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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Watson is around 7,387 people. This represents an increase of 660 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,727. The current resident population estimate of 7,169 by AreaSearch, following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024, and an additional 245 validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates this growth. This results in a density ratio of 2,012 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Watson's population growth of 9.8% since the 2021 census exceeds both the state average (5.9%) and the SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas for Watson, with an expected rise to 9,787 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects a total increase of 29.5% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Watson has experienced around 88 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 441 homes. As of FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were added between FY-21 and FY-25.

The supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $367,000. In this financial year, there have been $1.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential nature. Relative to Australian Capital Territory, Watson has similar development levels per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. This is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists of 14.0% detached dwellings and 86.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 58.0% houses).

With around 127 people per dwelling approval, Watson shows characteristics of a growth area. Future projections show Watson adding 2,182 residents by 2041, based on 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified thirteen projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include The Establishment Watson, Watson Section 76 North Housing Development, Watson Place Precinct Redevelopment, and Watson Light Rail Extension. Relevant details are provided below.

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AreaSearch analysis places Watson well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Watson's workforce comprises highly educated individuals with significant representation in professional services. The unemployment rate stands at 3.0%, reflecting an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the past year, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of June 2025, Watson has 4,354 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. The workforce participation rate in Watson is 75.2%, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 69.6%. Key employment sectors include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and education & training, with a notable concentration in education & training at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, construction has limited presence, with 4.4% employment compared to the regional average of 6.8%.

The area's predominantly residential nature suggests limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in Sep-22, Watson saw employment increase by 2.2%, accompanied by a 1.6% labour force growth and a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory experienced a 1.9% employment rise, 1.6% labour force growth, and a 0.3 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for the country as a whole. Applying these projections to Watson's employment mix suggests local employment growth of 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on 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's median income among taxpayers was $76,160 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $94,148 during the same period. This compares to figures for Australian Capital Territory of $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $86,518 (median) and $106,952 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Watson, between the 88th and 96th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 34.9% of residents (2,578 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket. This pattern is similar to the broader area where 34.3% occupy this range. Notably, 39.3% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income. Strong earnings rank residents within the 88th percentile for disposable income. The area'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 assessed in the latest Census, 58.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 41.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. 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 ACT's rate. Dwellings were either mortgaged (43.4%) or rented (33.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,067, below the ACT average of $2,080 but above the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Watson was $437, higher than the ACT's $476 and the 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%. The median household size is 2.4 people, 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's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 59.4% hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This gives Watson a strong position for knowledge-based opportunities, led by bachelor degrees 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 high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.5%), tertiary education (9.8%), and secondary education (6.7%). Majura Primary School and Rosary Primary School serve the area collectively, serving 1,099 students. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Watson demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1124.

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

Watson has 40 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 18 different routes that together facilitate 777 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically located about 205 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 111 trips per day across all routes, which works out to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual 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 young and old age cohorts. Common health conditions have a low prevalence in the area.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% of the total population (4,755 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.8 and 9.0% of residents respectively. Seventy-one point one percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.8% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 10.3% of residents aged 65 and over (760 people), which is lower than the 11.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Watson 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

Watson's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 27.0% born overseas and 20.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Watson is Christianity, making up 30.2% of its population. Judaism is notably overrepresented, comprising 0.5%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 0.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (24.4%), Australian (23.9%), and Other (11.8%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Polish is overrepresented at 0.9% in Watson versus 0.9% regionally, Croatian at 0.8% versus 0.7%, and French at 0.6% versus 0.7%.

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

Watson has a median age of 34 years, which is comparable to the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and significantly lower than the national average of 38. Relative 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 35-44 concentration is well above the national average of 14.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 18.5% to 19.9% of Watson's population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 18.9% to 16.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that Watson's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 cohort is projected to grow by 44%, adding 432 residents to reach a total of 1,422.