Cook (ACT)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census Cook's population is estimated at around 2,968 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 3 people (0.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,965 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,962, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,878 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by Districts. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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Cook features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.3%, and 0.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,590 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.7% below Australian Capital Territory's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (65.9% compared to Australian Capital Territory's 70.8%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 15.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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As per Districts' latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Cook's median income among taxpayers is $71,967, with an average of $90,314. This is among the highest in Australia, and compares to Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $79,480 (median) and $99,743 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Cook, between the 81st and 94th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.7% of residents (940 people), reflecting patterns seen the metropolitan region where similarly occupy this range. Economic strength emerges through of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within Cook, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 60.7% houses and 39.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Cook was well beyond that of Australian Capital Territory, at 40.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.0%) or rented (24.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $440, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Cook's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 65.2% of all households, comprising 27.0% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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Educational attainment in Cook significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 60.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 43.8% in SA3 area. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 31.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.4%) and graduate diplomas (6.9%). Vocational pathways account for 18.5% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (10.1%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 10 active transport stops operating within Cook comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 33 individual routes, collectively providing 1,750 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 230 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 76%, with 10% by bus and 9% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average. Some 15.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Cook's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (1,865 people). The national average is 55.7%.

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Cook was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 24.9% of its population born overseas and 15.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Cook was found to be Christianity, which makes up 32.9% of people in Cook. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.2% across Australian Capital Territory.

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With a median age of 42, Cook is considerably higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 similarly significantly higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 45 - 54 cohort is notably over-represented (14.9% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (10.1%). In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 12.0% of the population, while the 85+ cohort increased from 2.5% to 3.6%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 10.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Cook's age profile will evolve significantly by . The + age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, expanding by people () from to . Notably, the combined + age groups will account for of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the to and to cohorts are expected to experience population declines.

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Cook currently has an estimated 136 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 81 children aged 0-2 and 54 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 18% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 15% by 2041 (to approximately 115 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 270. Birth rates in the area have averaged 9.0 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.