximately 182 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

McKellar shows below-average health outcomes with common conditions more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 58% (~1,530 people) of McKellar's total population has private health cover, a rate higher than the Australian average. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.7%) and asthma (7.8%). About 68.0% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the ACT average of 68.1%. McKellar has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.9% (550 people), compared to the ACT's 15.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in McKellar are strong, performing better than the general population.

McKellar 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

McKellar's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 31.0% born overseas and 27.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in McKellar, accounting for 50.9% of its residents. Notably, Judaism had a slightly higher representation in McKellar at 0.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 0.1%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (22.7%), English (21.4%), and Other (11.2%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Croatian was overrepresented at 2.4% in McKellar compared to the regional average of 0.8%, Polish at 1.1% versus 0.8%, and Serbian at 0.7% against a regional average of 0.3%.

McKellar hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

McKellar's median age is 43 years, significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 12.9% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 12.3%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.8% to 6.7% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 11.7%. Demographic modeling suggests McKellar's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75-84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 18%, adding 32 residents to reach 209. This demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 100% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 15-24 age cohorts.