Statistical Area 2 (SA2) · Area profile
Bruce
6 km²
Centred on a high-density mix of townhouses and apartments, Bruce is a highly educated and youthful hub in the Australian Capital Territory. The typical resident is only 29, making it far younger than the national figure. This creates a distinct community of young professionals and renters, with over half the population holding a university degree. Its character is shaped by a high proportion of overseas arrivals and a workforce that is exceptionally well-qualified and high-earning.
Bruce's schools draw a community as advantaged as its high household incomes suggest.
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This is a young area where the typical resident is 29, making it noticeably younger than the territory average. Children under 15 make up only 10.5% of the population, which is well below the national figure.
Overseas birthplaces are very common here, with 38.8% of people born abroad, a figure far above the national average. This diversity is reflected in the ancestry data, with Chinese and Indian residents being particularly prominent.
Reflecting its international character, 33.7% of residents use a language other than English at home, which is far above the national figure. Mandarin is the most common non-English language spoken.
A large portion of the community has no religion, at 45.1%, which is well above the national average and has risen by 15 points since 2011.
The area is exceptionally well-qualified, with 51.6% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. This is far above the national average, and the rate of Year 12 completion is also among the highest in the country.
Typical weekly household incomes are $2,266, which is well above the national figure. This high earning power is consistent with the area's highly educated workforce.
While 69.3% of people have no long-term health conditions, mental health conditions are more common here than in most other areas, affecting 11.3% of residents.
The area has a high rate of volunteering at 19.9%, though it has among the lowest proportions of people providing unpaid childcare or housework.
A small number of First Nations people live here, and they have seen a high rate of Year 12 completion at 76.5%, which is far above the national figure.
Many people live alone here, accounting for 30.2% of households, which is well above the national average. Consequently, homes are smaller, with only 2.3 people per dwelling.
Renting is very common, with 49.6% of households renting, far above the national figure. Townhouses and apartments dominate, as separate houses make up only 20.7% of homes.
Public transport use is high, with 9.6% of people commuting by bus, which is well above the national average. The area is very well connected, with a high number of bus departures per 1,000 people.
The population is very mobile, with 68.6% of residents having moved in the last five years. This is far above the national average and is driven partly by the 30.9% who arrived from overseas.
A high proportion of adults—73.8%—are working or looking for work, which is far above the national figure. Many are employed in public administration and safety.
The area is ranked among the most advantaged in the country, with a perfect score for education and job skills.
The local climate is slightly cooler than the territory average, with an average maximum temperature of 20.9 degrees.
The area is very walkable, with 98.2% of homes within a 15-minute walk of a '15-minute-city' walkshed. Nearly every home is within a short walk of a park and public transport.