Nicholls

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Nicholls statistical area (Lv2) is around 6,516 people. This figure reflects a decrease of 164 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,680 people. The current estimate was derived from AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of approximately 972 persons per square kilometer, aligned with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed about 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for this area.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 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 with a 2022 base are adopted. According to these projections, over the period leading up to 2041, the Nicholls (SA2) population is expected to decrease by approximately 507 persons. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow during this time, notably the 65 to 74 age group, which is projected to increase by about 113 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Nicholls has had approximately one new home approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around five homes. In FY26 so far, one approval has been recorded. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

This year, $108,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Nicholls has significantly less development activity. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Nationally, this activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 6547 people per dwelling approval, Nicholls reflects a highly mature market. Given the expected stable or declining population, housing pressure in Nicholls is likely to remain reduced, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Second Gungahlin College (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.

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.

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

Nicholls has an educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 1.8% as of September 2025, below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.2%, based on AreaSearch data aggregation. There are 3,777 residents in work, with workforce participation matching ACT's 69.6%. Leading industries include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and education & training.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 8.8% compared to ACT's 11.7%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison of working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, labour force by 0.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, ACT's employment grew by 1.4% over the same period. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows ACT employment growth of 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Nicholls' employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.4% in five years and 13.0% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Nicholls had a median taxpayer income of $70,045 and an average income of $81,112 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. Nationally, these figures are extremely high, 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 9.26% since the financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $76,531 (median) and $88,623 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Nicholls all rank highly nationally, between the 93rd and 97th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 36.3% earning $4000+ weekly (2,365 residents), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 34.3%. Economic strength is evident through 52.0% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 90.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Nicholls, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.6% houses and 10.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's 66.3% houses and 33.7% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Nicholls was 41.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.7% and rented ones at 14.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,300, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,123. The median weekly rent figure was $502, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $462. Nationally, Nicholls's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,300 compared to the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Nicholls were substantially above the national figure of $375 at $502.

Nicholls features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 84.5% of all households, consisting of 45.0% couples with children, 30.9% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 15.5%, with lone person households at 13.7% and group households making up 1.8%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

Nicholls shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Nicholls has a higher proportion of residents with university qualifications than the national average. As of 2016, 42.7% of Nicholls' residents aged 15 and above held such qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This educational advantage is driven by Bachelor degrees (24.1%), postgraduate qualifications (13.6%), and graduate diplomas (5.0%). Vocational credentials are also common in Nicholls, with 25.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 11.4%, while certificates make up 13.9%. Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 6.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Nicholls has 51 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 129 different routes that together facilitate 5,831 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 182 meters.

On average, there are 833 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 114 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Nicholls demonstrates above-average health outcomes with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (3,859 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.7 and 7.2% of residents respectively, while 70.2% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 76.4% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 18.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,225 people), which is higher than the 8.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Nicholls has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 29.8% of its population born overseas and 25.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Nicholls, comprising 52.6% of its population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented in Nicholls, making up 3.2% compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 3.9%.

The top three ancestry groups in Nicholls are English (23.7%), Australian (22.3%), and Other (9.9%). This is lower than regional averages for Other (17.2%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Croatian (1.6% vs regional average of 1.3%), Polish (1.0% vs 0.6%), and Sri Lankan (0.6%) are overrepresented in Nicholls.

Nicholls hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Nicholls is 44 years, which is significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and also considerably older than Australia's national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises 16.5% of Nicholls' population, a strong representation compared to the Australian Capital Territory, while the 25-34 cohort makes up only 8.5%. This concentration in the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, Nicholls' population has seen changes in its age distribution. The 75-84 age group grew from 5.1% to 6.3%, and the 55-64 cohort increased from 15.4% to 16.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 17.2% to 14.5%. Population forecasts for Nicholls in 2041 indicate substantial demographic shifts. The 65-74 age group is projected to grow by 11%, reaching 83 people and totaling 729. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 100% of the total population growth in Nicholls, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.