Mckellar (ACT)

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According to assessments of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region alongside new addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of McKellar has a projected residency of 2,619 as of May 2026. This indicates a contraction of 121 individuals (4.4%) from the 2021 Census, which documented 2,740 residents. This shift is calculated from the estimated resident count of 2,619, determined by Districts through analyzing the ABS demographic release from June 2025 and subsequent address audits. The population level yields a density of 1,857 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical figure recorded across Australian locations analyzed by Districts. Inward migration from overseas was the primary demographic driver, accounting for roughly 56% of all population increases in recent times.

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The suburb of McKellar has a highly qualified labor force with solid representation in crucial service industries, alongside an unemployment rate of 5.9%, compiled from statistical area statistics by Districts. As of March 2026, 1,332 local workers are employed, while the joblessness rate sits 1.9% higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, and participation in the labor force is notably lower, recorded at 64.8% compared to 70.8% across the territory. Census responses indicate that a modest 13.3% of residents operated from home, though this figure reflects temporary pandemic restrictions.

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ATO records for the 2023 financial year compiled by Districts at the postcode level reveal a median taxpayer income of $64,878 and an average of $78,350. Nationally, this represents a very high income bracket, although it is lower than the Australian Capital Territory median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since the 2023 financial year, current figures would translate to roughly $71,651 for the median and $86,530 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in the area are elevated, positioning between the 89th and 93rd percentiles across Australia. Income distribution shows the largest single cohort comprises 27.3% of residents (714 people) earning between and mirroring the broader region where fall into this bracket. The area displays strong affluence, with of earners receiving more than weekly, which helps sustain high-end retail and services. Residents retain of their income after meeting housing costs, indicating strong discretionary spending, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile for income.

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Residential structures in the suburb of McKellar at the time of the latest Census consisted of 93.7% separate houses and 6.3% other home types such as semi-detached properties, townhouses, and units, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 63.3% separate houses and 36.7% other dwellings. The rate of outright home ownership reached 42.8%, which is well above the territory average, with the remaining residences being purchased under a mortgage (38.0%) or rented (19.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment was higher than the territory average at $2,167, while the median weekly rental cost was $438, compared to territory figures of $2,080 and $450 respectively. On a national level, mortgage commitments in the area are considerably higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well above the national median of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of households at 79.4%, consisting of couples with children at 35.7%, couples without children at 32.9%, and single-parent households at 10.7%. Non-family households account for the remaining 20.6%, with single-person homes at 17.6% and shared group houses at 2.9%. The median household size of 2.7 people is slightly larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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The level of education in the suburb of McKellar is exceptionally high compared to national standards, with 42.3% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% across Australia. This educational edge positions the community well for professional services and knowledge-based careers. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 25.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 11.6% and graduate diplomas at 5.4%. Technical and vocational streams represent 24.9% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and over, split between advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 15.7%.

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An analysis of public transit shows 21 transit stops in service within the suburb of McKellar, consisting of bus services. These stops connect to 59 different routes, providing a total of 3,841 weekly passenger journeys. Transport access is classified as highly convenient, with residents living an average of 158 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, the vast majority of workers travel outside the area, with private vehicles remaining the primary travel mode at 90% and bus travel at 6%. Household car ownership averages 1.7 vehicles per home, which is higher than the territory average. A relatively modest 13.3% of workers perform their jobs from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect the pandemic circumstances of the time.

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The suburb of McKellar displays strong health profiles according to Districts' analysis of mortality indexes and the occurrence of long-term illnesses, with low rates of common health issues observed in both younger and older demographics, while the share of residents with private health insurance is very high at roughly 58% of the population, representing about 1,522 individuals. This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

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The suburb of McKellar is more ethnically diverse than most Australian suburbs, with 31.0% of the population born outside Australia and 27.2% speaking a non-English language in their homes. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 50.9% of the population. The most prominent disproportionate representation is seen in Judaism, which accounts for 0.2% of residents, matching the 0.2% recorded across the Australian Capital Territory.

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The median age of 43 years in the suburb of McKellar is higher than the Australian Capital Territory median of 35 and the national median of 38. Compared to the territory as a whole, the 65 - 74 age group has a larger representation locally at 12.8%, whereas the 25 - 34 bracket is smaller at 11.8%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 4.8% to 8.0%, and the 15 to 24 age bracket went up from 11.8% to 12.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort shrank from 12.8% to 11.5%, and the 55 to group fell from to . Projections suggest the age profile of the suburb of McKellar will change notably by . The to bracket is expected to see the largest growth at , adding people to total . This demographic aging trend is highlighted by the fact that residents aged and older represent of the projected growth. In contrast, population drops are expected for the to and to brackets.

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McKellar currently has an estimated 133 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 80 children aged 0-2 and 53 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 2% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 21% by 2041 (to approximately 105 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 234. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.4 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.