# Spence

Statistical Area 2 (SA2) · Area profile

Located in: Australian Capital Territory › Australian Capital Territory › Unincorporated ACT › 2615, ACT

Area: 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.

## Demographics & Identity

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.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Total population | 2,587 | +1.1% since 2011 |
| Median age | 38 yrs | +5.6% since 2011 |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander population | 2.4% | +55.8% since 2011 |
| People aged 65 and over | 17.7% | +68.1% since 2011 |
| Children under 15 | 19.8% | -6.7% since 2011 |
| People in a de facto relationship | 12.0% | +28.3% since 2011 |

**Age structure** — Young adults (25–44) 27.6%, Older adults (45–64) 22.7%, Children (0–14) 19.8%, Seniors (65+) 17.7%, Youth (15–24) 12.2%

**Marital status** — Married 49.4%, Never married 35.7%, Divorced 9.0%, Widowed 3.1%, Separated 2.8%

## Ancestry & Birthplace

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.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People born overseas | 16.1% | -5.8% since 2011 |

**Country of birth** — Australia 80.4%, England 2.9%, China 0.9%, India 0.5%, Vietnam 0.5%, New Zealand 0.5%, Italy 0.3%, Philippines 0.2%, South Africa 0.2%

**Ancestry** — Australian 41.5%, English 38.9%, Irish 14.9%, Scottish 12.9%, German 4.7%, Italian 2.9%, Chinese 2.6%, Greek 1.9%, Dutch 1.8%, Vietnamese 1.0%, Indian 0.9%, Filipino 0.2%

## Language

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.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People using another language at home | 11.1% | +10.5% since 2011 |
| People who speak little or no English | 1.4% | -29.5% since 2016 |

**Language used at home** — English only 85.4%, Mandarin 1.1%, Vietnamese 0.9%, Greek 0.9%, Arabic 0.6%, Italian 0.2%, Hindi 0.2%

## Religion

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.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People with no religion | 46.7% | +64.3% since 2011 |

**Religious affiliation** — No religion 46.7%, Christianity 44.8%, Not stated 5.5%, Buddhism 1.4%, Islam 0.9%, Other religions 0.4%, Hinduism 0.3%

## Education & Qualifications

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.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Completed Year 12 | 71.2% | +14.3% since 2011 |
| Adults with a bachelor degree or higher | 31.4% | +18.1% since 2011 |
| Schools within 3 km | 13 | — |

**Highest year of school** — Year 12 71.2%, Year 10 14.2%, Year 9 or below 5.4%, Year 11 5.1%

**Highest qualification level** — Bachelor degree 28.1%, Certificate III / IV 23.8%, Advanced diploma / diploma 15.9%, Postgraduate degree 11.7%, Graduate diploma / certificate 7.3%, Certificate I / II 1.1%

**Field of qualification** — Society & culture 19.0%, Management & commerce 16.5%, Engineering & related 9.5%, Education 8.6%, Health 8.0%, Information technology 6.5%, Architecture & building 6.4%, Creative arts 6.0%, Natural & physical sciences 4.9%, Food, hospitality & personal services 3.1%, Agriculture & environment 2.5%

## Income

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.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Median personal income (weekly) | $1,125 | +33.9% since 2011 |
| Median household income (weekly) | $2,358 | +27.9% since 2011 |
| Median family income (weekly) | $2,747 | +33.7% since 2011 |
| People earning $2,000+ a week | 19.2% | — |
| Households earning $3,000+ a week | 34.8% | — |

**Household income distribution** — $1,500–$2,999 31.4%, $650–$1,499 20.0%, $4,000 or more 19.3%, $3,000–$3,999 15.4%, Under $650 10.4%

**Personal income distribution** — Under $650 32.0%, $650–$1,499 30.3%, $1,500–$2,999 28.7%, $3,000 or more 5.8%

## Health & Disability

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.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People with a long-term health condition | 34.9% | — |
| People with a mental health condition | 12.9% | — |
| People needing help with daily activities | 5.4% | +70.9% since 2011 |

**Long-term health conditions reported** — Mental health 12.9%, Other condition 11.2%, Asthma 11.1%, Arthritis 10.2%, Diabetes 5.7%, Heart disease 4.8%, Cancer 3.7%, Lung condition 1.2%, Stroke 1.0%, Dementia 0.5%

**Number of long-term health conditions** — None 58.9%, One condition 23.5%, Two conditions 7.3%, Three or more 3.8%

## Community Participation

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.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Volunteers | 19.3% | -11.2% since 2011 |
| People providing unpaid care | 14.7% | +20.2% since 2011 |
| People caring for children unpaid | 30.2% | -3.0% since 2011 |
| People who served in the Defence Force | 5.6% | — |
| People doing 15+ hours of unpaid housework | 21.3% | -15.9% since 2011 |

## First Nations

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%.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people | 63 | — |
| First Nations median age | 26 yrs | — |
| First Nations Year 12 completion | 53.5% | — |
| First Nations unemployment rate | 0.0% | — |
| First Nations median personal income | $784 | — |
| First Nations household income | $2,200 | — |
| Speaks a First Nations language | 15.9% | — |

## Family & Households

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.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Average household size | 2.7 | -3.6% since 2011 |
| One-parent families | 12.2% | -7.2% since 2011 |
| People living alone | 21.1% | +23.2% since 2011 |

**Family composition** — Couples with children 61.2%, Couples without children 25.3%, One-parent families 12.2%, Other families 1.2%

**Household size** — 2 people 34.0%, 1 person 21.1%, 4 people 18.3%, 3 people 15.9%, 5 people 8.0%, 6 or more 3.2%

## Housing & Dwellings

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.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Median rent (weekly) | $375 | +78.6% since 2011 |
| Median mortgage repayment (monthly) | $2,120 | +0.9% since 2011 |
| Average people per bedroom | 0.80 | -20.0% since 2011 |
| Households renting | 19.9% | -2.8% since 2011 |
| Homes owned outright | 32.8% | -5.1% since 2011 |
| Separate (detached) houses | 92.9% | -3.1% since 2011 |
| Homes with three or more bedrooms | 93.7% | -0.2% since 2011 |

**How homes are owned or rented** — Owned with a mortgage 45.2%, Owned outright 32.8%, Rented 19.9%, Not stated 1.1%, Other tenure 0.9%

**Types of homes** — Separate house 92.9%, Townhouse / semi-detached 7.6%

**Bedrooms per home** — 3 bedrooms 45.7%, 4 bedrooms 40.0%, 5 or more 8.1%, 1 bedroom 3.5%, 2 bedrooms 2.9%

**Weekly rent distribution** — $350–$549 33.7%, Under $200 27.2%, $200–$349 16.8%, $550–$749 11.4%, $750 or more 4.3%

**Monthly mortgage distribution** — $1,800–$2,999 46.3%, $1,000–$1,799 24.6%, $3,000 or more 15.0%, Under $1,000 7.9%

## Transport & Vehicles

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.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Homes with no motor vehicle | 4.0% | -23.9% since 2011 |
| People working from home | 11.3% | +259.9% since 2011 |
| Commuting by public transport | 3.3% | -28.1% since 2011 |
| Public transport stops | 23 | — |
| PT stops per 1,000 people | 8.89 | — |
| Weekly PT departures per 1,000 people | 2,368.0 | — |
| Public transport routes | 2 | — |
| Walk to nearest stop (min) | 2 | — |
| Drive time to the city (min) | 15 | — |
| People reachable in 30 min by transit | 8,118 | — |
| People reachable in 45 min by transit | 24,822 | — |
| Transit time to the city (min) | 63 | — |

**How people get to work** — Car (driver) 63.7%, Worked at home 11.3%, Car (passenger) 4.6%, Bus 3.1%, Bicycle 0.8%, Walked 0.3%, Train 0.2%

**Motor vehicles per home** — 2 vehicles 45.7%, 1 vehicle 29.1%, 3 vehicles 13.5%, 4 or more 7.6%, No vehicle 4.0%

## Migration & Movement

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.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People who moved in the last 5 years | 28.2% | -4.1% since 2011 |
| Recent arrivals from overseas | 6.7% | -24.8% since 2011 |

## Jobs & Industry

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.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | +14.3% since 2011 |
| Labour-force participation | 65.8% | -7.2% since 2011 |
| Employed full-time | 61.9% | -3.4% since 2011 |

**Industries people work in** — Public administration & safety 25.2%, Health care & social assistance 12.5%, Education & training 11.1%, Construction 10.6%, Professional & technical 9.1%, Retail trade 6.7%, Accommodation & food 4.8%, Other services 3.7%, Administrative & support 3.4%, Manufacturing 1.9%, Arts & recreation 1.8%, Media & telecommunications 1.8%, Transport & warehousing 1.6%, Rental & real estate 1.2%, Finance & insurance 1.1%, Electricity, gas & water 0.9%, Agriculture, forestry & fishing 0.6%, Wholesale trade 0.4%

**Occupations people work in** — Professionals 25.9%, Clerical & administrative 16.9%, Managers 15.8%, Technicians & trades 14.0%, Community & personal service 11.5%, Sales workers 6.7%, Labourers 5.8%, Machinery operators & drivers 1.8%

## Economy & Advantage

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.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile) | 8 | — |
| Socio-economic disadvantage (IRSD decile) | 8 | — |
| Economic resources (IER decile) | 8 | — |
| Education & occupation (IEO decile) | 8 | — |
| Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD score) | 1,059 | — |
| Population estimate | 2,535 | — |
| Population growth since 2021 | -1.0% | — |
| Businesses | 125 | — |

## Environment & Climate

The local climate is typical for the region, with an average annual rainfall of 855mm and a typical maximum temperature of 21.0 degrees.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Average annual rainfall | 855 | — |
| Average maximum temperature | 21.0 | — |
| Average minimum temperature | 6.9 | — |

## Walkability

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.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Walkability score | 7.1 | — |
| Amenity types within a 15-minute walk | 7.7 | — |
| Homes with a 15-minute-city walkshed | 95.4% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of groceries | 93.9% | — |
| Homes within 10 min walk of public transport | 100.0% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of a school | 89.4% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of a park | 100.0% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of health services | 95.3% | — |
| Walkable amenities per 1,000 residents | 14.7 | — |
| Street connectivity (intersections/km²) | 265 | — |
| Mean terrain slope | 6.0% | — |

## Schools serving Spence

13 schools, 6,299 students, average ICSEA 1,054.

By sector: Government 9, Catholic 4

By type: Primary 11, Secondary 2

Nearest 10 shown:

| School | Sector | Type | Distance | Students |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Evatt Primary School | Government | Primary | 1.3 km | 281 |
| Mount Rogers Primary School | Government | Primary | 1.4 km | 461 |
| Miles Franklin Primary School | Government | Primary | 1.6 km | 394 |
| St Monica's Primary School | Catholic | Primary | 1.7 km | 412 |
| Fraser Primary School | Government | Primary | 2.1 km | 462 |
| Melba Copland Secondary School Copland Campus Years 10 - 12 | Government | Secondary | 2.3 km | 953 |
| Charnwood-Dunlop School | Government | Primary | 2.6 km | 308 |
| Giralang Primary School | Government | Primary | 3.1 km | 268 |
| Florey Primary School | Government | Primary | 3.3 km | 397 |
| St Thomas Aquinas Primary School | Catholic | Primary | 3.3 km | 374 |

## Nearby areas

[Evatt](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/801011007/evatt) · [Melba](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/801011022/melba) · [Gooromon](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/801011012/gooromon) · [Fraser](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/801011010/fraser) · [McKellar](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/801011021/mckellar) · [Flynn](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/801011009/flynn) · [Hall](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/801041043/hall) · [Charnwood](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/801011004/charnwood)

Interactive profile: https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/801011025/spence