Statistical Area 2 (SA2) · Area profile
Dickson
2 km²
A highly walkable urban hub, Dickson is a young and professionally driven community in the Australian Capital Territory. The typical resident is just 30, making it far younger than the national figure. It is a place of significant growth and change, with over 70% of people moving here in the last five years. This influx of young adults and a high proportion of overseas arrivals have created a diverse, university-educated population with incomes well above the national average.
Dickson's schools draw a community as advantaged as its high household incomes suggest.
Dickson is well supplied with schools for its relatively small share of children.
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The area is noticeably younger than the rest of the territory, with a very low proportion of seniors and children. A high number of residents are in de facto relationships, and 59.1% have never been married.
Overseas born residents make up 30.0% of the community, which is a little above the national figure. English and Australian are the most common ancestries, followed by Irish, Chinese, and Scottish.
About a quarter of residents use a language other than English at home, a figure that has risen since 2011. Mandarin is the most common non-English language spoken.
A large majority of people here report no religion, at 61.5%. This is far above both the territory and national figures, and has risen by 23 points since 2011.
The community is exceptionally well-qualified, with 58.8% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. This is far above the national figure and consistent with the high proportion of people who completed Year 12.
Incomes are much higher than in most similar areas, with the typical personal weekly income at $1,303. This is far above the national figure and has risen significantly since 2011.
While the need for help with daily activities is much lower than most areas, mental health conditions are reported at 12.8%, which is well above the national average.
Volunteering is much more common here than in most areas, though a lower proportion of people provide unpaid care or do housework compared to the territory average.
There are 49 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the area. Those in this group have a median personal income and household income that are both far above the national figures.
People are more likely to live alone here than in most areas, and homes are smaller, with a typical size of 2.2 people.
Renting is very common, with 45.9% of households renting and typical weekly rents of $500. Apartments make up nearly half of all homes, and there are far fewer detached houses than in the rest of the territory.
Public transport use is well above the national figure, and it is very easy to get around, with a 1-minute walk to the nearest stop and no car in about 11% of homes.
The population is very mobile, as 70.8% of residents moved here in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas also make up a high proportion of the community at 26.6%.
Job activity is very high, with 78.2% of adults working or looking for work. Many residents work in public administration and safety or as professionals.
The area is ranked among the most advantaged in the country, particularly regarding education and job skills, and has seen very strong population growth since 2021.
The area experiences average annual rainfall of 778mm, which is a little below the territory average, and minimum temperatures that are slightly higher than the state figure.
Described as a walker's paradise, every single home is within a 15-minute walk of a park, a school, and public transport, and nearly all are within reach of groceries.