Weston (ACT)

Weston 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 validations, as of Nov 2025, Weston's population is estimated at around 3985. This reflects a decrease of 15 people since the 2021 Census figure of 4000. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3985 after examining ABS's ERP data release in June 2024 and validating eight new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1035 persons per square kilometer, aligning with averages seen across areas assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Weston has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outpacing its SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered or years post-2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections with a 2022 base are adopted. Looking ahead, significant population increase is forecast for Weston, with projections indicating an addition of 1058 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 26.6% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Weston according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Weston averaging around 3 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 19 homes were approved, with a further 4 approved in FY-26 to date. This results in approximately 0.7 new dwellings per year per 1000 residents, significantly lower than the regional average of 2.3.

Given an average of 6.5 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years, demand exceeds supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $75,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, $98,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Weston has significantly less development activity, with 60.0% fewer dwelling approvals per person than the regional average. This scarcity of new homes can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (74.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes. Weston reflects a highly mature market, with around 1590 people per dwelling approval. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Weston's population will grow by 1,058 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely impacting the area: Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Fetherston Weston, The Hunter, and Wesley Mission Affordable Housing Curtin. These are detailed below as they are most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Weston demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Weston has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.6% and it experienced a 2.4% employment growth in the past year (AreaSearch).

As of September 2025, 2,042 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.0% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation stands at 60.8%, compared to the ACT's 69.6%. Leading industries for residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Retail trade has lower representation at 4.4% versus the regional average of 6.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4% and labour force by 1.1%, reducing unemployment by 1.3 percentage points (AreaSearch). In contrast, the ACT had employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. National forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years. Applying these projections to Weston's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch released postcode-level ATO data for financial year 2023. Weston's median income among taxpayers was $70,298, with an average of $83,630. These figures are among the highest in Australia. The Australian Capital Territory had a median income of $72,206 and an average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Weston would be approximately $76,808 (median) and $91,374 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, Weston's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 86th and 93rd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 28.1% of Weston's community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (1,119 individuals), aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 34.3%. Weston demonstrates significant affluence with 40.4% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 87.5% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Weston is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Weston, as per the latest Census data, 74.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 25.6% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is compared to the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) figures of 81.7% houses and 18.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Weston stood at 37.6%, similar to the ACT's rate. The majority of dwellings were mortgaged (38.9%) or rented (23.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Weston was $2,200, lower than the ACT average of $2,251 but higher than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Weston was $420, matching the ACT figure but significantly higher than the national average of $375.

Weston has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 71.3% of all households, including 32.8% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for 28.7%, comprising 25.8% lone person households and 3.1% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Weston is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2016 data, 52.0% of residents aged 15 and above held university qualifications, compared to the national average of 30.4% and the SA3 area average of 46.6%. This high educational attainment positions Weston strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 27.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.8%) and graduate diplomas (6.4%).

Vocational pathways account for 21.2% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas comprising 9.8% and certificates making up 11.4%. Educational participation is high in Weston, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the 2016 census. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 7.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Weston has 34 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a total of 95 different bus routes. Together, these routes facilitate 6,521 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Weston is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 183 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 931 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 191 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Weston faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (2400 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis, impacting 8.6% of residents, and mental health issues, affecting 8.3%. A total of 67.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.3% across the Australian Capital Territory. The area has 22.5% of residents aged 65 and over (896 people), which is higher than the 20.6% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Weston's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 26.2% born overseas and 19.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Weston, accounting for 42.4%. While Judaism represented only 0.2%, it was more than double the Australian Capital Territory average of 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (25.0%), Australian (24.1%), and Other (11.1%). Some ethnicities showed significant differences: Hungarian at 0.5% in Weston compared to 0.6% regionally, French at 0.8% versus 0.7%, and Russian at 0.5% compared to 0.3%.

Weston's median age exceeds the national pattern

Weston's median age is 42, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, Weston has an over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort at 10.2%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.9% to 11.3% of Weston's population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 10.0% to 8.3%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 13.7% to 12.6%. Demographic modeling indicates that Weston's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 55 to 64 age cohort is projected to expand notably, growing by 180 people (45%) from 398 to 579. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow modestly by 9% (36 people).