Strathnairn

Strathnairn lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of November 2025, Strathnairn's estimated population is around 1729. This reflects a 142.2% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 714 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1646 in June 2024, based on ABS ERP data release, and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 416 persons per square kilometer. Strathnairn's growth exceeded the SA3 area (2.7%) and the state, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 91% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, ACT Government's SA2 area projections are used, also based on 2022. Future demographic trends predict exceptional growth, placing Strathnairn in the top 10% of Australian statistical areas. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 3301 persons, reflecting an increase of 185.4% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Strathnairn was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Strathnairn shows around 149 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 746 homes. As of FY26, nine approvals have been recorded. On average, two new residents per dwelling constructed were recorded between FY21 and FY25, suggesting stable market conditions. However, this figure has intensified to 8.6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply.

New homes are being built at an average value of $326,000, slightly above the regional average. Strathnairn records 10348% more new home approvals per person compared to the Australian Capital Territory, offering buyers greater choice. Building activity has slowed in recent years, with 63% standalone homes and 37% medium and high-density housing, including townhouses and apartments. This shift reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. Strathnairn shows characteristics of a growth area, with around 35 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate an addition of 3206 residents by 2041, suggesting adequate housing supply to meet demand under current construction levels.

Future projections show Strathnairn adding 3,206 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Strathnairn has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly impact performance. One major project identified by AreaSearch affects this region: Territory Battery. Other notable projects include Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre Upgrades, Parkwood Urban Release, and Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara).

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.

The labour market strength in Strathnairn positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Strathnairn has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.5%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) 3.6%.

Over the year to September 2025, employment grew by 5.5%. As of that date, 981 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% below ACT's rate. Workforce participation is high at 83.2%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Key industries include health care & social assistance (strongly specialized), public administration & safety (lower representation than regional average), and professional & technical services.

Employment levels increased by 5.5% in Strathnairn during the year to September 2025, while labour force grew by 3.9%, reducing unemployment by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, ACT's employment rose by 1.4%, labour force by 1.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. To September 2025, Strathnairn's working population is 67% of its resident population, suggesting limited local employment opportunities. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19%, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. National forecasts project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Strathnairn's employment could increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Strathnairn suburb has a median income among taxpayers of $72,536 and an average of $81,992. This is notably high nationally, compared to Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates project approximately $79,253 (median) and $89,584 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates Strathnairn's household, family and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 92nd and 93rd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 50.2% of residents (867 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 34.3% occupy this range. Economic strength is evident with 41.0% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 17.7% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 91st percentile nationally, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Strathnairn is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Strathnairn's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 83.6% houses and 16.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's figures of 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Strathnairn was at 8.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 86.4% and rented ones at 5.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,191, above the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,000. Weekly rent was recorded at $515, higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of $430. Nationally, Strathnairn's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Strathnairn features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 78.2% of all households, including 43.1% couples with children, 27.6% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.8%, with lone person households at 18.4% and group households making up 3.3%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

Strathnairn's residents aged 15+ have higher educational attainment than Australian averages. 52.0% hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4%. In Strathnairn's SA3 area, this figure is 43.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 27.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%).

Vocational credentials are held by 28.6% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 14.1% and certificates at 14.5%. Educational participation is high, with 34.2% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in tertiary education, 10.0% in primary education, and 4.8% pursuing secondary education.

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

Strathnairn has five active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of buses, with 24 individual routes in total. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 1,148.

Residents' accessibility to transport is rated as good, with an average distance of 287 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 164 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 229 weekly trips per individual stop.

Strathnairn's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Strathnairn shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common conditions across all ages.

Approximately 60% (1,030 people) have private health cover, a rate higher than the national average. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 7.7% and 5.4% of residents respectively. 81.2% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 68.1% in Australian Capital Territory. Only 3.2% (55 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the 15.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Despite this, seniors' health outcomes align with those of the general population.

Strathnairn is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Strathnairn has a high level of cultural diversity, with 55.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 51.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Strathnairn, making up 38.3%. The 'Other' category comprises 9.6%, significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 1.3%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is highest at 31.3%, substantially above the regional average of 12.0%. 'Australian' and 'English' are notably lower, at 16.2% and 14.1% respectively, compared to regional averages of 23.8% and 23.7%. Certain ethnic groups show notable divergences: Sri Lankan (2.3% vs 0.3%), Filipino (4.8% vs 1.2%) and Polish (1.4% vs 0.8%).

Strathnairn hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Strathnairn has a median age of 31, which is younger than the Australian Capital Territory's figure of 35 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Strathnairn has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (27.2%), but fewer residents aged 55-64 (4.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national figure of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has increased by 1 year from 30 to 31, reflecting an aging population. Key changes in age groups include the growth of the 5-14 age group from 13.0% to 16.9%, and the increase of the 45-54 cohort from 7.9% to 9.5%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort has declined from 21.8% to 19.3%, and the 0-4 age group has dropped from 11.6% to 9.5%. Population forecasts for Strathnairn indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041, with the 25-34 cohort projected to grow strongly at 159%, adding 747 residents to reach a total of 1,218.