Downer (ACT)

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Analyzing population updates from the ABS for the region alongside new addresses verified by Districts since the Census shows that Downer has an estimated population of 4,556 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 260 individuals (6.1%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 4,296 residents. The shift is calculated using the resident population of 4,556, projected by Districts after studying the ABS ERP release from June 2025 and incorporating 9 verified new addresses since the Census. This population level means a density ratio of 2,795 persons per square kilometer, which is in the top quartile of domestic locations evaluated by Districts. Downer has shown steady expansion over the last ten years with a 2.3% compound annual growth rate, ahead of the SA4 region. Population expansion was mostly driven by overseas migration, which made up approximately 78.0% of total population increases recently.

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Downer has a highly qualified workforce with a strong presence of professional services, an unemployment rate of 5.2%, and stable employment patterns over the past year, according to Districts' compiled statistical area data. In March 2026, 2,619 residents were employed, with the unemployment rate sitting 1.2% above the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, and workforce participation remaining standard (73.4% versus 70.8% in the Australian Capital Territory). Census records indicate that a low 13.2% of residents worked from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdowns.

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According to the latest postcode-level ATO data released for the financial year 2023, taxpayers in Downer have a median income of $63,279 and an average of $78,225. These figures are very high nationally, compared to the Australian Capital Territory median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since the financial year 2023, current estimates stand at approximately $69,885 (median) and $86,392 (average) as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, household, family, and personal incomes in Downer are high, placing in the 81st to 87th percentiles nationally. The largest earnings bracket consists of 31.1% of residents earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,416 residents), aligning with regional trends where fall into this group. High earners are well represented, with earning more than weekly, pointing to strong local purchasing power. Housing costs take up of income, while solid earnings place residents in the nd percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income rank is in the th decile.

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The mix of housing in Downer at the last Census stood at 67.1% standalone houses and 32.8% other dwelling types (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwellings), compared to 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings in the Australian Capital Territory. Home ownership rates in Downer matched the Australian Capital Territory at 27.4%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (35.6%) or rented (36.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment was higher than the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent was $420, compared to regional averages of $2,080 and $450 respectively. Nationally, Downer's mortgage costs are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well above the national median of $375.

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Family households represent the largest share at 63.6% of all homes, consisting of 28.9% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 8.9% single parents. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.4%, with single-person households at 27.1% and group households at 9.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, matching the Australian Capital Territory average.

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Education levels in Downer are considerably higher than broader averages, with 56.0% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% in the SA4 region. This high level of education positions the local workforce well for knowledge-intensive roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees (20.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%). Vocational training accounts for 18.0% of qualifications among residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (10.8%).

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Public transport analysis shows 23 active transit stops within Downer, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 57 different routes, providing 3,033 passenger trips per week. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 206 meters from the nearest stop. Because it is a mostly residential area, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the dominant mode at 70%, cycling at 9%, and buses at 9%. Households own an average of 1.2 vehicles. A relatively low 13.2% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

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Health outcomes are positive for Downer residents, with Districts' analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results that align with national averages, showing standard rates of common health conditions across young and old cohorts alike. Private health insurance coverage is high, representing approximately 58% of the total population (~2,646 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

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Downer has a higher level of cultural diversity than most local markets, with 29.9% of the population born outside Australia and 24.4% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the main religion, practiced by 29.2% of local residents. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented at 6.6% of the population, compared to 3.0% across the Australian Capital Territory.

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Downer has a median age of 35, matching the Australian Capital Territory median of 35 but slightly below the national figure of 38 years. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Downer has a higher share of residents aged 35 - 44 (16.3%) but a lower share of people aged 75 - 84 (4.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group increased from 17.5% to 18.2% of the population, while the 35 to 44 age cohort fell from 18.0% to 16.3%. Forecasts for 2041 suggest major demographic shifts in Downer, with the 45 to 54 cohort projected to grow the most at 36%, adding residents to reach .

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Downer currently has an estimated 246 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 147 children aged 0-2 and 97 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 9% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 13% by 2041 (to approximately 277 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 436. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.2 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.