Monash (ACT)

Monash is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Monash (ACT) is around 5,658. This figure reflects an increase of 14 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,644. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 5,657 following examination of the ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2025 and validation of 19 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,659 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Monash's 0.2% growth since the census places it within 1.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (1.4%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains in recent periods.

Population projections for the suburb, adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia methodologies released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, indicate an overall decline by 333 persons to 5,325 by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is expected to increase by 165 people over this period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Monash, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Monash has recorded around 4 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 24 homes between FY-21 and FY-25. So far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded.

On average, 2 people move to the area per new home constructed annually during this period, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. Additionally, $1.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Monash records markedly lower building activity, 63.0% below the regional average per person, suggesting potential planning limitations and an established market with approximately 620 people per dwelling approval. Recent construction comprises 20.0% detached houses and 80.0% townhouses or apartments, demonstrating a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 86.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Population projections showing stability or decline indicate reduced housing demand pressures in Monash, benefiting potential buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Monash should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Monash has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts performance. AreaSearch identified six projects potentially affecting the area. Notable ones are Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 from Woden to Tuggeranong, Dairy Farmers Hill Precinct at 1 Dairy Road, Erindale Group Centre Master Plan Implementation - Stage 1, and The Valley Ponds in Wanniassa.

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.

The employment landscape in Monash shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Monash has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors being well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.3% as of the past year, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 2,754 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 0.5% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 61.3%, which is significantly lower compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, only 10.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among Monash residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Construction is particularly strong with an employment share that is 1.4 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 8.5% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 11.1%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.4% while labour force grew by 1.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 0.9%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Monash. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Monash's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Monash had a median taxpayer income of $61,972 and an average of $72,366 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average, contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $68,442 (median) and $79,921 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in Monash rank highly nationally, between the 75th and 85th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 30.9% of locals (1,748 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly earnings category, reflecting broader area patterns where 34.3% occupy this range. Monash demonstrates affluence with 33.6% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

In Monash, as per the latest Census, 86.4% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 13.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Monash stood at 38.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.6% and rented ones at 20.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,058, lower than Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Monash was $450, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure but higher than the national average of $375. Nationally, Monash's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 compared to the Australian average.

Monash has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 72.1% of all households, including 32.3% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.9%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the Australian Capital Territory average.

The educational profile of Monash exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 31.4%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 32.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (19.1%). Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.9% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Monash has 35 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 71 different routes, collectively providing 5,325 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 177 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. As a primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 90%, with only 6% using buses. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 10.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The average service frequency across all routes is 760 trips per day, equating to approximately 152 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Monash is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Monash faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Private health cover is high at approximately 56% of the total population (around 3,156 people), compared to 62.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.7% and 8.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 61.5% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 26.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,522 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Monash was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Monash's population has a higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 25.8% born overseas and 19.8% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Monash, comprising 50.9%. Islam is slightly overrepresented in Monash at 3.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 3.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (25.8%), English (25.2%), and Other (9.6%). Notably, Spanish (0.8% vs regional 0.5%), Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%), and Serbian (0.6% vs 0.4%) ethnicities have higher representations in Monash compared to the region.

Monash hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Monash'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, Monash has a notably over-represented 65-74 cohort (13.2%) and under-represented 25-34 year-olds (9.4%). Post-2021 Census, the 65-74 age group grew from 11.5% to 13.2%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 7.2% to 8.7%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 13.9% to 11.6% and the 25-34 group dropped from 11.2% to 9.4%. By 2041, Monash's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 27%, adding 130 residents to reach 623. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent all anticipated growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 55-64 cohorts.