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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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McKellar has an estimated 2,619 residents, down from 2,740 at the 2021 Census — a change of 121 people, or 4.4%. The population has thinned by an average 1.1% a year over five years, slower than 99% of areas nationally. That puts 1,857 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to assessments of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region alongside new addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of McKellar has a projected residency of 2,619 as of May 2026. This indicates a contraction of 121 individuals (4.4%) from the 2021 Census, which documented 2,740 residents. This shift is calculated from the estimated resident count of 2,619, determined by AreaSearch through analyzing the ABS demographic release from June 2025 and subsequent address audits. The population level yields a density of 1,857 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical figure recorded across Australian locations analyzed by AreaSearch.
Inward migration from overseas was the primary demographic driver, accounting for roughly 56.00000000000001% of all population increases in recent times. AreaSearch utilizes the 2024 population projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia using 2022 as the baseline for each SA2 region. For locations lacking this coverage, and for any projections extending past 2032, cohort growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 projections, also anchored to a 2022 baseline, are applied. Looking at future demographic patterns, projections point to an overall reduction in residents, with the suburb of McKellar expected to lose 473 citizens by 2041 under this approach. Conversely, some specific brackets are expected to expand, led by the 75 to 84 cohort, which is forecast to rise by 35 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Based on an evaluation of building approval statistics from the ABS compiled for statistical areas, the suburb of McKellar averages approximately 1 approved residential property annually, representing a total of 5 dwellings over the last 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, no building approvals have been registered. Because population numbers have dropped over the preceding period, housing availability has satisfied local demand, maintaining a balanced environment with healthy choices for purchasers, with newly approved homes showing an average building cost of $262,000. In comparison to the wider Australian Capital Territory, building approvals in the suburb of McKellar are exceptionally quiet, coming in 94.0% below the regional per capita benchmark.
This restricted development pipeline typically supports values and demand for existing houses. The building rate is similarly below national trends, pointing to a mature residential landscape and potential planning limits. Additionally, recent residential construction has consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving the established low-density feel of the area with large layouts tailored to families. With approximately 2626 residents for every single approved dwelling, the suburb of McKellar demonstrates a highly mature market phase. As demographic forecasts suggest the population will either contract or remain static, the suburb of McKellar should experience less pressure on its housing market, which may present favorable options for prospective buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around McKellar
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 51 current infrastructure and development projects close to McKellar, worth an estimated $25.6 billion. 14 are already under construction and 20 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, residential development and communities. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Few factors shape local real estate performance as much as changes to regional infrastructure, key projects, and planning decisions. In total, no projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact this local area. Notable initiatives in the broader district include Stage 2 of Wayfarer Belconnen by Geocon, the Bruce Innovation District, the Belconnen Lakeshore Connected Waterfront Precinct, and the Kenny New Suburb Development, with the listed items detailing those most likely to be relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Ethos Belconnen
Ethos is the second stage of Per Se Developments' Cirrus lakeside precinct at Belconnen. The project comprises 88 premium apartments with ground floor commercial tenancies overlooking Lake Ginninderra. Construction is well advanced with display apartments open and commercial space being marketed ahead of expected completion in 2026.
University of Canberra Sports Precinct
Major expansion of University of Canberra sports facilities, including the development of Sports Hub 2, new aquatic centre, indoor sports courts, outdoor playing fields, gymnasium upgrades, and athlete training facilities. It focuses on community access programs and elite athlete development.
Radford College Master Plan Implementation
Ongoing implementation of the Radford College Master Plan at the Bruce campus. Major recent works include the completed Collegians Centre (multi-purpose hall) and the Boorer Family Cricket Centre. As of mid-2025 the College Board confirmed the final stage of works was progressing, comprising the completion of the school ovals, presentation upgrades to the Haydon Drive and College Street boundaries, a new Foundation Walk, and a feature pedestrian entrance and path linking College Street to the Collegians Centre with shelter, seating, lighting and an avenue of trees.The College anticipated the design becoming visible by the end of Term 3 2025 following earthworks and landscaping across multiple worksites.
Bruce Precinct
A masterplanned mixed-use urban precinct and residential land release located centrally in Bruce. Aligning with the Bruce Sports, Health and Education Precinct masterplan, it aims to deliver 250-500 new dwellings alongside commercial, hospitality, innovation hubs, and retail opportunities.
Belconnen Basketball Stadium Expansion
Expansion of existing basketball facilities to include additional courts, spectator seating for 2,000, improved accessibility features, and modernized amenities. Part of ACT Government's sports infrastructure investment program.
Belconnen Arts Centre Redevelopment
Modernization of existing arts centre with expanded performance spaces, visual arts galleries, community workshop areas, and improved accessibility. Features flexible venue spaces for theater, music, and community events with enhanced acoustics and lighting.
Bruce Sporting Complex Upgrade
Progressive upgrade of sporting facilities in Bruce including playing fields, lighting, pavilions, changerooms and supporting infrastructure. The works form part of the ACT Government's ongoing sportsground improvement program to improve community and competition sporting facilities.
Belconnen Community Hub Upgrade
Comprehensive upgrade of existing community facilities including expanded library services, community meeting spaces, youth programs area, seniors center, and childcare facilities. Improved accessibility and technology integration throughout.
1,332 residents of McKellar are employed, from a labour force of 1,416. Unemployment sits at 5.9%, with participation at 64.8%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,987, about 76% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The suburb of McKellar has a highly qualified labor force with solid representation in crucial service industries, alongside an unemployment rate of 5.9%, compiled from statistical area statistics by AreaSearch. As of March 2026, 1,332 local workers are employed, while the joblessness rate sits 1.9% higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, and participation in the labor force is notably lower, recorded at 64.8% compared to 70.8% across the territory. Census responses indicate that a modest 13.3% of residents operated from home, though this figure reflects temporary pandemic restrictions.
The primary sectors employing local residents are public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. McKellar shows a strong concentration of employment in construction, with its industry share reaching 1.4 times the territory level. Conversely, the public administration & safety sector is underrepresented, employing only 27.8% of the local workforce compared to 30.4% territory-wide. Because this is a heavily residential community, it appears to provide few local employment options, as shown by comparing the count of Census workers against the resident cohort. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS figures aggregated from broader statistical regions indicates that over the 12-month period, the total labor force grew by 1.1% while total jobs shrank by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to climb by 2.1 percentage points. This divergence from the Australian Capital Territory is clear, as the territory saw employment rise by 0.3%, the labor force expand by 1.1%, and joblessness edge up by 0.7 percentage points. National employment projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future labor demand. These projections, spanning five and ten-year intervals, have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential changes. Nationally, jobs are expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates differ greatly across industries. Projecting these industry-specific trends onto the local labor structure suggests employment for McKellar residents could rise by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation that does not account for localized population growth projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in McKellar is $2,687 a week (about $140,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,160 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $64,878 a year against an average of $78,350. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO records for the 2023 financial year compiled by AreaSearch at the postcode level reveal a median taxpayer income of $64,878 and an average of $78,350. Nationally, this represents a very high income bracket, although it is lower than the Australian Capital Territory median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since the 2023 financial year, current figures would translate to roughly $71,651 for the median and $86,530 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in the area are elevated, positioning between the 89th and 93rd percentiles across Australia.
Income distribution shows the largest single cohort comprises 27.3% of residents (714 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the broader region where 34.3% fall into this bracket. The area displays strong affluence, with 45.3% of earners receiving more than $3,000 weekly, which helps sustain high-end retail and services. Residents retain 89.8% of their income after meeting housing costs, indicating strong discretionary spending, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 8th decile for income.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
McKellar had 963 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 94% detached houses and 0% apartments. 38% are owned with a mortgage, 19% rented and 43% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $438 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,167 a month. Rent absorbs 16.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 18.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential structures in the suburb of McKellar at the time of the latest Census consisted of 93.7% separate houses and 6.3% other home types such as semi-detached properties, townhouses, and units, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 63.3% separate houses and 36.7% other dwellings. The rate of outright home ownership reached 42.8%, which is well above the territory average, with the remaining residences being purchased under a mortgage (38.0%) or rented (19.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment was higher than the territory average at $2,167, while the median weekly rental cost was $438, compared to territory figures of $2,080 and $450 respectively.
On a national level, mortgage commitments in the area are considerably higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well above the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
McKellar counted 963 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.7 people each. 36% are couples with children, against 33% couples without children. 18% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the vast majority of households at 79.4%, consisting of couples with children at 35.7%, couples without children at 32.9%, and single-parent households at 10.7%. Non-family households account for the remaining 20.6%, with single-person homes at 17.6% and shared group houses at 2.9%. The median household size of 2.7 people is slightly larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
42.3% of adults in McKellar hold a university qualification, including 25.3% with a bachelor degree and 11.6% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 94% of areas nationally. A further 15.7% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The level of education in the suburb of McKellar is exceptionally high compared to national standards, with 42.3% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% across Australia. This educational edge positions the community well for professional services and knowledge-based careers. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 25.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 11.6% and graduate diplomas at 5.4%. Technical and vocational streams represent 24.9% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and over, split between advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 15.7%.
Participation in study is very strong, with 27.6% of the population enrolled in an educational program. This includes 8.6% attending primary schools, 7.1% in high schools, and 6.1% enrolled in higher education courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in McKellar reaches 21 stops on 59 routes, timetabled for about 3,800 services a week. The typical home sits about 160 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
An analysis of public transit shows 21 transit stops in service within the suburb of McKellar, consisting of bus services. These stops connect to 59 different routes, providing a total of 3,841 weekly passenger journeys. Transport access is classified as highly convenient, with residents living an average of 158 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, the vast majority of workers travel outside the area, with private vehicles remaining the primary travel mode at 90% and bus travel at 6%. Household car ownership averages 1.7 vehicles per home, which is higher than the territory average.
A relatively modest 13.3% of workers perform their jobs from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect the pandemic circumstances of the time. Average transit frequency stands at 548 services daily across all routes, which translates to roughly 182 services per week for each individual transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.0% of residents in McKellar report no long-term health condition. 5.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 58.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
The suburb of McKellar displays strong health profiles according to AreaSearch's analysis of mortality indexes and the occurrence of long-term illnesses, with low rates of common health issues observed in both younger and older demographics, while the share of residents with private health insurance is very high at roughly 58% of the population, representing about 1,522 individuals. This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. The most prevalent health issues reported locally were arthritis, affecting 9.7% of residents, and asthma, affecting 7.8%, while 68.0% of the population reported no long-term medical conditions, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.
Working-age citizens show a higher-than-average incidence of chronic medical issues. The area has 22.1% of its population aged 65 and over (578 people), exceeding the territory average of 14.3%. Senior citizens in the area enjoy particularly good health, ranking even higher against national averages than the general local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
31.0% of McKellar residents were born overseas and 27.2% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (22.7%) and English (21.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The suburb of McKellar is more ethnically diverse than most Australian suburbs, with 31.0% of the population born outside Australia and 27.2% speaking a non-English language in their homes. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 50.9% of the population. The most prominent disproportionate representation is seen in Judaism, which accounts for 0.2% of residents, matching the 0.2% recorded across the Australian Capital Territory. Looking at heritage based on parental birthplaces, the largest ancestries represented in the suburb of McKellar are Australian at 22.7%, English at 21.4%, and Other at 11.2%.
There are also distinct concentrations of specific European ancestries: Croatian background is highly represented at 2.4% of the population compared to 0.9% across the territory, Polish is at 1.1% compared to 0.8% territory-wide, and Serbian ancestry is at 0.7% compared to 0.4% across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of McKellar is 43. 24.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 43 years in the suburb of McKellar is higher than the Australian Capital Territory median of 35 and the national median of 38. Compared to the territory as a whole, the 65 - 74 age group has a larger representation locally at 12.8%, whereas the 25 - 34 bracket is smaller at 11.8%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 4.8% to 8.0%, and the 15 to 24 age bracket went up from 11.8% to 12.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort shrank from 12.8% to 11.5%, and the 55 to 64 group fell from 15.1% to 13.8%.
Projections suggest the age profile of the suburb of McKellar will change notably by 2041. The 75 to 84 bracket is expected to see the largest growth at 5%, adding 9 people to total 219. This demographic aging trend is highlighted by the fact that residents aged 65 and older represent 100% of the projected growth. In contrast, population drops are expected for the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for McKellar
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,740 at the 2021 Census → 2,619 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL80093). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.