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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 AreaSearch's review of ABS regional figures alongside post-Census validated address counts, the suburb of Palmerston (ACT) has an estimated count of approximately 5,537 residents as of Aug 2026. Relative to the 5,579 individuals counted in the 2021 Census, this denotes a contraction of 42 people (0.8%). The updated figure of 5,537 was derived by AreaSearch through the ABS ERP release of June 2025 together with continuous address verification post-Census. At this count, population density reaches 2,839 persons per square kilometer, positioning the community in the top quartile nationally within AreaSearch benchmarks.
Recent population additions were chiefly propelled by net overseas migration, which made up around 62.0% of all incoming gains. Projections utilised by AreaSearch originate from the 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia dataset utilising 2022 as baseline; unlisted SA2 zones or post-2032 horizons incorporate ACT Government age-cohort projections grounded in 2022. Under this framework, overall headcounts in the suburb of Palmerston (ACT) are modeled to decline slightly, decreasing by 18 persons by 2041. Even so, individual age cohorts will see expansion, most prominently the 45 to 54 cohort with a forecasted gain of 83 people. <i>See the age section for more details.</i>
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Over the preceding five years, merely 2 residential building approvals have been logged in Palmerston, reflecting an established, built-out environment where greenfield construction is scarce. Such restrained building volume regularly underpins buyer interest in pre-existing homes and aids in maintaining price resilience. In comparison to Australian Capital Territory overall, building pipeline volumes across Palmerston remain substantially subdued. Although local construction has seen a recent uptick, this constrained pipeline generally reinforces values and interest for established houses, with levels lingering below nationwide norms due to market maturity and zoning boundaries. Furthermore, latest approved construction has concentrated solely on standalone houses, preserving the traditional family-centric, low-density neighborhood fabric.
Developers are allocating an even larger share to detached dwellings than the Census benchmark of 60.0%, catering to sustained appetite for standalone family residences. The community presently records around 5514 people per dwelling approval, underscoring a fully settled residential market. With forward demographics pointing toward static or receding population totals, Palmerston could encounter less housing demand tension, potentially offering advantageous purchasing conditions.
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. 13 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
Local capital expenditure and planning decisions exert significant sway over neighbourhood trajectories. Across the area, no initiatives have been identified by AreaSearch as carrying a direct local footprint. Surrounding projects of interest include the Gungahlin Community Centre, Gold Creek Homestead Precinct, Raya Gungahlin, and Gungahlin Town Centre Improvements, with prominent items outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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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.
Gungahlin Community Facilities Upgrades
Multiple community facility improvements including new playground in Amaroo, Palmerston shops upgrades, new cricket nets at Bonner oval, and female-friendly changeroom upgrades at multiple ovals.
3,090 residents of Palmerston (ACT) are employed, from a labour force of 3,244. Unemployment sits at 4.7%, with participation at 72.3%. 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
Data consolidated across statistical divisions by AreaSearch indicates that Palmerston features an educated local labour force with substantial public sector exposure, an unemployment metric of 4.7%, and relatively consistent job numbers through the previous year. As of March 2026, 3,090 residents are gainfully employed, with local unemployment sitting 0.7% higher than the 4.1% seen across Australian Capital Territory, while labour force participation closely mirrors the 70.6% recorded across Australian Capital Territory. Remote work was reported by only 11.6% of respondents at the Census, though pandemic-era restrictions at the time warrant consideration.
Resident workers are primarily concentrated in public administration & safety, professional & technical, and education & training. Nevertheless, local jobs within public administration & safety account for only 27.7% of on-site employment, falling behind Australian Capital Territory's 30.4%. Comparing local Census worker counts against the residing workforce demonstrates that this largely suburban district provides relatively few employment openings within its own boundaries. According to AreaSearch evaluation of ABS and SALM releases over the year ending March 2026, local headcount grew by 0.3% while the labour pool expanded by 1.1%, lifting local joblessness by 0.8 percentage points. In parallel, Australian Capital Territory experienced a 0.3% employment uptick alongside a 1.1% labour supply increase, lifting unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. Looking ahead, Jobs and Skills Australia's nationwide projections from Mar-26 provide context on potential employment trends for Palmerston across five- and ten-year spans. Across Australia, workforce numbers are anticipated to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, albeit with distinct sector variations. Applying these industry growth parameters across Palmerston's occupational profile yields projected job gains of 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (note that this extrapolation uses sector weighting without adjusting for 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
According to aggregated ATO figures for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch, taxpayer earnings in the suburb of Palmerston exceed nationwide averages. Across local tax filers, the median income sits at $63,494 while the average reaches $73,526, relative to Australian Capital Territory benchmarks of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Accounting for an observed 10.44% Wage Price Index lift since financial year 2023, contemporary estimates indicate approximately $70,123 (median) and $81,202 (average) as of March 2026. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual income metrics all placed favorably within the 84th to 87th percentiles nationally.
Income distribution figures reveal that 34.5% of individuals (1,910 residents) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket, closely matching the wider regional proportion of 34.3%. Financial capacity is further underscored by the 35.7% of households taking in over $3,000 per week, reinforcing consumer demand. Housing expenses consume 13.8% of income, while net earnings position residents in the 85th percentile for disposable funds, placing the area in the 8th decile of SEIFA income measures.
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
Census records show that Palmerston's housing stock was divided into 60.3% detached houses and 39.7% other dwellings (incorporating semi-detached homes, apartments, and other configurations), whereas Australian Capital Territory recorded 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Outright home ownership matched the territory level exactly at 28.6%, while remaining homes were mortgaged (42.5%) or tenanted (28.9%). Typical monthly mortgage commitments stood at $1,940, below the Australian Capital Territory norm of $2,080, while median weekly rent was $450, equal to Australian Capital Territory's $450. On a national scale, Palmerston sits above the Australian median mortgage repayment of $1,863 and notably higher than the typical Australian rent 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
Families make up the majority of households at 74.7%, comprising couples with children at 35.2%, couples without children at 25.6%, and single parent families at 13.0%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 25.3%, consisting of single-person dwellings at 21.8% and group households at 3.2%. The typical household size of 2.6 people exceeds the Australian Capital Territory median 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
Higher education qualifications in Palmerston substantially exceed nationwide standards, with 41.5% of individuals aged 15+ possessing university degrees, compared to 30.4% across Australia. This educational standing positions the workforce advantageously for the professional economy. Bachelor degrees comprise 23.8% of qualifications, accompanied by postgraduate degrees (13.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). In addition, vocational trades remain prominent, with 27.3% of individuals aged 15+ having vocational training across advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (16.6%). Participation in study is robust, with 31.3% of the community undertaking formal courses. Among these students, 10.6% attend primary school, 6.9% are in secondary education, and 6.8% are enrolled in tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Palmerston (ACT) reaches 22 stops on 58 routes, timetabled for about 2,600 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
Palmerston's public transit network comprises 22 operating bus stops connected to 58 separate routes, together providing 2,578 weekly services. Commuter access is rated as excellent, with homes averaging 184 meters from the closest boarding point. Given its residential orientation, most workers travel outward, with private vehicles serving 85% of journeys and buses accommodating 7%. Households maintain an average of 1.4 vehicles. Only 11.6% of residents reported working from home in the 2021 Census, which coincided with COVID-19 settings. Across all transit lines, trip frequencies average 368 per day, which translates to roughly 117 departures each week for each 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
Community wellness metrics in Palmerston present a generally sound profile, with AreaSearch mortality and illness analysis aligning with nationwide averages. Incidence rates for common ailments remain subdued across both younger cohorts and older demographics, while private medical insurance adoption is widespread at around 56% of the population (~3,114 people), compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory. Asthma and mental health issues represent the primary chronic conditions reported by residents, impacting 8.6% and 9.4% of the population respectively, while 69.6% indicated having no diagnosed medical conditions compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory.
Health indicators across the working-age group remain typical. Residents aged 65 and over constitute 14.3% of the populace (791 people), among whom health measures rank above average, conforming generally to broader population benchmarks.
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
Palmerston exhibits cultural breadth exceeding most surrounding localities, with 32.2% of locals born overseas and 32.2% utilizing a non-English language in their households. Christianity is the predominant religious faith, representing 42.9% of residents. In relative terms, Buddhism demonstrates noticeable local representation, accounting for 4.9% of the population compared to 3.0% across Australian Capital Territory. Looking at parental birthplaces, the primary ancestral backgrounds reported include Australian (22.8%), English (21.5%), and Other (13.3%). Several distinct ethnic origins also register above-average shares locally: Croatian background represents 1.4% (vs 0.9% regionally), Vietnamese accounts for 2.3% (vs 1.0%), and Korean constitutes 1.0% (vs 0.6%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Palmerston (ACT) is 36. 25.5% 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
Age distributions across Palmerston align closely with Australian Capital Territory, showing a maximum variance of 3.5 percentage points across categories. The local median age is estimated at 36, remaining unchanged from the 2021 Census and sitting 1 year older than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 recorded during that Census. Elderly and retiree age brackets (65+) have increased from 12.2% at Census time to an estimated 14.3%. Through to 2041, senior cohorts are projected to register the largest numeric increase, adding 99 residents (13%) to reach 891, whereas younger adults, children, and middle-aged groups are anticipated to contract.
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 Sep 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) | Aug 2026 last month 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 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 Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 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 6 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 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago 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 Aug 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 Aug 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.