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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Weston's population is estimated at around 3997 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a decrease of 3 people (0.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4000 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3987, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1038 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, the suburb of Weston (ACT) has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

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. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas is forecast, with the suburb expected to grow by 1058 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 26.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Weston has averaged approximately three new dwelling approvals per year. Nineteen homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, with four more approved so far in FY26. This results in an estimated 6.5 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

Demand significantly exceeds new supply, which typically leads 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. Additionally, $4.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Weston has significantly less development activity, at 60.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens 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, indicating continued strong demand for family homes. With around 1590 people per dwelling approval, Weston reflects a highly mature market. Looking ahead, Weston is expected to grow by 1046 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Weston 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 identified four projects expected to impact the area. Key projects are Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Fetherston Weston, The Hunter, and Wesley Mission Affordable Housing Curtin.

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

Weston has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.5% as of June 2025, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.0%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 2,063 residents were in work while workforce participation lagged behind ACT's at 60.8% versus ACT's 69.6%. Leading employment industries among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Retail trade showed lower representation at 4.4%, compared to the regional average of 6.6%. Many Weston residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population counts. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.0% while labour force grew by 1.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, ACT experienced employment growth of 1.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 estimate overall employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Weston's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Weston's median income among taxpayers is $70,298, with an average of $83,630. This ranks among the highest in Australia, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $79,859 (median) and $95,004 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data ranks Weston's household, family, and personal incomes highly nationally, between the 86th and 93rd percentiles. The distribution shows 28.1% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,123 individuals), aligning with regional levels at 34.3%. Weston's affluence is evident with 40.4% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and services. After housing costs, residents retain 87.5% of 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

Weston's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.4% houses and 25.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's 81.7% houses and 18.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Weston was at 37.6%, aligning with the Australian Capital Territory figure. Dwellings were either mortgaged (38.9%) or rented (23.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,251. Median weekly rent was recorded at $420, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure but significantly higher than the national average of $375 for mortgage repayments and $420 for rents.

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

Family households comprise 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 the remaining 28.7%, with lone person households at 25.8% and group households comprising 3.1%. 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 high, with 52% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This surpasses the national average of 30.4% and the SA3 area's 46.6%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.8%) and graduate diplomas (6.4%). Vocational pathways account for 21.2%, with advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 11.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 7.4% in tertiary education. The area has two schools: Islamic School of Canberra and Orana Steiner School, serving a total of 822 students. These schools offer integrated K-12 education, providing continuity throughout students' academic journey. Weston demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages with an ICSEA score of 1106. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs at 20.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.8, indicating that the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Weston has 36 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together facilitate 1,773 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 182 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, each route operates 253 trips per day, resulting in approximately 49 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 (2,407 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.6 and 8.3% of residents respectively. However, 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 (899 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.

Weston 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

Weston's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 26.2% born overseas and 19.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Weston, accounting for 42.4% of its population. However, Judaism stood out with an overrepresentation of 0.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 0.2%.

The top three ancestral groups based on parental country of birth were English (25.0%), Australian (24.1%), and Other (11.1%). Notably, Hungarian (0.5% vs regional 0.6%), French (0.8% vs 0.7%), and Russian (0.5% vs 0.3%) ethnic groups showed significant divergences in their representation compared to the broader region.

Weston hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

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. The 75-84 age group is notably over-represented in Weston 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 grown 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%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Weston's age profile will evolve significantly. The 55 to 64 age cohort is projected to expand by 179 people (45%) from 399 to 579. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow modestly by 9% (35 people).