Statistical Area 2 (SA2) · Area profile
Spence
2 km²
Set in a very walkable environment with high access to health services and shops, Spence is a prosperous residential area in the ACT. It is a community of nearly 2,600 people where large, detached family homes are the norm. The area is notably well-off, with a typical family income far above the national figure. It is a stable place to live, with a population that has grown slightly since 2011 and a low number of recent arrivals.
13 schools within reach make Spence convenient for families.
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The typical resident is 38, and while the age is about the same as the national figure, it is noticeably older than the ACT average. Seniors make up 17.7% of the population, a figure that has risen by 7.2 points since 2011.
The area is less diverse than most, with 80.4% of people born in Australia. This is far below the national figure, and those born overseas make up only 16.1% of the community.
English is the primary language for 85.4% of residents. Those who use another language at home make up 11.1% of the population, which is far below the national and state averages.
A large portion of the community reports no religion, at 46.7%. This is well above the national figure and reflects a significant increase of 18 points since 2011.
The community is well-qualified, with 71.2% of people completing Year 12, far above the national average. About 31.4% of adults hold a bachelor degree or higher.
Spence is a high-income area where the typical family earns $2,747 a week, well above the national figure. Households earning $3,000 or more per week make up 34.8% of the community.
Health challenges are more common here than in most areas, with 34.9% of people reporting a long-term health condition. Mental health conditions are among the highest at this level, affecting 12.9% of residents.
Residents are active in their community, with 19.3% volunteering, which is well above the national figure. Many people also provide unpaid care, including 30.2% who care for children.
First Nations people make up 2.4% of the population. This group is relatively prosperous, with a typical personal income of $784, well above the national figure, and an unemployment rate of 0.0%.
Homes tend to be larger than usual, with 2.7 people per household. Families with children are common, making up 61.2% of all households.
The area is dominated by detached houses, which make up 92.9% of homes. Large properties are the standard, with 93.7% of homes having three or more bedrooms.
Most people drive to work, but the area is well-served by buses. About 63.7% of workers use a car, while 11.3% work from home.
The community is very stable, as only 28.2% of people moved in the last five years. This is much lower than most other areas in the ACT and across Australia.
The workforce is largely employed full-time, at 61.9%. Many residents work in public administration and safety, which accounts for 25.2% of jobs.
The area is highly advantaged, ranking in the top 20% for overall advantage, education, and job skills. It has a high advantage score of 1,059.
The local climate is typical for the region, with an average annual rainfall of 855mm and a typical maximum temperature of 21.0 degrees.
Spence is very walkable, with 100% of homes within a 10-minute walk of public transport and a park. Almost all residents can reach health services and groceries within 15 minutes on foot.