Chifley (ACT)

Detail

According to ABS population adjustments for the wider region alongside recent residential addresses confirmed by Districts post-Census, the suburb of Chifley (ACT) has a residency of approximately 2,785 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 105 people (3.9%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a total of 2,680 residents. The shift is calculated from the estimated population of 2,785, calculated by Districts using the most recent ABS ERP publication (June 2025) combined with 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population size results in a density of 1,751 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical figure observed across domestic areas examined by Districts. In recent times, the local population gains were mostly driven by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 86.0% of the overall growth.

Detail

Chifley has a highly qualified local workforce, with strong representation in essential service fields, a jobless rate of just 3.8%, and stable employment levels over the prior year, based on Districts compilations of regional statistical data. As of March 2026, there are 1,549 residents in employment, representing an unemployment rate 0.3% below the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, while workforce participation is slightly lower than the standard (68.1% compared to 70.8% in the Australian Capital Territory). Census responses indicate a modest 12.9% of the employed workforce worked from home, although this may have been influenced by COVID-19 restriction measures.

Detail

According to the latest postcode level ATO statistics released by Districts for financial year 2023, taxpayers in Chifley earn a median income of $64,273, with an average of $80,270. This ranks very high on a national scale, comparing to a median of $72,206 and an average of $85,981 in the Australian Capital Territory. Accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to roughly $70,983 (median) and $88,650 (average) as of March 2026. Under 2021 Census metrics, household, family, and personal incomes in Chifley are high, ranking between the 85th and 90th percentiles nationwide. The statistics indicate the largest group consists of 30.8% of households earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly ( residents), resembling the surrounding territory where fall into this bracket. High-income earners are prominent, with earning more than weekly, pointing to substantial purchasing power. Housing costs consume of income, while solid earnings place residents in the th percentile for disposable income, and the area's SEIFA income score falls within the th decile.

Detail

The mix of housing in Chifley at the time of the latest Census consisted of 67.7% houses and 32.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings throughout the Australian Capital Territory. At the same time, the rate of outright home ownership in Chifley stood at 32.3%, well ahead of the Australian Capital Territory average, with the remaining houses being mortgaged (35.2%) or rented (32.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was $2,383, which is considerably higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $450, matching the Australian Capital Territory median of $450. Nationally, Chifley's mortgage repayments are notably higher than the Australian median of $1,863, while rent costs are substantially above the national average of $375.

Detail

Families make up the majority of households at 64.2%, consisting of 28.1% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 8.7% single parents. Non-family households represent the remaining 35.8%, with single-person homes at 30.7% and group households making up 4.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 residents is slightly smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Detail

Academic credentials in Chifley are notably higher than wider averages, with 52.2% of residents aged 15+ holding a tertiary qualification, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 46.8% across the SA4 region. This high concentration of tertiary education positions the local workforce well for knowledge-intensive roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 29.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees (16.5%) and graduate diplomas (6.2%). Vocational education represents 22.9% of qualifications for those aged 15 and over, split between advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (12.1%).

Detail

Public transport data shows 10 active transit stops operating in Chifley, consisting of bus services. These stops accommodate 9 distinct routes, which combine to deliver 750 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 223 meters from the nearest stop. Given the residential nature of the area, most workers commute to external employment hubs, with cars remaining the primary travel mode at 82%, followed by buses at 8% and walking at 5%. Households average 1.2 vehicles. A relatively low 12.9% of residents work from home, based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect the impact of pandemic conditions.

Detail

Chifley shows favorable health trends based on Districts' evaluation of mortality data and chronic illness rates, with common conditions showing low prevalence among the general population and aligning closer to national averages in older, high-risk groups. Additionally, private health insurance coverage is high at approximately 59% of the population (1,640 people), compared to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

Detail

Chifley exhibits a higher degree of cultural diversity than most local property markets, with 30.9% of its residents born abroad and 26.5% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 40.0% of the local population. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is Hinduism, which accounts for 8.1% of residents compared to 4.8% across the broader Australian Capital Territory.

Detail

With a median age of 36 years, Chifley is close to the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 years and slightly younger than the Australian average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Chifley has a higher proportion of residents aged 35 - 44 (17.3%) but fewer children aged 5 - 14 (9.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort has expanded from 15.2% to 17.3% of the population, while those aged 85+ grew from 2.0% to 3.2%. By contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 12.3% to 10.2% and the 5 to cohort declined from to . Demographic projections for suggest notable shifts for Chifley, with the to group showing the strongest projected increase of , adding residents to total . Seniors aged and over will account for of the population growth, highlighting local aging trends. Conversely, contractions are projected for the to and to age groups.

Detail

Chifley currently has an estimated 167 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 98 children aged 0-2 and 66 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 16% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 156 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 211. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 13.1 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally.