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 February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of O'Connor (ACT) is around 6,027. This represents an increase of 110 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,917. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,865 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,462 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for this growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections, 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. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase by 298 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, 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 around 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. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating 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 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 (71.0% below regional average per person), which 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 AreaSearch's latest 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 32 projects potentially affecting 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.

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

O'Connor has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.3% and it saw a 0.9% employment growth in the year ending September 2025. As of that month, 3,552 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate at 0.3% below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation is equal to ACT's 72.5%. According to Census responses, 15.9% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area has a notable concentration in professional & technical jobs, with levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 8.5% compared to the regional average of 11.7%. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, while labour force grew by 1.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, ACT saw employment grow by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that O'Connor's employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, O'Connor suburb had median taxpayer income of $71,027 and average income of $87,803. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to ACT's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $77,604 and average income is $95,934. From the 2021 Census, O'Connor's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between 90th and 93rd percentiles. Income analysis shows that 31.2% of individuals earn over $4,000 annually (1,880 individuals), contrasting with the region where earnings between $1,500 - $2,999 are most common at 34.3%. O'Connor demonstrates affluence with 42.9% earning over $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 13.7% of income, and residents rank in the 91st percentile for disposable income. The suburb'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, with the remaining 34.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in O'Connor stood at 31.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.2% and rented ones at 39.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, above the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in O'Connor was $451, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figure of $450. Nationally, O'Connor's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,500 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 fairly typical 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, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

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 is notably high with 61.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications. This compares to national figures of 30.4% for Australia and 46.8% for the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 31.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (23.2%) and graduate diplomas (6.3%). Technical qualifications make up 14.1% of educational achievements, with advanced diplomas at 6.3% and certificates at 7.8%.

Educational participation is notably high 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

Transport analysis indicates 29 active transport stops in O'Connor, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 118 individual routes, facilitating 9,435 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically residing 187 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode at 64%, with cycling at 15% and bus use at 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 1,347 trips daily, equating to approximately 325 weekly trips per stop.

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

O'Connor demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (3,728 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.7 and 8.2% of residents respectively. Sixty-nine point two percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 16.3% of residents aged 65 and over (982 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 25.6% born overseas and 17.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in O'Connor as of 2021, making up 31.5% of its population. However, Judaism stood out with an overrepresentation of 0.3%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.6%), Australian (22.9%), and Other (10.6%). Notably, Polish ethnicity was overrepresented at 1.3% in O'Connor versus the regional average of 0.8%, Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Croatian at 1.1% versus 0.9%.

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 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, O'Connor has a higher percentage of residents aged 15-24 (17.4%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.3%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 3.3% to 5.3%, while the 25-34 age group increased from 15.7% to 17.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 11.7% to 10.0%, and the 35-44 age group dropped from 11.7% to 10.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in O'Connor, with the 75-84 age cohort projected to grow by 42%, adding 134 residents to reach 454. This growth is part of a broader trend of demographic aging, as residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 63% of the population growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 15-24 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.