Watson

Watson 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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Watson's population is estimated at around 7,399 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 672 people (10.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,727 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,169 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 245 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,016 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Watson's 10.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (6.4%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

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. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas is forecast, with the Watson statistical area (Lv2) expected to increase by 2,400 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 29.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Watson among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Watson has received around 88 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 441 homes. As of FY26, seven approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, suggesting balanced supply and demand with stable market dynamics. The average construction value of new homes is $367,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

In FY26, $1.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Watson maintains similar development levels per capita, demonstrating strong developer confidence in the area, which is above national average. New developments consist of 14.0% detached dwellings and 86.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from existing housing patterns (currently 58.0% houses). This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 127 people per dwelling approval, Watson exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Future projections estimate Watson to add 2,170 residents by 2041, suggesting adequate housing supply meeting demand with current construction levels, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth exceeding current forecasts.

Future projections show Watson adding 2,170 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.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified thirteen projects expected to impact the area. Notable ones are The Establishment Watson, Watson Section 76 North Housing Development, Watson Place Precinct Redevelopment, and Watson Light Rail Extension. Below is a list detailing those likely to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Watson significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Watson has a highly educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 2.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1%.

As of September 2025, 4,390 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.8% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation was higher at 75.2%, compared to the ACT's 69.6%. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and education & training, with a notable concentration in education & training, being 1.3 times the regional average. Construction has limited presence with 4.4% employment compared to 6.8% regionally.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. In the past year, employment increased by 2.1%, labour force grew by 1.4%, and unemployment fell by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with ACT, where employment rose by 1.4%, labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. As of 25-Nov, ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Watson's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Watson suburb has a high national income level according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers is $76,160 and average income stands at $94,148. These figures compare to ACT's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $83,212 (median) and $102,866 (average). Census data shows Watson's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 88th and 96th percentiles. The earnings profile indicates that 34.9% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (2,582 people), similar to the broader area's pattern at 34.3%. Notably, 39.3% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income, with residents ranking in the 88th percentile for disposable income. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Watson displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Watson, as per the latest Census evaluation, 58.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 41.9% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 39.3% houses and 60.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Watson stood at 22.9%, similar to the Australian Capital Territory average. The majority of dwellings were mortgaged (43.4%) or rented (33.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,067, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080 but higher than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Watson was $437, compared to $476 in the Australian Capital Territory and a national figure of $375.

Watson features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.2% of all households, including 29.6% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.8%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 6.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.2.

Educational achievement in Watson places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Watson has a higher educational attainment than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 59.4% have university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This high level of educational attainment positions Watson favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most common at 30.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.5%) and graduate diplomas (6.7%).

Vocational pathways account for 18.3% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.2% and certificates at 10.1%. Educational participation is notably high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 9.8% in tertiary education, and 6.7% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 39 active transport stops operating within Watson. These stops service a mix of buses along 150 individual routes, collectively providing 11,126 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 205 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,589 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 285 weekly trips per stop.

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

Watson demonstrates above-average health outcomes for both younger and older age cohorts, with low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% of the total population (4,763 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.8 and 9.0% of residents respectively. A total of 71.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 70.8%. The area has 10.3% of residents aged 65 and over (762 people), which is lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of 11.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Watson was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Watson, as per the findings, had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 27.0% of its population born overseas and 20.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was found to be the predominant religion in Watson, accounting for 30.2% of its people. Notably, Judaism's representation was higher in Watson at 0.5%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 0.5%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 24.4%, Australian at 23.9%, and Other at 11.8%. Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Polish was notably higher at 0.9% in Watson compared to regionally, Croatian at 0.8% (vs 0.7%), and French at 0.6% (vs 0.7%).

Watson hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Watson has a median age of 34 years, comparable to the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and significantly lower than the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Watson has a higher concentration of 35-44 residents at 19.9%, but fewer 15-24 year-olds at 10.8%. This concentration is well above the national figure of 14.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 18.5% to 19.9%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 18.9% to 16.9%. Demographic modeling indicates that Watson's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 45 to 54 cohort projected to grow by 43%, adding 430 residents to reach a total of 1,422.