O'Connor (ACT)

O'Connor has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the O'Connor (ACT) statistical area (Lv2) is around 6,027 people. This figure represents an increase of 110 individuals from the 2021 Census count of 5,917 people. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on ERP data released by the ABS in Jun 2024, was 5,865. Additionally, 25 new addresses were validated since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,462 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch.

Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.0% to recent population gains in the area. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also based on 2022. Future population trends indicate an increase just below the median for statistical areas nationally by 2041. The O'Connor (ACT) (SA2) is projected to gain 298 persons by then, reflecting a total increase of 2.3% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows O'Connor averaged approximately 24 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 122 homes. As of FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. The area has experienced population decline while maintaining adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $543,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

This financial year, $2.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, O'Connor has significantly less development activity, with 71.0% fewer approvals per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 69.0% detached houses and 31.0% medium and high-density housing, offering choices across price ranges.

The location has approximately 355 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, O'Connor is expected to grow by 136 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

O'Connor has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 32 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include Yowani Grounds Estate Development, Yowani Country Club - New Clubhouse, Northbourne Village - De Burgh, and Public Housing Renewal: 44 David Street, Turner. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Employment performance in O'Connor exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

O'Connor has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 3.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9% over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation).

As of September 2025, there are 3,552 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation is similar to ACT at 69.6%. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, professional & technical, and education & training sectors. Professional & technical employment is notably high, at 1.4 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 8.5% compared to the regional average of 11.7%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, labour force by 1.0%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, ACT saw employment grow by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2%. State-level data (to 25-Nov) shows ACT's year-on-year employment growth was 1.19% with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, compared to the national rates of 4.3% and 0.14% respectively. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to O'Connor's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on 30 June 2023 for financial year 2023, O'Connor suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $71,027 and an average level of $87,803. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to ACT's levels of $72,206 (median) and $85,981 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates for O'Connor would be approximately $77,604 (median) and $95,934 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in O'Connor rank highly nationally, between the 90th and 93rd percentiles. Income analysis shows that 31.2% of the community (1,880 individuals) earn over $4,000 annually, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 34.3%. In O'Connor, 42.9% earn over $3,000 per week, indicating affluence and supporting premium retail services. Housing accounts for 13.7% of income, with residents ranking in the 91st percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

O'Connor displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In O'Connor, as per the latest Census evaluation, 65.9% of dwellings were houses while 34.1% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in O'Connor stood at 31.8%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 29.2% and rented dwellings making up 39.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,500, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in O'Connor was recorded at $451, compared to the ACT's $476. Nationally, O'Connor's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

O'Connor features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.5% of all households, including 27.7% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.5%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 11.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.2.

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

Educational attainment in O'Connor shows a notable advantage with 61.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This high educational attainment is led by Bachelor degrees at 31.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 23.2% and graduate diplomas at 6.3%. Technical qualifications make up 14.1% of educational achievements, with advanced diplomas accounting for 6.3% and certificates for 7.8%. Educational participation is high in the area, with 36.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 15.0% in tertiary education, 8.2% in primary education, and 8.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 29 active stops operating in O'Connor. These are mixed bus services. They are served by 118 routes providing a total of 9,435 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 187 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 1,347 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 325 weekly trips per individual stop.

O'Connor's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows positive outcomes for O'Connor residents with low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% (3,728 people), compared to 65.9% in Australian Capital Territory and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (10.7%) and asthma (8.2%), with 69.2% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 70.8% in Australian Capital Territory.

O'Connor has 15.5% residents aged 65 and over (934 people), higher than the 11.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

O'Connor's population showed high cultural diversity, with 25.6% born overseas and 17.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in O'Connor, accounting for 31.5% of its population. Notably, Judaism comprised 0.3%, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 0.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.6%), Australian (22.9%), and Other (10.6%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Polish was overrepresented at 1.3% compared to the regional average of 0.9%, Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Croatian at 1.1% against a regional average of 0.7%.

O'Connor's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in O'Connor is 35 years, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure but lower than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, O'Connor has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (17.6%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.3%). This 15-24 concentration is significantly higher than the national average of 12.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 15.7% to 17.6%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 3.3% to 5.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 11.7% to 10.3%, and the 35 to 44 age group has dropped from 11.7% to 10.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in O'Connor. The 55 to 64 cohort is projected to grow by 22%, adding 153 residents to reach a total of 859. This growth is primarily due to demographic aging, as residents aged 65 and older represent 65% of the anticipated population increase. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.