# Farrer

Statistical Area 2 (SA2) · Area profile

Located in: Australian Capital Territory › Australian Capital Territory › Unincorporated ACT › 2607, ACT

Area: 2 km²

An older and more affluent population defines Farrer, where the typical resident is 43, making the area noticeably older than the national figure. It is a wealthy community with high levels of education and home ownership, sitting in a very walkable setting. The area has grown by 13% since 2011, adding about 430 people to its population. With many large family homes and a high proportion of seniors, it feels like an established and comfortable suburb.

## Demographics & Identity

The area is far older than the rest of the territory, with a typical age of 43 and 23.7% of people aged 65 and over. This senior population is well above the national figure and has risen since 2011. Children under 15 make up 18.1% of the community, which is about the same as the national average.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Total population | 3,787 | +12.8% since 2011 |
| Median age | 43 yrs | +0.0% since 2011 |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander population | 1.2% | +200.0% since 2011 |
| People aged 65 and over | 23.7% | +16.7% since 2011 |
| Children under 15 | 18.1% | +1.4% since 2011 |
| People in a de facto relationship | 9.4% | +4.1% since 2011 |

**Age structure** — Older adults (45–64) 25.0%, Seniors (65+) 23.7%, Young adults (25–44) 21.8%, Children (0–14) 18.1%, Youth (15–24) 11.6%

**Marital status** — Married 53.8%, Never married 28.8%, Widowed 8.3%, Divorced 6.8%, Separated 2.4%

## Ancestry & Birthplace

Most residents were born in Australia, though 25.9% were born overseas, a figure slightly below the national average. English is the most common ancestry at 36.4%, followed by Australian, Irish, and Scottish heritage.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People born overseas | 25.9% | +2.4% since 2011 |

**Country of birth** — Australia 70.2%, England 4.3%, India 2.4%, New Zealand 1.4%, China 1.3%, Nepal 1.2%, Philippines 0.6%, Italy 0.6%, South Africa 0.5%, Vietnam 0.3%

**Ancestry** — English 36.4%, Australian 32.2%, Irish 13.2%, Scottish 12.4%, German 4.8%, Italian 3.8%, Chinese 3.6%, Indian 3.4%, Dutch 2.1%, Greek 1.7%, Filipino 0.8%, Vietnamese 0.4%

## Language

English is the main language for 78.2% of people. While 17.7% of residents use another language at home—which is higher than in many similar areas—this is still well below the territory and national figures.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People using another language at home | 17.7% | +13.7% since 2011 |
| People who speak little or no English | 1.5% | -9.9% since 2016 |

**Language used at home** — English only 78.2%, Mandarin 1.4%, Hindi 1.0%, Greek 0.9%, Arabic 0.8%, Italian 0.8%, Cantonese 0.8%, Punjabi 0.7%, Vietnamese 0.4%, Tagalog 0.4%

## Religion

About 41.0% of people report no religion, a figure that has risen by 13 points since 2011. This is slightly above the national average, while Christianity remains the most common affiliation at 44.5%.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People with no religion | 41.0% | +48.0% since 2011 |

**Religious affiliation** — Christianity 44.5%, No religion 41.0%, Not stated 5.7%, Hinduism 3.0%, Islam 2.7%, Buddhism 1.8%, Other religions 0.9%, Judaism 0.6%

## Education & Qualifications

Farrer is highly qualified, with 44.3% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher, far above the national figure. Year 12 completion is also much higher than most areas at 78.1%.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Completed Year 12 | 78.1% | +5.3% since 2011 |
| Adults with a bachelor degree or higher | 44.3% | +14.9% since 2011 |
| Schools | 1 | — |
| Schools per 1,000 children | 1.46 | — |
| Schools within 3 km | 16 | — |
| School enrolments | 252 | — |
| Average school size | 252 | — |
| Average school ICSEA | 1,098 | — |

**Highest year of school** — Year 12 78.1%, Year 10 9.5%, Year 9 or below 3.7%, Year 11 3.4%

**Highest qualification level** — Bachelor degree 34.1%, Postgraduate degree 20.5%, Advanced diploma / diploma 14.3%, Certificate III / IV 11.3%, Graduate diploma / certificate 7.5%, Certificate I / II 0.9%

**Field of qualification** — Management & commerce 20.6%, Society & culture 19.3%, Health 11.4%, Education 8.0%, Engineering & related 7.2%, Information technology 6.3%, Natural & physical sciences 5.5%, Architecture & building 4.1%, Creative arts 3.8%, Food, hospitality & personal services 2.7%, Agriculture & environment 1.9%

## Income

The community is very wealthy, with 41.0% of households earning $3,000 or more a week. The typical family income of $3,226 is well above the national figure, and personal incomes are also among the highest at this level.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Median personal income (weekly) | $1,223 | +30.7% since 2011 |
| Median household income (weekly) | $2,540 | +24.7% since 2011 |
| Median family income (weekly) | $3,226 | +28.9% since 2011 |
| People earning $2,000+ a week | 26.7% | — |
| Households earning $3,000+ a week | 41.0% | — |

**Household income distribution** — $4,000 or more 29.8%, $1,500–$2,999 27.5%, $650–$1,499 19.1%, $3,000–$3,999 11.3%, Under $650 7.7%

**Personal income distribution** — $1,500–$2,999 28.0%, Under $650 28.0%, $650–$1,499 27.4%, $3,000 or more 11.2%

## Health & Disability

People needing help with daily activities make up 6.3% of the population, which is higher than most areas. This is consistent with the older age of the community, and 30.6% of residents live with a long-term health condition.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People with a long-term health condition | 30.6% | — |
| People with a mental health condition | 8.3% | — |
| People needing help with daily activities | 6.3% | +37.1% since 2011 |

**Long-term health conditions reported** — Other condition 10.6%, Arthritis 10.0%, Asthma 8.3%, Mental health 8.3%, Heart disease 4.3%, Diabetes 3.9%, Cancer 3.8%, Lung condition 1.9%, Stroke 1.4%, Dementia 1.3%

**Number of long-term health conditions** — None 63.1%, One condition 21.1%, Two conditions 6.5%, Three or more 2.9%

## Community Participation

Volunteerism is very high here, with 23.0% of people volunteering, which is well above the national figure. About 30.2% of residents provide unpaid childcare, and 6.5% served in the Defence Force.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Volunteers | 23.0% | -7.2% since 2011 |
| People providing unpaid care | 13.3% | +16.7% since 2011 |
| People caring for children unpaid | 30.2% | +4.1% since 2011 |
| People who served in the Defence Force | 6.5% | — |
| People doing 15+ hours of unpaid housework | 22.1% | -6.4% since 2011 |

## First Nations

First Nations people make up a small part of the population. This group is younger than average with a typical age of 22, and they show very high educational outcomes, with 78.1% completing Year 12.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people | 44 | — |
| First Nations median age | 22 yrs | — |
| First Nations Year 12 completion | 78.1% | — |
| First Nations unemployment rate | 0.0% | — |
| First Nations median personal income | $849 | — |
| First Nations household income | $2,750 | — |
| Speaks a First Nations language | 15.9% | — |

## Family & Households

Families with children are common, making up 63.4% of households. The typical home holds 2.6 people, which is slightly higher than the national figure.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Average household size | 2.6 | -3.7% since 2011 |
| One-parent families | 9.2% | +0.9% since 2011 |
| People living alone | 24.6% | +21.7% since 2011 |

**Family composition** — Couples with children 63.4%, Couples without children 26.5%, One-parent families 9.2%, Other families 0.8%

**Household size** — 2 people 31.4%, 1 person 24.6%, 4 people 18.1%, 3 people 16.4%, 5 people 6.3%, 6 or more 2.8%

## Housing & Dwellings

Home ownership is strong, with 36.5% of homes owned outright, well above the national figure. Renting is much less common here than in other areas, and typical monthly mortgage payments are among the highest at $2,600.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Median rent (weekly) | $450 | +28.6% since 2011 |
| Median mortgage repayment (monthly) | $2,600 | +18.2% since 2011 |
| Average people per bedroom | 0.80 | -20.0% since 2011 |
| Households renting | 15.8% | -21.2% since 2011 |
| Homes owned outright | 36.5% | -12.8% since 2011 |
| Separate (detached) houses | 73.2% | -8.2% since 2011 |
| Homes with three or more bedrooms | 80.0% | -3.3% since 2011 |

**How homes are owned or rented** — Owned with a mortgage 37.1%, Owned outright 36.5%, Rented 15.8%, Other tenure 8.5%, Not stated 1.6%

**Types of homes** — Separate house 73.2%, Townhouse / semi-detached 15.3%, Flat or apartment 11.1%

**Bedrooms per home** — 4 bedrooms 37.8%, 3 bedrooms 28.1%, 5 or more 14.2%, 2 bedrooms 14.0%, 1 bedroom 4.8%

**Weekly rent distribution** — $350–$549 41.2%, Under $200 15.7%, $550–$749 15.7%, $200–$349 13.0%, $750 or more 9.7%

**Monthly mortgage distribution** — $3,000 or more 38.1%, $1,800–$2,999 29.6%, $1,000–$1,799 13.6%, Under $1,000 12.4%

## Transport & Vehicles

Most people drive to work, though 12.5% work from home, a figure that has risen since 2011. The area is very close to the city, with a short 13-minute drive time.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Homes with no motor vehicle | 4.3% | -19.6% since 2011 |
| People working from home | 12.5% | +309.6% since 2011 |
| Commuting by public transport | 4.3% | +2.6% since 2011 |
| Public transport stops | 16 | — |
| PT stops per 1,000 people | 4.22 | — |
| Weekly PT departures per 1,000 people | 929.0 | — |
| Public transport routes | 6 | — |
| Walk to nearest stop (min) | 5 | — |
| Drive time to the city (min) | 13 | — |
| People reachable in 30 min by transit | 6,211 | — |
| People reachable in 45 min by transit | 27,799 | — |
| Transit time to the city (min) | 59 | — |

**How people get to work** — Car (driver) 62.0%, Worked at home 12.5%, Car (passenger) 5.5%, Bus 4.3%, Bicycle 1.5%, Walked 1.1%

**Motor vehicles per home** — 2 vehicles 39.4%, 1 vehicle 34.6%, 3 vehicles 14.1%, 4 or more 7.6%, No vehicle 4.3%

## Migration & Movement

The community has seen significant movement, with 42.6% of people moving in the last five years. This is a little above the national figure, though recent arrivals from overseas have fallen slightly since 2011.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People who moved in the last 5 years | 42.6% | +22.5% since 2011 |
| Recent arrivals from overseas | 11.9% | -21.9% since 2011 |

## Jobs & Industry

Full-time employment is much higher than most areas at 64.0%. Many residents work in public administration and safety, which accounts for 30.8% of jobs.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% | +6.4% since 2011 |
| Labour-force participation | 60.2% | -7.3% since 2011 |
| Employed full-time | 64.0% | -0.9% since 2011 |

**Industries people work in** — Public administration & safety 30.8%, Health care & social assistance 13.0%, Professional & technical 11.8%, Education & training 8.6%, Accommodation & food 5.8%, Construction 5.7%, Retail trade 5.6%, Administrative & support 2.7%, Arts & recreation 2.6%, Other services 2.5%, Manufacturing 2.0%, Finance & insurance 1.6%, Transport & warehousing 1.4%, Media & telecommunications 1.1%, Rental & real estate 1.1%, Wholesale trade 0.9%, Electricity, gas & water 0.6%, Agriculture, forestry & fishing 0.4%

**Occupations people work in** — Professionals 32.0%, Managers 22.3%, Clerical & administrative 13.2%, Community & personal service 9.8%, Technicians & trades 8.9%, Sales workers 4.7%, Labourers 4.4%, Machinery operators & drivers 1.6%

## Economy & Advantage

The area is ranked among the most advantaged in the country, receiving a top score of 10 for overall advantage, education, and access to resources.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile) | 10 | — |
| Socio-economic disadvantage (IRSD decile) | 10 | — |
| Economic resources (IER decile) | 10 | — |
| Education & occupation (IEO decile) | 10 | — |
| Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD score) | 1,126 | — |
| Population estimate | 3,816 | — |
| Population growth since 2021 | 1.4% | — |
| Businesses | 263 | — |

## Environment & Climate

The local climate is slightly cooler than the territory average, with an average minimum temperature of 6.5 degrees and annual rainfall of 833mm.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Average annual rainfall | 833 | — |
| Average maximum temperature | 20.7 | — |
| Average minimum temperature | 6.5 | — |

## Walkability

Farrer is very walkable, with 100% of homes within a 15-minute walk of a park. Residents have excellent access to schools and groceries, with 89% of homes within a short walk of a shop.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Walkability score | 6.5 | — |
| Amenity types within a 15-minute walk | 6.4 | — |
| Homes with a 15-minute-city walkshed | 89.7% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of groceries | 89.0% | — |
| Homes within 10 min walk of public transport | 98.2% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of a school | 98.3% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of a park | 100.0% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of health services | 71.5% | — |
| Walkable amenities per 1,000 residents | 9.8 | — |
| Street connectivity (intersections/km²) | 173 | — |
| Mean terrain slope | 7.8% | — |

## Schools serving Farrer

16 schools, 8,834 students, average ICSEA 1,086.

By sector: Government 11, Catholic 3, Independent 2

By type: Primary 11, Secondary 3, Combined 2

Nearest 10 shown:

| School | Sector | Type | Distance | Students |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Farrer Primary School | Government | Primary | 0.3 km | 252 |
| Torrens Primary School | Government | Primary | 1.4 km | 394 |
| Melrose High School | Government | Secondary | 2.0 km | 776 |
| Wanniassa Hills Primary School | Government | Primary | 2.0 km | 340 |
| Mawson Primary School | Government | Primary | 2.1 km | 542 |
| Sacred Heart Primary School | Catholic | Primary | 2.1 km | 210 |
| Canberra Christian School | Independent | Primary | 2.3 km | 228 |
| Marist College Canberra | Independent | Combined | 2.3 km | 1,852 |
| Wanniassa School | Government | Secondary | 2.9 km | 538 |
| St Anthony's Parish Primary School | Catholic | Primary | 3.0 km | 421 |

## Nearby areas

[Isaacs](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/801091104/isaacs) · [Mawson](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/801091106/mawson) · [Torrens](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/801091110/torrens) · [Wanniassa](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/801071090/wanniassa) · [Pearce](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/801091108/pearce) · [O'Malley](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/801091107/o-malley) · [Fadden](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/801071076/fadden) · [Phillip](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/801091109/phillip)

Interactive profile: https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/801091101/farrer