Suburb / Locality · Area profile
Spence
2 km²
A high proportion of detached family homes defines Spence, a suburb in the Australian Capital Territory where nearly 94% of houses have three or more bedrooms. It is a well-off community with a high percentage of children and a typical family income well above the national figure. The area is very walkable, with almost every home within a short stroll of health services, groceries, and parks. This creates a family-oriented environment where most residents live in spacious houses and enjoy easy access to local amenities.
An affluent area whose schools serve an equally well-off community.
13 schools within reach make Spence convenient for families.
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The area has a higher proportion of children under 15 than most, with 19.8% of the population in this group. The typical resident is 38, making the community noticeably older than the territory average.
Most residents were born in Australia (80.4%), though the share of people born overseas is higher than in most similar areas, despite being far below the national and territory figures.
English is the main language for 85.4% of residents. While 11.1% use another language at home—a figure much higher than most similar areas—this is still far below the territory average.
A little over 46% of people report having no religion, which is a higher share than in most areas and well above the national figure.
The community is well-qualified, with 31.4% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Year 12 completion is also very high at 71.2%, far above the national average.
Typical incomes are much higher than in most similar areas. The typical weekly family income is $2,747, which is well above the national figure of $2,120.
Long-term health conditions are more common here than in most areas, affecting 34.9% of residents. This includes a higher rate of mental health conditions (12.9%) compared to the rest of the country.
Unpaid care is common, with 30.2% of people caring for children—a rate well above the national average. Additionally, a higher share of residents have served in the Defence Force (5.6%) compared to most areas.
First Nations residents in the area have a high rate of Year 12 completion (53.5%) and an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is much lower than most similar areas.
Homes here are slightly larger than usual, with 2.7 people per household. This is consistent with the high number of couples with children, who make up 61.2% of families.
The suburb is dominated by separate houses (92.9%), with 93.7% of homes having three or more bedrooms. Renting is far less common here than across the territory.
While most people drive to work, the area is exceptionally well-served by public transport, with 23 stops and a very short walk to the nearest one.
The community is relatively stable, with 28.2% of people moving in the last five years—a share far below the national and territory averages.
A high number of residents work in public administration and safety (25.2%). Working or looking for work is more common here than in most similar areas.
Recorded offences are higher than in most areas, particularly burglary and property damage. However, the rate of assault is much lower than in most similar areas.
Spence is very walkable, with 95.4% of homes having a 15-minute-city walkshed. Almost every home is within a short walk of health services, groceries, and public transport.