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 3990 as of February 2026. This reflects a decrease of 10 people (0.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4000 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3985, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1036 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Weston has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb 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 26.4% 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 around 3 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21 and FY25, an estimated 19 homes were approved, with a further 4 approved in FY26 to date. This results in approximately 0.7 new dwellings per year per 1000 people, significantly below the regional average of 3.2.

Given an average of 6.5 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years, demand exceeds supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost value for new properties is $75,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26 to date, $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 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. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests at Census, 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 1,053 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that may affect this region: Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Fetherston Weston, The Hunter, and Wesley Mission Affordable Housing Curtin. The following details the most relevant ones.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Weston has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.6% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.4%. As of September 2025, 2,042 residents were employed at a 1.0% lower unemployment rate than the Australian Capital Territory's 3.6%.

Workforce participation was 64.2%, compared to the ACT's 72.5%. Home workership stood at 14.0%. Leading industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Retail trade had lower representation at 4.4% versus the regional average of 6.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4%, labour force by 1.1%, reducing unemployment by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, the ACT had employment growth of 1.4% and a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Weston's industry mix suggests 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 on an unspecified date. In Weston, the median income among taxpayers was $70,298 with an average of $83,630. These figures were among the highest in Australia, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and 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. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Weston ranked highly nationally, between the 86th and 93rd percentiles. Distribution data indicates that 28.1% of Weston's community earned between $1,500 - 2,999 per week (1,121 individuals), aligning with regional levels where this cohort represented 34.3%. Weston demonstrates affluence with 40.4% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Weston, as per the latest Census evaluation, 74.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 25.6% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's composition of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Weston stood at 37.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.9% and rented ones at 23.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in Weston was $420, compared to the Australian Capital Territory figure of $450. Nationally, Weston's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Weston has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical 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 comprise the remaining 28.7%, with lone person households at 25.8% and group households making up 3.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

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

Weston's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 52.0% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 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% of qualifications, 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 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 95 different routes that together facilitate 6,521 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 183 meters from the nearest stop. Most Weston residents commute outward daily. In Weston, car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 86%, followed by bus at 7% and cycling at 3%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in Weston.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.0% of residents work from home, which may be partly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 931 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 191 weekly trips per individual stop.

Weston's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Weston's health metrics are close to national benchmarks according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among Weston's general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Approximately 60% of Weston's total population (2,403 people) has private health cover, compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions in Weston are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.6% and 8.3% of residents respectively. 67.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among the working-age population in Weston are broadly typical. The area has 22.7% of residents aged 65 and over (905 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

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 high cultural diversity, with 26.2% born overseas and 19.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Weston, comprising 42.4%. However, Judaism was overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, making up 0.2% of Weston's population.

The top three ancestry groups were English (25.0%), Australian (24.1%), and Other (11.1%). Notable divergences included Hungarian (0.5% vs regional 0.3%), French (0.8% vs 0.5%), and Russian (0.5% vs 0.3%) groups being more prevalent in Weston than the regional average.

Weston's median age exceeds the national pattern

Weston has a median age of 42, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's figure of 35 and Australia's national average of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, Weston has an over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort (10.2% locally) and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group (9.8%). Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.9% to 11.5% of Weston's population, while the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 10.0% to 8.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Weston's age profile, with the 55-64 age cohort projected to expand by 172 people (42%), growing from 406 to 579 individuals.