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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Palmerston (ACT) has an estimated 5,537 residents, down from 5,579 at the 2021 Census. That puts 2,840 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to evaluations of ABS population revisions for the broader region alongside address registries validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the resident count for the suburb of Palmerston (ACT) is projected to be approximately 5,537 in May 2026. This represents a contraction of 42 residents (0.8%) relative to the 5,579 citizens recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated from the resident total of 5,537, determined by AreaSearch through analysing the June 2025 ABS ERP publication and subsequent address checks. Such a population size results in a density of 2,839 individuals per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top quartile of Australian settings evaluated by AreaSearch.
Inward overseas migration was the primary driver of growth, accounting for roughly 62.0% of the population additions over recent timeframes. AreaSearch incorporates regional demographic projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024, utilising 2022 as the base year. For locations lacking this coverage, and for the years after 2032, age group growth rates are sourced from the ACT Government projections, also using a 2022 baseline. Looking ahead at demographic changes, these models predict a shrinking overall head count, with a reduction of 23 residents by 2041. Conversely, expansion is anticipated within particular age cohorts, led by the 45 to 54 bracket, which is expected to grow by 85 people. See the age section for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Only two building approvals for dwellings have been registered in the suburb of Palmerston (ACT) over the last five years. This highlights a fully established locality with minor scope for fresh residential building. This lack of upcoming supply typically reinforces demand for existing homes and can help maintain stable valuations. Compared to the broader Australian Capital Territory, the suburb of Palmerston (ACT) displays a much lower volume of construction projects. This deficit of new housing units generally bolsters demand and prices for pre-existing stock, despite a recent uptick in building approvals.
The rate is also below national benchmarks, confirming the mature phase of the suburb and pointing to possible zoning restrictions. With demographic forecasts pointing to flat or declining numbers, the suburb of Palmerston (ACT) could see reduced pressure on housing stock, potentially benefiting prospective purchasers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Palmerston (ACT)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 83 current infrastructure and development projects close to Palmerston (ACT), worth an estimated $4.87 billion. 14 are already under construction and 27 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and education & training. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Locality performance is highly dependent on alterations to regional infrastructure, key projects, and urban planning schemes. In total, no new projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are expected to impact the local area. Key projects include Gungahlin Community Centre, Gold Creek Homestead Precinct, Raya Gungahlin, and Gungahlin Town Centre Improvements, with the subsequent list outlining the most relevant items.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Gungahlin Town Centre Improvements
A comprehensive urban renewal program by the ACT Government to enhance the Gungahlin Town Centre. Key components include a major active travel project with 13 new community paths to improve walking and cycling connections, significant intersection safety upgrades at Hinder Street and Anthony Rolfe Avenue, and the Gungahlin Town Centre East Design and Place Framework for a new urban village.
Gungahlin Community Centre
A new 25 million AUD multipurpose facility designed to serve the growing Gungahlin community. The two-storey center includes a youth hub, art workshops, a large community hall for dance and judo, and a commercial-grade kitchen. It features secure outdoor green spaces centered around a preserved 100-year-old Blakelys Redgum tree, alongside public parking and end-of-trip facilities for commuters.
Olea Gungahlin Townhouses
Approved medium-density project branded Olea by Dish Developments. Original DA 202038102 approved on 5 Jul 2021 for 99 dwellings (70 townhouses, 29 units), later amended in Dec 2021 to a total of 109 dwellings with a single level basement (approx. 189 car spaces). Site fronts Camilleri Way and Kate Crace Street near Gungahlin Marketplace and the light rail, with outlook to Mulanggari Grasslands Nature Reserve.
Gold Creek Homestead Precinct
An $80 million intergenerational precinct comprising the restoration of the historic 1860s Gold Creek Homestead and a major expansion of The Grove Ngunnawal retirement village. The project includes 45 premium independent living villas, featuring Australia's first retirement 'Passive House' pilot for ultra-low energy consumption. The restored Homestead officially reopened in March 2026 as a multipurpose community hub. Construction continues on a co-located 124-bed residential aged care facility by Arcare, featuring a three-storey design with a cafe, wellness gym, and cinema, targeted for completion in late 2026 or early 2027.
Franklin Residential Development
New residential development in Franklin offering mixed housing typologies including apartments, townhouses and detached homes. Planned community with parks, walking trails and local retail amenities.
Franklin Aged Care Facility
New 120-bed aged care facility with specialized dementia care units, rehabilitation services and community health programs.
Raya Gungahlin
Raya is a contemporary residential development by Core Developments offering 166 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in the heart of Gungahlin Town Centre. Located minutes from the Gungahlin Place light rail station and adjacent to major retail and dining precincts, the development features energy-efficient design with a minimum 6.2-star EER (average 7.4 stars), double-glazed windows, and common area solar power system. Designed by Stewart Architecture with interiors by Department of Design, apartments include spacious balconies ranging from 8 to over 50 square metres, high-quality finishes including Smeg appliances, reconstituted stone benchtops, Caroma tapware, timber flooring, and reverse cycle air conditioning.The project includes rooftop communal facilities with barbecue areas and resort-style amenities. Raya represents modern urban living with convenient access to shopping centers, restaurants, medical facilities, schools, and the light rail network. Sales launched in March 2025 with settlement scheduled for early 2027.
Franklin Community Centre
Multi-purpose community centre with meeting rooms, library branch, childcare facilities and programs for seniors and youth.
3,090 residents of Palmerston (ACT) are employed, from a labour force of 3,244. Unemployment sits at 4.7%, with participation at 72.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 4,008, about 72% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Palmerston's workforce is characterized by high levels of qualification and a strong presence in vital services, showing a jobless rate of 4.7% and stable employment patterns over the past year, as aggregated by AreaSearch from regional statistics. By March 2026, 3,090 local citizens were employed, with the unemployment rate tracking 0.7% higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, while workforce participation closely matched the Territory average of 70.8%. Census returns indicate that a modest 11.6% of employed residents worked from home, though this figure should be interpreted in the context of pandemic restrictions.
The primary sectors employing local residents are public administration & safety, professional & technical, and education & training. By contrast, public administration & safety accounts for only 27.7% of the local jobs, which is lower than the Territory-wide figure of 30.4%. The residential focus of the area means local job openings are relatively sparse, as demonstrated by comparing the Census local working population to the resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from wider geographies, the 12 months ending March 2026 saw employment rise by 0.3% while the labour force expanded by 1.1%, leading to an increase of 0.8 percentage points in the jobless rate. During this same timeframe, the Australian Capital Territory saw employment grow by 0.3%, the labour force rise by 1.1%, and unemployment climb by 0.7 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia dated May-25 offer additional perspectives on prospective employment patterns. These five and ten-year forecasts have been aligned with the local workforce distribution to project future trends. Nationally, employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sectors will experience varied rates. Applying these sectoral trajectories to the local workforce composition suggests local job holder numbers will grow by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (this represents a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate localized population shifts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Palmerston (ACT) is $2,316 a week (about $120,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,134 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $63,494 a year against an average of $73,526. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxpayer statistics compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year show that the suburb of Palmerston (ACT) has income levels exceeding the national benchmark. Residents show a median taxpayer income of $63,494 and an average income of $73,526, compared to the Australian Capital Territory medians of $72,206 and averages of $85,981. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates sit around $70,123 for the median and $81,202 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census ranks Palmerston household, family, and individual incomes between the 84th and 87th percentiles across Australia.
The most common income bracket comprises 34.5% of residents earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,910 people), matching the broader Territory where this group constitutes 34.3%. Financial capacity is evident with 35.7% of households earning more than $3,000 weekly, which underpins local retail activity. Housing costs consume 13.8% of income, and robust earnings place residents in the 85th percentile for disposable income, with a SEIFA index ranking in the 8th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Palmerston (ACT) had 2,038 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 60% detached houses and 0% apartments. 43% are owned with a mortgage, 29% rented and 29% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $450 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,940 a month. Rent absorbs 19.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 19.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The mix of housing in the suburb of Palmerston (ACT) at the time of the latest Census consisted of 60.3% detached houses and 39.7% other residential options (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to 63.3% houses and 36.7% alternative dwellings across the Australian Capital Territory. Home ownership rates aligned with the Territory average at 28.6%, with the remaining dwellings holding a mortgage (42.5%) or occupied by tenants (28.9%). The median monthly home loan payment was lower than the Territory average at $1,940, whereas the median weekly rent stood at $450, compared to Territory figures of $2,080 and $450.
On a national scale, mortgage payments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rent levels are well above the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Palmerston (ACT) counted 2,038 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 35% are couples with children, against 26% couples without children. 22% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.5 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the majority of households at 74.7%, comprising 35.2% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 25.3% of homes, with lone person households representing 21.8% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size of 2.6 residents is slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
41.5% of adults in Palmerston (ACT) hold a university qualification, including 23.8% with a bachelor degree and 13.1% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 82% of areas nationally. A further 16.6% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 655 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,066 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational qualifications in the suburb of Palmerston (ACT) are substantially higher than typical benchmarks, with 41.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 30.4% nationally. This high educational profile positions the community well for professional services roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 23.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees (13.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational training is also well represented, with 27.3% of individuals aged 15+ holding practical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (16.6%). Participation in study is high, with 31.3% of residents enrolled in an educational institution.
This comprises 10.6% in primary schools, 6.9% in high schools, and 6.8% studying at the tertiary level.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Palmerston (ACT) reaches 23 stops on 62 routes, timetabled for about 2,700 services a week. The typical home sits about 180 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of public transit options indicates 23 active bus stops are located within the suburb of Palmerston (ACT). These locations are serviced by 62 distinct routes, which generate a combined 2,692 passenger journeys weekly. Transport accessibility is ranked as excellent, with residents living an average of 184 meters from their nearest transit point. As a residential suburb, most workers commute out of the area, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 85%, and buses accounting for 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 cars per household. A relatively low 11.6% of residents work from home (based on the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules).
Daily services average 384 trips across all transit routes, representing approximately 117 weekly departures per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
69.6% of residents in Palmerston (ACT) report no long-term health condition. 4.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 56.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health metrics indicate favorable conditions for residents, with AreaSearch analyses of mortality and medical conditions showing outcomes in line with national averages, low rates of chronic illness across younger and older brackets, and private health insurance coverage sitting high at approximately 56% of the population (~3,114 residents). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical diagnoses locally were mental health conditions and asthma, affecting 9.4% and 8.6% of residents respectively, while 69.6% reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.
Health outcomes for the working-age population are typical. Residents aged 65 and over make up 14.0% of the community (775 people). Seniors enjoy above-average health outcomes, with national standings broadly mirroring the wider population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
32.2% of Palmerston (ACT) residents were born overseas and 32.2% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 75% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (22.8%) and English (21.5%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity is significantly higher in the suburb of Palmerston (ACT) than in most local areas, with 32.2% of the population born outside Australia and 32.2% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 42.9% of residents. The most pronounced variation from regional norms is in Buddhism, which accounts for 4.9% of residents compared to 3.0% across the Australian Capital Territory. With respect to parental birthplaces, the largest ancestry groups are Australian, making up 22.8% of the population, followed by English at 21.5%, and Other at 13.3%.
Distinct variations appear in other backgrounds, with Croatian backgrounds representing 1.4% of the population (compared to 0.9% in the region), Vietnamese at 2.3% (compared to 1.0%), and Korean at 1.0% (compared to 0.6%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Palmerston (ACT) is 36. 25.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 36 years in the suburb of Palmerston (ACT) closely mirrors the Australian Capital Territory average of 35, while sitting below the national median of 38 years. Compared to the Territory, there is a larger proportion of residents aged 55 - 64 (12.0%) and a smaller share of 25 - 34 year-olds (14.0%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 bracket has increased from 3.0% to 4.5% of the local population. By contrast, the 25 to 34 age bracket declined from 15.3% to 14.0% and the 0 to 4 group fell from 6.8% to 5.5%.
Projections for 2041 indicate notable demographic shifts. The 45 to 54 bracket is forecast to grow the fastest, expanding by 10% and adding 74 residents to reach 816. Conversely, declines are expected in the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Palmerston (ACT)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (5,579 at the 2021 Census → 5,537 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL80107). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.