Nicholls

Nicholls lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Nicholls' population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 217,306. This reflects an increase of 5,184 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 212,122. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the suburb's resident population, 6,517 as of June 2024, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 32,433 persons per square kilometer, placing Nicholls in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods, with natural growth and interstate migration playing minimal roles.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas. The suburb is expected to grow by 5,608 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 4.7% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Nicholls was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Nicholls has seen approximately 608 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 3,041 homes were approved, with an additional 149 approved in FY26 so far. This results in about 3.3 people moving to the area per dwelling built annually over these years.

The average construction cost of new properties is $315,000. Commercial approvals this financial year totaled $178.6 million. Compared nationally, Nicholls has around half the building activity per person but ranks in the 144th percentile among assessed areas. New developments consist of 30% detached houses and 70% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the area's current housing composition of 139% houses. With approximately 306 people per dwelling approval, Nicholls exhibits characteristics of a developed market.

Population stability or decline is expected, which may ease pressure on housing and present buying opportunities.

Nicholls has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified nine projects likely impacting the region. Key projects include Gungahlin College East in Nicholls, Gold Creek Homestead Precinct, Gold Creek School Senior Campus expansion, and Gungahlin Community Facilities Upgrades. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Nicholls performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Nicholls has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.1% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of that date, 64,819 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is 0.7% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation was at 135.8%, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 69.6%. The dominant employment sectors among residents were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Nicholls had a particular specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.6 at Census time, indicating above-average local employment opportunities. Over the past year, employment increased by 2.2% and labour force grew by 1.6%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory saw employment grow by 1.9%, labour force expand by 1.6%, and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Nicholls' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

Nicholls's median income among taxpayers was $126,604 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $149,586 during the same period. This compares to figures for Australian Capital Territory of $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $143,822 (median) and $169,930 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Nicholls, between the 170th and 174th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the predominant cohort spans 70.8% of locals (153,852 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category. This aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 34.3%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 67.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 171.6% of income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 15th decile.

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

As per the latest Census evaluation in Nicholls, dwelling structures consisted of 138.8% houses and 61.0% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 66.3% houses and 33.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nicholls stood at 58.8%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 80.4% and rented dwellings for 61.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $4,000, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,123. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Nicholls was recorded at $860, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $462 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Nicholls' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure.

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

Educational attainment in Nicholls is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 87.6% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.3% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 50.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (27.6%) and graduate diplomas (9.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 52.6% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas (20.4%) and certificates (32.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 63.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (18.6%), tertiary education (17.4%), and secondary education (13.6%). Nicholls has three schools with a combined enrollment of 2,906 students. The area's socio-educational conditions are above average, with an ICSEA score of 1073. Educational institutions include one primary school, one secondary school, and one K-12 school. Nicholls functions as an education hub, offering 30.3 school places per 100 residents – significantly higher than the regional average of 14.7 – and attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Nicholls has 1,430 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 88 different routes that together facilitate 13,872 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as moderate, with residents on average located 404 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 1,981 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

Nicholls's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Nicholls demonstrates excellent health outcomes with common conditions seen across both young and old age groups at a standard level. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 114%, or 248,163 people, compared to 58.6% in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and 55.3% nationally. Mental health issues impact 19.2% of residents, while asthma affects 17.2%.

Notably, 136.2% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the ACT's 76.4%. The area has a larger senior population at 30.7%, or 66,626 people, compared to the ACT's 8.3%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention despite being above average.

Nicholls is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Nicholls has a culturally diverse population, with 58.6% born overseas and 49.8% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Nicholls, comprising 82.0%. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to regional averages, making up 8.0% of the population.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (47.6%), English (47.4%), and Other (24.0%), all higher than regional averages. Notably, Croatian (1.6%), Vietnamese (2.4%), and Polish (1.6%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Nicholls's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Nicholls's median age is 70 years, significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and above the national average of 38. The demographic profile mirrors that of the broader Australian Capital Territory. The concentration of individuals aged 25-34 is well above the national average of 14.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 9.6% to 11.3%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 26.0% to 27.5%. Conversely, the 65-74 group decreased from 17.4% to 15.7%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 19.0% to 18.0%. By 2041, Nicholls's age composition is expected to change notably. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand by -4,337 people (-56%), decreasing from 7,779 to 3,442. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 75-84 cohorts.