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, the suburb of Strathnairn's population is estimated at around 1,781 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,067 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 714 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 1,646 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 189 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 429 persons per square kilometer. Strathnairn's growth of 149.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.7%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 91.0%.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, ACT Government's SA2 area projections with a 2022 base are adopted. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, exceptional growth is predicted over the period to 2041, with the suburb expected to expand by 3,299 persons, reflecting an increase of 177.0% in total 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 shows Strathnairn recorded around 149 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years ending June 2025, totalling an estimated 746 homes. By September 2026 (FY-26), nine approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of two new residents per dwelling was constructed annually, indicating balanced supply and demand. However, recent data shows this has increased to 8.6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $326,000, slightly above the regional average. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Strathnairn records 10371.0% more new home approvals per person. This offers buyers greater choice but building activity has slowed in recent years. The area shows a mix of 63.0% standalone homes and 37.0% medium to high-density housing, with an increasing number of townhouses and apartments providing diverse price points. This shift indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles. With around 35 people per dwelling approval, Strathnairn exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

Future projections estimate the area will add 3,152 residents by 2041, suggesting current construction levels 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 45thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to affect the region: Territory Battery, Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre Upgrades, Parkwood Urban Release, and Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara) are key projects, with the following list focusing on those most relevant.

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

Strathnairn has a highly educated workforce. Professional services are well represented, with an unemployment rate of 2.5% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.5%.

The area's unemployment rate is 1.1% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%, and workforce participation stands at 83.1%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. According to Census responses, 9.9% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and professional & technical services. Strathnairn shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level, while public administration & safety has lower representation at 20.1% compared to the regional average of 30.4%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.5%, and labour force grew by 3.9%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 1.4%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 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, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Strathnairn's employment mix suggests local employment should 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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for the financial year ending June 30, 2023, Strathnairn suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $72,536 and an average income of $81,992. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since June 30, 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $79,253 (median) and $89,584 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, Strathnairn's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 92nd and 93rd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 50.2% of residents (894 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, reflecting a pattern seen in the surrounding region where 34.3% occupy this range. Economic strength is evident with 41.0% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 17.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 91st percentile nationally. 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

As per the latest Census evaluation, Strathnairn's dwelling structure consisted of 83.6% houses and 16.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Strathnairn stood at 8.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 86.4% and rented ones at 5.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,191, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Strathnairn was $515, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Strathnairn's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,191 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 21.8%, with lone person households making up 18.4% and group households comprising 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

Educational attainment in Strathnairn is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 52.0% of residents aged 15 years and over hold university qualifications, compared to the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA3 area average of 43.8%. This significant educational advantage positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 27.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 21.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.7%.

Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 28.6% of residents aged 15 years and over holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 14.1% and certificates at 14.5%. Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 34.2% of residents 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 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are connected by 24 different routes, offering a total of 1,148 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 287 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

Only 9.9% of residents work from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 164 trips per day, translating 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's health outcomes show excellent results according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Approximately 60% of Strathnairn's total population (1,061 people) have private health cover, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 62.4%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in Strathnairn, affecting 7.7% and 5.4% of residents respectively. A high proportion, 81.2%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has a lower percentage of residents aged 65 and over at 3.7% (65 people) than the Australian Capital Territory's 14.3%. Health outcomes among seniors in Strathnairn are notably strong, with national rankings even higher than 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 one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in the country, with 55.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home as of 2021. In terms of birthplace, 51.5% of Strathnairn's residents were born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Strathnairn, comprising 38.3% of the population.

However, the category 'Other' is notably overrepresented, making up 9.6% of the population compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 1.4%. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are 'Other', at 31.3%, which is significantly higher than the regional average of 12.2%, followed by Australian at 16.2% and English at 14.1%, both notably lower than their respective regional averages of 23.0% and 23.3%. There are also notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups, such as Sri Lankan at 2.3%, Filipino at 4.8%, and Polish at 1.4%, all higher than their respective regional averages of 0.4%, 1.2%, and 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 Australian Capital Territory, Strathnairn has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (26.7%), but fewer residents aged 55-64 (4.3%). This 25-34 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has increased by 1.3 years from 30 to 31, reflecting an aging population. Key changes include the growth of the 5-14 age group from 13.0% to 17.3%, and the increase of the 45-54 cohort from 7.9% to 10.4%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort has declined from 21.8% to 18.4%, and the 0-4 group has dropped from 11.6% to 8.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Strathnairn, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 cohort at 156%, adding 741 residents to reach 1,217.