McKellar

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

As of February 2026, AreaSearch estimates the population of the suburb of McKellar to be around 2,633 people. This represents a decrease of 107 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,740 people. The current estimate is based on resident population data from AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,867 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed around 56% of overall population gains during recent periods for this suburb.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also using 2022 as the base year. Future population trends indicate an overall decline in the suburb's population over time. According to these projections, the area's population is expected to decrease by 499 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow during this period, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase 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 approximately one new dwelling approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling about five homes. In FY26 so far, zero approvals have been recorded. The population has decreased during this period, maintaining adequate housing supply relative to demand and creating a 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 has significantly lower building activity, 94.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. The market in McKellar is also lower than the national average, indicating maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With approximately 2646 people per dwelling approval, McKellar reflects a highly mature market. Given the expected stable or declining population, housing pressure in McKellar should remain relatively low, potentially presenting buying opportunities.

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. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to affect 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.

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

McKellar has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.8% as of September 2025. This rate is 1.3% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation in McKellar was 64.1%, compared to ACT's 72.5%. According to Census responses, only 13.3% of residents worked from home. The leading employment industries were public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. The area showed strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety was under-represented, with only 27.8% of McKellar's workforce compared to ACT's 30.4%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, the labour force increased by 0.6% while employment declined by 0.1%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, ACT saw employment grow by 1.4%, labour force increase by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to McKellar's employment mix suggested 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 suburb of McKellar shows a median taxpayer income of $64,878 and an average of $78,350 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is high nationally compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $70,886 (median) and $85,605 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in McKellar rank highly nationally, between the 89th and 93rd percentiles. Distribution data indicates that 27.3% of locals (718 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, reflecting a pattern seen in the broader area where 34.3% occupy this range. The district demonstrates affluence with 45.3% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 89.8% of income, reflecting 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

McKellar's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% 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 in the area was $2,167, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure for McKellar was recorded at $438, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, McKellar's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above 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 account for the remaining 20.6%, composed of 17.6% lone person households and 2.9% group households. The median household size is 2.7 people, exceeding 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 exceeds national averages significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 42.3% possess university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4%. This educational advantage is evident in the prevalence of bachelor degrees (25.3%), postgraduate qualifications (11.6%), and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational pathways are also prominent, with advanced diplomas accounting for 9.2% and certificates for 15.7% among those aged 15+.

Educational participation is notably high in McKellar, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

McKellar has 21 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 59 different routes, offering a total of 3841 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents living an average of 158 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 90%, while buses account for 6%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 13.3% of residents work from home, which could be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 548 trips daily, equating to around 182 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in McKellar is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

McKellar demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment as of February 2022. Both young and old age cohorts saw low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 58% of the total population, which numbered around 1,530 people, compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.7 and 7.8% of residents respectively, while 68.0% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents showed above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area had 21.4% of residents aged 65 and over, numbering around 563 people, which was higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings even higher 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 31.0% born overseas and 27.2% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in McKellar, accounting for 50.9% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to regional figures, making up 0.2% of McKellar's population.

The top ancestry groups are Australian (22.7%), English (21.4%), and Other (11.2%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences in representation: Croatian at 2.4% (regional average is 0.9%), Polish at 1.1% (regional average is 0.8%), and Serbian at 0.7% (regional average is 0.4%).

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 Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the ACT average, McKellar has a notably over-represented cohort aged 65-74 (12.5%) and an under-represented cohort aged 25-34 (11.9%). Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 4.8% to 7.7%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.8% to 13.1%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 15.1% to 14.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests McKellar's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 3%, adding 6 residents to reach 209. Residents aged 65 and older represent all anticipated growth due to demographic aging. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 15-24 cohorts.