Spence (ACT)

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

The population of the suburb of Spence (ACT) is estimated at around 2,537 as of May 2026, a decrease of 50 people from the 2021 Census figure of 2,587. This reduction represents a 1.9% change since the last census. The current population estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses following the examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, along with an additional two validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,669 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Spence.

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 used, also based on 2022. Population projections indicate a decline in overall population for Spence over time. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to decrease by 272 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 26 people during this period.

The level of residential development activity in Spence is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Spence shows an average of around 2 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 11 homes were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26.

The declining population suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good choice for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $209,000, which is under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Spence shows substantially reduced construction, with 85.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, which are also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 92.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 1265 people per dwelling approval, Spence reflects a highly mature market.

Population projections showing stability or decline suggest that Spence should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Spence has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a single project that is expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Ginninderry Masterplanned Community - Strathnairn & Macnamara, Gold Creek Country Club Build-to-Rent (Gold Creek Golf Club Redevelopment), New Northside Hospital, and Canberra Light Rail Stage 3: Belconnen to City. The following list details those likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Spence recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Spence has an educated workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.4%, with estimated employment growth of 1.1% over the past year (AreaSearch data aggregation). As of December 2025, 1,313 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.6% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 68.0%, below the ACT average of 70.5%. Home-based work accounts for a low 12.8% of jobs (Census data). Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, public administration & safety has lower representation at 25.6% versus the regional average of 30.4%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census working population vs resident population counts. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 1.1%, while labour force grew by 1.0%, keeping unemployment broadly stable. In contrast, ACT saw employment grow by 0.9%, labour force expand by 1.2%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Spence's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Spence suburb's income level is above average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Spence is $66,021 and average income stands at $74,628. These figures compare to Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year ended June 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $72,914 (median) and $82,419 (average). According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data for 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Spence rank highly nationally, between the 86th and 87th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 32.6% of residents (827 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly bracket, consistent with surrounding region's 34.3%. Notably, 36.0% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. Spence's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Spence is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Spence, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.5% houses and 7.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Spence was 33.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.1% and rented dwellings at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,120, while the median weekly rent was $375. Nationally, Spence's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents comparable to the national figure of $375.

Spence has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 75.6% of all households, including 35.6% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.4%, with lone person households at 21.1% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 34.6%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.3%). Vocational credentials are held by 31.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 20.2%. Educational participation is high, with 31.2% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.1% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 5.6% in tertiary education.

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

Spence has 27 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes totalling 98, which together facilitate 7,199 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located just 150 metres from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 90%, while buses account for 6%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 1,028 trips per day, equating to approximately 266 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Spence is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Spence faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (around 1,437 people), compared to 62.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues impacting 10.9% of residents and asthma affecting 9.4%. Approximately 63.0% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (461 people), higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Spence ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Spence's population was found to be below average in cultural diversity, with 83.3% born in Australia, 93.5% being citizens, and 88.5% speaking English only at home as of the latest data. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 47.5% of Spence's population. However, Buddhism was overrepresented at 1.5%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 3.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (28.5%), English (26.7%), and Irish (10.2%). Notably, Welsh (0.7% vs regional 0.6%), Polish (0.9% vs 0.8%), and Spanish (0.6% vs 0.5%) ethnic groups were also overrepresented in Spence.

Spence's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Spence's median age is 38 years, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Spence has a higher concentration of residents aged 75-84 (7.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.9%). Since the Census in 2021, the age group of 75 to 84 has grown from 5.1% to 7.7%, while the age group of 0 to 4 has increased from 6.0% to 7.4%. Conversely, the age group of 65 to 74 has declined from 11.6% to 8.6%, and the age group of 5 to 14 has dropped from 14.0% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Spence's age profile will change significantly. The cohort aged 85+ is projected to grow by 49%, adding 23 residents to reach a total of 72. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 85% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the cohorts aged 75-84 and 25-34 are anticipated to experience population declines.