Palmerston (ACT)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Nov 2025 the Palmerston (ACT) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 5,491. This reflects a decrease of 88 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,579. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,491, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,815 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the Palmerston (ACT) (SA2)'s population expected to shrink by 13 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 45 to 54 age group, which is projected to expand by 89 people.

Residential dwelling approval activity has been practically non-existent in Palmerston

Palmerston had two approved developments between 2016 and 2021. This indicates a stable, established suburb with limited land available for new construction. For buyers, this scarcity of new housing stock typically supports property values and may result in competition primarily among existing homes.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Palmerston has significantly less development activity, which usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. However, construction activity has intensified recently. This is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Palmerston may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Palmerston has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been pinpointed by AreaSearch that could potentially impact the area. Notable projects include Gungahlin Community Centre, Gold Creek Homestead Precinct, Raya Gungahlin, and Gungahlin Town Centre Improvements, with the following list outlining those likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Palmerston remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Palmerston has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9%.

As of September 2025, 3,083 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.9% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation was similar to the ACT's 69.6%. Key industries of employment among residents were public administration & safety, professional & technical, and education & training.

Public administration & safety showed lower representation at 27.7% compared to the regional average of 30.4%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the past year, employment increased by 0.9% alongside labour force increasing by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasted with the ACT where employment rose by 1.4%, the labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from November 25 showed ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested that while national employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Palmerston's employment mix indicated local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2023, the suburb of Palmerston's median income among taxpayers is $63,494. The average income is $73,526. This is above the national average. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory has a median income of $72,206 and an average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Palmerston's median income would be approximately $69,374 by September 2025. The average income estimate is $80,335 during the same period. From the 2021 Census, household incomes in Palmerston rank at the 87th percentile nationally. Family incomes are at the 84th percentile and personal incomes are at the 86th percentile. Income distribution data shows that 34.5% of individuals in Palmerston earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (1,894 individuals). This is similar to the regional pattern where 34.3% occupy this earnings band. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 35.7% exceeding $3,000 weekly in Palmerston, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. Housing accounts for 13.8% of income for residents in Palmerston. Strong earnings place residents within the 85th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

In Palmerston, as per the latest Census evaluation, 60.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 39.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 66.3% houses and 33.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Palmerston stood at 28.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.5% and rented ones at 28.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,940, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,123. The median weekly rent figure in Palmerston was $450, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $462. Nationally, Palmerston's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,940 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $450 compared to the national figure of $375.

Palmerston has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.7% of all households, including 35.2% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.3%, with lone person households at 21.8% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.9.

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

In Palmerston, residents aged 15 and above have a higher proportion of university qualifications than the national average. Specifically, 41.5% of Palmerston's residents hold such qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This educational advantage is evident in various degrees: bachelor degrees at 23.8%, postgraduate qualifications at 13.1%, and graduate diplomas at 4.6%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 27.3% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (16.6%).

Educational participation is notably high in Palmerston, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 6.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 23 operational transport stops in Palmerston, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 62 individual routes, facilitating 2,692 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically situated 184 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 384 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 117 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Palmerston shows superior health outcomes for both young and elderly cohorts, with low prevalence of common conditions. Approximately 56% (~3,088 people) have private health cover, compared to ACT's 59.5%.

Mental health issues affect 9.4%, asthma impacts 8.6%, while 69.6% report no medical ailments, compared to ACT's 76.4%. The area has 13.3% (730 people) aged 65 and over, higher than ACT's 8.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, mirroring the general population's profile.

Palmerston was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Palmerston's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 32.2% born overseas and 32.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Palmerston as of 2016, comprising 42.9% of its population. Buddhism was notably overrepresented compared to Australian Capital Territory figures, making up 4.9% of Palmerston's population against the regional average of 3.9%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (22.8%), English (21.5%), and Other (13.3%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Croatian was slightly overrepresented at 1.4%, Vietnamese at 2.3%, and Korean at 1.0% compared to regional averages of 1.3%, 1.5%, and 1.2% respectively.

Palmerston's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Palmerston's median age is nearly 36 years, close to the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but younger than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Palmerston has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (11.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.2%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 35-44 age group has grown from 15.7% to 16.7% of Palmerston's population, while the 25-34 age group has declined from 15.3% to 14.2%. By 2041, forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Palmerston. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow by 12%, adding 87 residents to reach a total of 818. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts.