Reid (ACT)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Reid reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Reid's estimated population is around 1,957 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 413 people (26.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,544 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,957, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,081 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Reid's growth of 26.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the state's (5.9%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the area. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 a base year. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in Reid is forecast, with an expected increase of 668 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 34.1% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Reid according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis shows Reid had approximately one residential property approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling about nine homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 41.4 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating high demand outpacing supply.

Developers target the premium market segment with new homes averaging $1,200,000 in construction cost value. Reid's building activity is 92.0% below the regional average per person compared to the Australian Capital Territory. Recent development has been entirely detached dwellings, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited for buyers seeking space. With around 766 people per dwelling approval, Reid reflects a highly mature market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Reid will grow by 668 residents.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Reid has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Academy Close Redevelopment - Campbell, Australian War Memorial Redevelopment, UNSW Canberra City Campus - Stage 1, and Marcus Clarke Street Office Complex. The following list details those most 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.

Reid has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Reid's workforce is highly educated with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 4.5% in the past year, showing an estimated growth of 2.1%.

As of June 2025, 1,159 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation was lower at 64.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. Key industries include public administration & safety, professional & technical, and education & training. Professional & technical employment is notably concentrated at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 6.9% versus the regional average of 11.7%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1%, labour force by 1.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 1.9% with a 0.3 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Reid's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Reid's median income among taxpayers was $67,610 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $86,994 during the same period. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had median and average incomes of $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. By September 2025, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.6%, estimated incomes would be approximately $76,805 (median) and $98,825 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Reid's household, family, and personal incomes ranked highly nationally, between the 82nd and 95th percentiles. Income distribution data showed that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominated with 31.9% of residents (624 people), similar to regional levels where 34.3% occupied this bracket. Reid exhibited considerable affluence with 38.0% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing expenses accounted for 14.0% of income. Strong earnings placed residents within the 83rd percentile for disposable income, and the area's SEIFA income ranking was in the 9th decile.

Reid features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Reid, as per the latest Census evaluation, 36.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 63.7% being other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This is compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Reid stood at 31.2%, with mortgaged properties at 22.1% and rented dwellings at 46.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,300, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure for Reid was $430, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $476. Nationally, Reid's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,300 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Reid features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 47.9% of all households, including 15.2% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 4.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 52.1%, with lone person households at 40.9% and group households comprising 10.8%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.2.

Reid demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Reid's educational attainment exceeds broader standards significantly. Among residents aged 15 and above, 61.5% possess university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This notable advantage positions Reid well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 31.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (23.1%) and graduate diplomas (6.9%).

Vocational pathways account for 16.0% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 8.5% and certificates at 7.5%. Educational participation is high in Reid, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.0% in tertiary education, 4.2% in primary education, and 4.0% pursuing secondary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates 15 operational public transport stops in Reid, offering a variety of bus services. These stops are served by 12 distinct routes, facilitating 1,573 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents situated an average of 168 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 224 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 104 weekly trips per individual stop.

Reid's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Reid residents show relatively positive health outcomes, with common conditions seen equally across young and old age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 62% of Reid's total population (1,204 people), higher than the national average of 55.3%. This compares to 65.3% in Australian Capital Territory.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 11.6% and 8.1% respectively. 65.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 70.8% across Australian Capital Territory. Reid has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.3%, with 318 people, compared to 11.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Reid 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

Reid's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 20.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 31.7% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Reid, accounting for 36.7%. Judaism, however, was slightly overrepresented at 0.6%, compared to 0.5% across Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (25.4%), Australian (20.6%), and Other (11.5%). Some ethnic groups had notable divergences: Polish was overrepresented at 1.3% in Reid versus 0.9% regionally, French at 1.0% compared to 0.7%, and Hungarian at 0.5% compared to 0.3%.

Reid's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age of Reid is 39, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's figure of 35 and comparable to Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group represents 23.0% of Reid's population, compared to a lower prevalence of the 5-14 cohort at 4.9%. This concentration of individuals aged 25-34 is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, Reid's median age has decreased by 1.3 years from 40 to 39, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. During this period, the proportion of individuals aged 25-34 increased from 19.8% to 23.0%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 55-64 decreased from 14.9% to 13.2%, and the proportion of those aged 65-74 dropped from 11.5% to 10.0%. Demographic modeling projects significant changes in Reid's age profile by 2041, with the 65-74 age group expected to grow by 56% (110 people), reaching a total of 306 individuals from its current figure of 195.