Suburb / Locality · Area profile
Lawson
3 km²
A remarkably young and diverse population defines Lawson, where the typical resident is just 28 years old. Nearly half of the community was born overseas, and over half the population uses a language other than English at home. This is a highly educated, professional own community with a very high proportion of university degrees and strong weekly incomes. It is a transient and growing area, with the vast majority of residents having moved here within the last five years.
An affluent area whose schools serve an equally well-off community.
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The area is far younger than the national figure, with children and seniors being much less common than in most other areas. De facto relationships are well above the national and state averages, while 56.7% of residents have never married.
Global origins are very prominent here, as 49.7% of people were born overseas, far above the state average. The most common ancestries are Chinese, English, and Australian.
Multilingualism is a key feature, with 50.5% of people using another language at home, which is far above the national figure. Mandarin is the most common second language, spoken by 15.4% of residents.
Residents are more likely to have no religion than in most other areas, sitting at 46.8%. Other significant groups include Hindus at 10.3% and Christians at 23.1%.
Education levels are among the highest at this level, with 56.3% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. This is far above the national average of 26.3%.
Incomes are strong and well above the national figure, with a typical weekly household income of $2,492. About 36.9% of households earn $3,000 or more per week.
The community is in very good health, with long-term health conditions and the need for daily help being far below the state and national averages.
Participation in unpaid care, housework, and volunteering is much lower than in most other areas, which is consistent with the very young average age of the population.
First Nations residents have a very high Year 12 completion rate of 96% and an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is far below the national figure.
Homes tend to be larger than usual with 2.6 people per home. Couples with children make up 47.1% of households, while those living alone are less common than in most areas.
Townhouses are the dominant home type at 62.9%. Renting is far more common here than across the nation, with a typical weekly rent of $548.
Most people drive to work, though public transport use is a little above the national average. The area is well connected with 10 public transport stops.
The community is highly mobile, as 84.4% of people moved here in the last five years. Recent overseas arrivals are also far more common than in the rest of the state.
Working or looking for work is very common here, with a rate far above the national figure. Many residents work in public administration, safety, or health care.
The overall recorded offence rate is higher than most areas, and the crime rate has risen significantly over the last five years.
While every home is within a short walk of a park and public transport, the area is less walkable than most of the ACT, especially for reaching groceries.