Spence (ACT)

Detail

Analyzing ABS demographic updates for the wider region alongside newly verified addresses from Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Spence (ACT) is calculated at approximately 2,537 for May 2026. This indicates a loss of 50 people (1.9%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 2,587 residents. This adjustment is derived from the resident population of 2,535, calculated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP data release, with 2 new validated addresses added since the Census. The suburb of Spence (ACT) has a population density of 1,669 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical ratio found across locations analyzed by Districts. Recent population gains were mostly fueled by natural increases, which accounted for approximately 59.0% of the overall growth.

Detail

The local workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services, showing an unemployment rate of 5.9% and steady employment levels over the prior year, based on consolidated statistical area data from Districts. In March 2026, 1,312 residents were employed, while the local jobless rate sat 1.8% higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, and participation in the labor force was slightly lower than regional patterns, recording 68.3% compared to 70.8% across the territory. Census details indicate that a modest 12.8% of the working population operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of pandemic restrictions.

Detail

Based on financial year 2023 ATO statistics compiled by Districts, residents in the suburb of Spence earn incomes well above the national benchmark. Taxpayers in the suburb of Spence record a median income of $66,021 and an average income of $74,628, compared to Australian Capital Territory averages of $72,206 and $85,981. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, March 2026 estimates suggest these figures have risen to approximately $72,914 for the median and $82,419 for the average. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Spence are highly ranked, placing between the 86th and 87th percentiles nationwide. The weekly income band of $1,500 - 2,999 is the most common, accounting for 32.6% of residents ( people), which aligns with the broader regional figure of . A notable of earners receive more than per week, indicating affluent segments that support local business activity. After paying for housing, households retain of their income, indicating high disposable income, and the suburb of Spence is positioned in the th decile for SEIFA income.

Detail

According to the latest Census, the local housing stock consisted of 92.5% houses and 7.5% other dwelling types, such as townhouses, apartments, or alternative options, compared to 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings in the Australian Capital Territory. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Spence were considerably higher than the territory average, with 33.2% of residents owning outright, while the remaining homes were occupied by mortgagors (46.1%) or renters (20.7%). The median monthly home loan payment was $2,120, above the territory average of $2,080, while median weekly rent was $375, compared to $450 in the Australian Capital Territory. Globally, local monthly mortgage costs are notably higher than the Australian median of $1,863, whereas weekly rents match the national average of $375.

Detail

Families make up the majority of households at 75.6%, which includes 35.6% couples raising children, 27.2% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent households. The remaining 24.4% consists of non-family households, with lone person households representing 21.1% and group shared homes making up 2.8% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.7 individuals exceeds the Australian Capital Territory benchmark of 2.5.

Detail

Educational outcomes in the area present room for improvement, as the proportion of residents with university qualifications (34.6%) falls well short of the SA4 regional average of 46.8%. This gap highlights a key focus area for local educational programs. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 8.6% and graduate diplomas at 5.3%. Vocational and practical training are highly prevalent, with 31.8% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (20.2%).

Detail

Analysis of local transit options shows 27 active passenger stops operating in the suburb of Spence (ACT), consisting of bus services. These stops support 98 different routes, which together provide 7,199 passenger journeys each week. Access to transit is highly rated, with typical residences situated within 150 meters of the nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, the majority of workers travel elsewhere to work, with cars remaining the main transport choice at 90%, and buses used by 6%. Household car ownership averages 1.6 vehicles, which is higher than the regional average. A relatively low 12.8% of workers performed their jobs from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

Detail

Local health data analyzed by Districts shows notable challenges regarding death rates and chronic illness, with common health concerns observed across both younger and older demographics, while the share of residents with private health insurance is very high at approximately 57% of the population, representing about 1,437 people. This is slightly lower than the 62.4% rate recorded across the Australian Capital Territory.

Detail

The suburb of Spence (ACT) exhibits below-average cultural diversity metrics, with 83.3% of residents born in Australia, 93.5% holding citizenship, and 88.5% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 47.5% of the population. The most prominent disproportionate religious cohort is Buddhism, which is practiced by 1.5% of residents, compared to a higher average of 3.0% across the Australian Capital Territory.

Detail

The median age in the suburb of Spence (ACT) is 38 years, which is older than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and matches the national figure of 38. Compared to the wider territory, the suburb of Spence (ACT) has a higher proportion of residents aged 75 - 84 (7.7%) but fewer residents aged 25 - 34 (10.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 5.1% to 7.7% of the population, and the 0 to 4 group has expanded from 6.0% to 7.4%. In contrast, the 65 to 74 demographic has dropped from 11.6% to 8.6%, and the to cohort declined from to . Future projections suggest the age structure in the suburb of Spence (ACT) will shift notably by . The and over group is expected to grow the fastest at , adding residents to reach . Older residents aged and over will account for of total population growth, highlighting the aging trend, while the to and to cohorts are forecast to decline.

Detail

Spence currently has an estimated 187 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 111 children aged 0-2 and 75 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 21% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 21% by 2041 (to approximately 148 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 237. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 13.2 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. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.