🏘️ Australian Capital Territory Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission
Social housing in Australian Capital Territory encompasses dwellings managed by the state housing authority and registered community housing providers, offering affordable rental accommodation to low-income households, people experiencing disadvantage, and those with specialist needs. The 2021 Census recorded significant concentrations of social housing in specific suburbs — particularly those developed as public housing estates during the post-war decades.
The distribution of social housing across Australian Capital Territory reflects decades of government housing policy. Some suburbs were purpose-built as welfare housing estates and continue to have very high concentrations of government-managed dwellings, while others have seen gradual transfers to community housing providers as part of housing reform programs.
This ranking is based on ABS 2021 Census Table G37 — Tenure Type and Landlord Type by Dwelling Structure — counting dwellings rented from state housing authorities and community housing providers as a percentage of all occupied private dwellings. Only suburbs with at least 100 dwellings are included.
Oaks Estate ACT 2620
Oaks Estate is a small village in the Jerrabomberra district of the Australian Capital Territory, situated about 15 kilometres south-east of Canberra and just 1 kilometre north of Queanbeyan. Established in 1984 and covering roughly 40 hectares, the village is bound by the Molonglo River to the north, the Queanbeyan River to the east, and the Queanbeyan–Cooma railway line to the south. The 2021 census recorded a population of 375, making it one of Canberra's most intimate and distinct communities.
Ainslie ACT 2602
Ainslie is an established inner-north suburb of Canberra, located just 3 kilometres from the CBD in the North Canberra district. With a population of around 5,400 residents, it is a well-regarded residential area known for its heritage-listed homes from the 1920s and 1930s. Originally a predominantly blue-collar suburb with significant public housing, Ainslie has gradually gentrified into one of Canberra's most sought-after addresses, with properties regularly exceeding $1 million.
Charnwood ACT 2615
Charnwood is a suburban locality in the Belconnen district of Canberra, located approximately 16 kilometres north-west of the Canberra CBD (Civic). Established in the early 1970s as part of Canberra's planned expansion into the Belconnen satellite city, the suburb covers around 1.9 square kilometres at an elevation of 583 metres. With a population of 3,055 and a median age of 35, Charnwood is a family-oriented community reflecting Canberra's characteristically planned residential character. The median household income of around $94,500 annually places it within the mid-range of the ACT's suburban areas.
Reid ACT 2612
Reid is a small, leafy inner-north suburb of Canberra, located just 1.5 km from the Canberra CBD (Civic) and forming part of the historic inner north precinct. With a 2021 population of 1,636 residents across a compact area, Reid is one of Canberra's older established suburbs, characterised by classic Canberra architecture including Californian bungalows and inter-war homes on generous tree-lined blocks. It is bordered by Braddon, Campbell, and the Australian War Memorial on Remembrance Driveway.
Florey ACT 2615
Florey is a residential suburb in Canberra's Belconnen district, situated approximately 10 kilometres north-west of the city centre in the Australian Capital Territory. The suburb has a population of 4,781 and a median age of 39, making it home to a mix of working families, young professionals, and longer-term residents. Median household incomes of around $2,082 per week reflect the generally strong earning capacity typical of ACT residents, who benefit from the territory's concentration of public service employment.
Rivett ACT 2611
Rivett is a quiet residential suburb in Canberra's Weston Creek district, established in the late 1960s and named after Sir David Rivett, a distinguished Australian scientist. With a population of around 3,350, it sits on the western edge of Weston Creek, featuring leafy streets lined with mature trees and a mix of detached houses and townhouses. The suburb has a settled, family-friendly character.
Narrabundah ACT 2604
Narrabundah is an established inner-south suburb of Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory, located approximately 4 km southeast of the Canberra CBD (Civic) within the South Canberra district. Gazetted in 1928 and developed from 1947, it has a population of 6,455 and covers 4.1 sq km at an elevation of 580 metres. The suburb is known for its leafy streetscapes, heritage-era homes, and well-established garden character, making it one of Canberra's most liveable inner-south addresses.
Richardson ACT 2905
Richardson is a residential suburb in Canberra's Tuggeranong district, located approximately 21 kilometres south of the city centre in the Australian Capital Territory. Established in 1981, the suburb covers 2.2 square kilometres at an elevation of 609 metres, and had a population of 3,058 at the 2021 census with a median age of 36. Streets are themed after writers, particularly female authors, honouring the suburb's namesake — novelist Ethel Florence Lindesay Richardson (pen name Henry Handel Richardson). Residents are predominantly Australian-born, with English, Indian, and New Zealand-born communities also represented.
Waramanga ACT 2611
Waramanga is a well-established residential suburb in the Weston Creek district of Canberra, located approximately 13 kilometres south-west of the city centre (Civic). Established in 1968, the suburb covers 1.7 square kilometres and is home to around 2,785 residents. The area features predominantly detached housing on generous blocks, with a quiet character that appeals to families and long-term Canberra residents.
Taylor ACT 2913
Taylor is a modern residential suburb in the Gungahlin district of Canberra, located approximately 17 kilometres north of the Canberra CBD (Civic) and around 4 kilometres from the Gungahlin Town Centre. Development of the suburb began in 2017 and it had already grown to a population of 2,220 by the 2021 Census, making it one of Canberra's newest and fastest-growing residential areas. Named after pioneering Australian publisher Florence Mary Taylor, the suburb features contemporary housing estates bounded to the south by Horse Park Drive, with One Tree Hill rising to the north-west.
O'Connor ACT 2602
O'Connor is a well-established suburb in Canberra's inner north, situated approximately 4 kilometres from the city centre within the Australian Capital Territory. Covering around 4.1 square kilometres at an elevation of 606 metres, it has a population of 5,917 with a relatively young median age of 35. The median household income of $2,518 per week reflects the suburb's proximity to major government employment precincts and the Australian National University.
Macquarie ACT 2614
Macquarie is a well-established residential suburb in the Belconnen district of Canberra, located approximately 8 kilometres north-west of the city centre. Gazetted in 1967 and named after Governor Lachlan Macquarie, the suburb spans a compact 1.7 square kilometres and is home to around 3,100 residents. Its streets are named after contemporaries of Governor Macquarie, lending the area a distinctive historic character within an otherwise modern city layout.
Oxley ACT 2903
Oxley is a residential suburb in the Tuggeranong district of southern Canberra, situated approximately 15 kilometres south of the Canberra CBD at an elevation of 618 metres. With a population of around 1,700 residents, the suburb covers just over one square kilometre and forms part of the mature, well-established inner Tuggeranong area. Oxley is bounded by the Tuggeranong Town Centre to the north and Kambah to the west, and is characterised by single-storey brick homes typical of 1970s–1980s Canberra residential development.
Spence ACT 2615
Spence is a quiet residential suburb in the Belconnen district of Canberra, located approximately 15 kilometres north-west of the Canberra CBD (Civic) in the Australian Capital Territory. Established in 1972 and named after trade unionist William Spence, the suburb covers a compact 1.5 square kilometres at an elevation of 633 metres. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 2,587, with a median age of 38 and a notably strong median household income of $2,358 per week, reflecting the suburb's appeal to professional families and established dual-income households.
Scullin ACT 2614
Scullin is a quiet, established residential suburb in Canberra's Belconnen district, located approximately 10 kilometres north-west of the city centre. Named after Australia's 10th Prime Minister James Scullin, the suburb was developed in the late 1960s and 1970s as part of Canberra's planned expansion into the Belconnen area. With a population of around 3,069, Scullin offers a peaceful, leafy neighbourhood feel that appeals to families and long-term residents alike.
Downer ACT 2602
Downer is an established inner-north suburb of Canberra, located just 5 kilometres north of the CBD in the district of North Canberra. With a population of around 4,300, it was gazetted in 1960 and named after Sir John Downer, a former Premier of South Australia and founding Australian Senator. The suburb is bounded by Northbourne Avenue, Antill Street, and Philip Avenue. With a median age of 35 and high household incomes, it attracts a mix of young professionals, academics, and families.
Jacka ACT 2914
Jacka is a modern residential suburb in the Gungahlin district of Canberra, Australia's national capital, situated approximately 17 kilometres north of the Canberra CBD (Civic). The suburb was gazetted in 2001 and development began in 2013, making it one of Gungahlin's newer communities with planned streetscapes and a variety of housing types. With a population of 712 residents across 2.9 square kilometres and a median household income of $65,046, Jacka reflects the strong economic character of Canberra's northern growth corridor.
Gilmore ACT 2905
Gilmore is a suburban neighbourhood in the Tuggeranong district of Canberra, ACT, located 21 kilometres south of Canberra CBD. With a population of 2,706 at the 2021 census, it covers 2 square kilometres at an elevation of 661 metres. The suburb was established in 1985 and named after Dame Mary Gilmore, the renowned Australian poet and journalist. Streets are named after journalists, particularly female journalists, reflecting the suburb's commemorative theme.
Kambah ACT 2902
Kambah is Canberra's largest suburb by area, home to 15,700 residents in the Tuggeranong Valley. Developed from the 1970s, it offers established family homes and genuine bushland character, bordered by nature reserves. The Tuggeranong town centre is nearby, while the suburb maintains a distinct community identity.
Holt ACT 2615
Holt is a well-established residential suburb in the Belconnen district of Canberra, located approximately 12 kilometres north-west of the Canberra CBD at an elevation of 575 metres. Gazetted in 1970 and named after Prime Minister Harold Holt, the suburb covers 3.3 square kilometres and had a population of 5,628 at the 2021 census. Holt sits alongside open farm and bushland, borders the Molonglo River corridor, and is served by the Kippax Centre group shopping precinct, which anchors the surrounding neighbourhood.
Lyneham ACT 2602
Lyneham is an established inner-north suburb of Canberra, located approximately 4 kilometres north of the Canberra CBD within the district of North Canberra. With a population of over 5,000, it is a relatively dense suburb by ACT standards, featuring a mix of post-war homes, townhouses, and newer medium-density developments. The suburb is home to several significant sporting and recreational facilities, including the National Hockey Centre, Thoroughbred Park (Canberra Racecourse), and the ACT Netball Centre. Lyneham borders the Australian National University campus to the south, contributing to a younger, educated demographic mix.
Wanniassa ACT 2903
Wanniassa is an established suburb in the Tuggeranong district of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, located approximately 15 kilometres south of the CBD. With a population of 7,885 at the 2021 census and a median age of 39, it covers 5.4 square kilometres at 617 metres elevation. Established in 1975, the suburb is a well-planned residential area typical of Canberra's satellite town design, with curving streets, generous open spaces, and mature native plantings.
McKellar ACT 2617
McKellar is a quiet residential suburb in Canberra's Belconnen district, located about 10 km northwest of the city centre in the Australian Capital Territory. With a population of approximately 2,740 and a median age of 43, it is an established suburb with a mature demographic profile. Sitting at an elevation of 593 metres, the suburb covers 1.4 square kilometres and is named after the Scottish-Australian poet Dorothea McKellar.
Chisholm ACT 2905
Chisholm is a well-established residential suburb in the Tuggeranong district of Canberra, situated at an elevation of 641 metres within the Australian Capital Territory. With a population of 5,268 and a median age of 37, the suburb offers a blend of younger families and established residents, with a median household income of around $2,292 per week reflecting the strong public sector employment base that underpins much of Canberra's economy. The suburb features predominantly low-density housing across a compact 3.1 square kilometre footprint.
Symonston ACT 2609
Symonston is a small locality in the Australian Capital Territory, situated approximately 5 km south-east of the Canberra CBD near the Hume Highway and Canberra Airport. With a 2021 Census population of around 655 residents, it is predominantly a government and light-industrial precinct rather than a traditional residential suburb. The area is home to several major ACT and Commonwealth government facilities, including the Australian Federal Police (AFP) headquarters and the ACT Emergency Services Agency. Its name derives from Thomas Symons, an early colonial landowner in the district.
Melba ACT 2615
Melba is a family-friendly suburb in Canberra's Belconnen district, named after the legendary Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba. Located at the foot of Mount Rogers and 12 kilometres northwest of the city centre, it's home to around 3,400 residents. The suburb was developed in the 1970s as part of Canberra's planned expansion and features typical Canberra streetscapes with established trees and generous block sizes.
Bonython ACT 2905
Bonython is a residential suburb in the Tuggeranong district of southern Canberra, established in 1989. With a population of approximately 3,800, it covers 2.9 square kilometres and is named after Sir John Langdon Bonython, a prominent media owner and Federation-era politician. The suburb is bounded by the Murrumbidgee River corridor to the west and south, providing a scenic natural border. It features a mix of established family homes with a predominantly Australian-born community.
Latham ACT 2615
Latham is a well-established residential suburb in Canberra's Belconnen district, situated approximately 12 kilometres north-west of the city centre (Civic). Part of the broader ACT, which is unincorporated at the local government level, Latham sits at an elevation of 567 metres within a network of planned Belconnen neighbourhoods. With a population of 3,767 and a median household income of $2,125 per week, the suburb reflects the generally higher incomes and public service employment base characteristic of the ACT.
Mawson ACT 2607
Mawson is a well-established residential suburb in Canberra's Woden Valley district, located approximately 13 kilometres south-southwest of the CBD. Named after the celebrated Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson, the suburb was gazetted in 1966 and has a population of around 3,440 residents. It covers a compact area of just over 2 square kilometres at an elevation of about 615 metres, giving it a cool continental climate typical of the ACT. Street names in Mawson follow an Antarctic theme, reflecting the suburb's namesake heritage.
Moncrieff ACT 2914
Moncrieff is one of Canberra's newest suburbs, located in the Gungahlin district with land releases beginning in 2014. Named after celebrated Australian singer Gladys Moncrieff, the suburb now houses over 5,300 residents with a strong median income of around $65,000. At 631 metres elevation in the northern reaches of the ACT, it represents modern Australian suburban planning at its best.
Higgins ACT 2615
Higgins is a quiet, established suburb nestled in Canberra's Belconnen district, approximately 12 kilometres northwest of the city centre. Named after politician and judge Henry Bournes Higgins, the suburb was gazetted in 1968 and features streets named after Australian judges. With a population of around 3,300 residents and a notably high median income, Higgins offers a stable, family-oriented community with leafy streets and mature gardens at an elevation of nearly 600 metres.
Kaleen ACT 2617
Kaleen is a well-established residential suburb in Canberra's north, located approximately 8 kilometres from the city centre within the Belconnen District of the Australian Capital Territory. With a population of around 7,672, the suburb sits at an elevation of 596 metres and has a median age of 39, reflecting a broad mix of families, professionals and long-term residents. A median household income of $2,336 per week speaks to its solid middle-class character, bolstered by a diverse multicultural community that has grown steadily over recent decades.
Duffy ACT 2611
Duffy is a well-established residential suburb in Canberra's Weston Creek district, situated approximately 10 kilometres south-west of the city centre (Civic) at an elevation of around 590 metres in the foothills of the Brindabella Ranges. With a population of approximately 3,395 and a median age of 39, the suburb attracts families and professionals, many of whom work in the Australian Public Service. Median household income of around $2,593 per week is significantly above the national average, reflecting Canberra's characteristically high professional workforce participation.
Pearce ACT 2607
Pearce is a leafy residential suburb in Canberra's Woden Valley district, situated approximately 14 kilometres south-south-west of the Canberra CBD. Established in 1967 and named after Sir George Pearce, Australia's longest-serving Senator and Minister, the suburb has a population of 2,687 with a median age of 43. The area offers a comfortable, established lifestyle with household incomes above the national average and a compact 1.7 square kilometre footprint that lends itself to a close-knit neighbourhood feel.
Stirling ACT 2611
Stirling is an established residential suburb in Canberra's Weston Creek district, situated approximately 9 kilometres south-west of the Canberra CBD (Civic) within the Australian Capital Territory. With a population of 2,191 across a compact 1.3 square kilometres and an elevation of 603 metres, the suburb enjoys a leafy, elevated setting typical of Canberra's planned residential neighbourhoods. The median household income of ,206 per week is well above the national average, reflecting the suburb's professional demographic, which includes public servants, academics, and defence personnel common in Canberra.
Conder ACT 2906
Conder is a residential suburb in the Tuggeranong district of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, established in 1991 and named after artist Charles Conder. The suburb covers 4.5 square kilometres and is located approximately 20 kilometres south of the Canberra CBD, forming part of the Lanyon Valley alongside Banks and Calwell. With a population of 5,108 (2021 census), Conder is a well-established family suburb with a median age of 37, bordered by nature reserves to the east and south. The suburb was among the southernmost developments in Canberra at the time of its establishment.
Coombs ACT 2611
Coombs is a modern suburb in the Molonglo Valley district of Canberra, approximately 10 kilometres southwest of the CBD. Named after economist H.C. "Nugget" Coombs, it has been under development since 2011 and has grown rapidly to a population of around 4,850. The suburb features contemporary housing with a mix of detached homes, townhouses, and apartments, attracting young families and professionals with its modern infrastructure.
Gowrie ACT 2904
Gowrie is an established residential suburb in the Tuggeranong district of the Australian Capital Territory, located approximately 12 kilometres south of the Canberra CBD. With a population of around 3,140 residents, the suburb is part of the broader Tuggeranong urban area and sits at an elevation of about 614 metres, offering pleasant views across the Tuggeranong Valley. Gowrie is named after Gowrie Station, a historic pastoral property in the region, and was developed as part of Canberra's southern expansion during the 1980s.
Torrens ACT 2607
Torrens is a quiet, established residential suburb in Canberra's Weston Creek district, situated approximately 10 kilometres southwest of the Canberra CBD (Civic). Part of the Australian Capital Territory's broader Narrabundah–Weston statistical area, Torrens sits at an elevation of 644 metres and covers 1.3 square kilometres. With a 2021 Census population of 2,424 and a median household income of $2,612 per week — well above the national average — the suburb is home to a mix of public service professionals and established families.
Page ACT 2614
Page is a well-established residential suburb in the Belconnen district of Canberra, ACT. With a population of around 3,050, it covers 1.3 square kilometres and was established in 1968. Named after former Prime Minister Sir Earle Page, the suburb features streets named after Australian scientists. It has a mature, leafy character typical of Canberra's planned suburbs.
Theodore ACT 2905
Theodore is a well-established residential suburb in Canberra's Tuggeranong district, located in the southern reaches of the ACT. With a population of around 3,800 people, it was gazetted in 1975 and named after Edward Granville Theodore, a former Queensland Premier and Deputy Prime Minister. The suburb is characterised by mature trees, an older demographic, and strong owner-occupier rates at 80%.
Hughes ACT 2605
Hughes is an established residential suburb in the Woden Valley district of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, located about 10 kilometres south of the city centre. Named after William Morris Hughes, Australia's seventh Prime Minister, the suburb has a population of approximately 3,210 with a median age of 43. It is an affluent area with a median household income of ,797 per week, reflecting its appeal to professionals and public servants working in nearby government offices.
Turner ACT 2612
Turner is a compact inner-north suburb of Canberra, situated approximately 2 kilometres from the city centre within the Australian Capital Territory. With a population of 4,470 packed into just 1.5 square kilometres, it is one of Canberra's denser residential precincts, characterised by apartment buildings, townhouses, and share houses. The suburb skews notably young, with a median age of just 31 and a high median household income of $2,330 per week, reflecting the presence of well-employed professionals and government workers.
Lyons ACT 2606
Lyons is a well-established suburb in Canberra's Woden Valley, located just 8 kilometres southwest of the city centre. With a population of around 3,300, it's a compact residential area covering 2.3 square kilometres with remarkable green space—nearly 46% of the suburb is parkland. The community skews young professional, with the 20-29 age group predominant, and residents typically work in professional occupations, reflecting Canberra's public service workforce.
Palmerston ACT 2913
Palmerston is a well-established residential suburb in the Gungahlin district of Canberra, located approximately 10 kilometres north of the ACT city centre. Developed from the late 1980s, the suburb has a population of around 5,579 residents and covers just under 2 square kilometres. Named after George Thomas Palmer, an early settler in the region, Palmerston is a predominantly low-density neighbourhood of detached houses and townhouses set among mature street trees and green reserves. It sits within the broader Gungahlin urban area, one of the fastest-growing parts of the Australian Capital Territory.
Throsby ACT 2914
Throsby is a contemporary residential suburb in the Gungahlin district of the Australian Capital Territory, situated approximately 14 kilometres north of the Canberra CBD. Established during the early 2010s as part of the northward expansion of Canberra, the suburb falls under the ACT Government's Yerrabi ward and Fenner federal electorate. With a population of 2,405 recorded in the 2021 Census, Throsby was still in an active growth phase, attracting young families and first home buyers drawn to its modern streetscapes and well-planned residential precincts.
Hall ACT 2618
Hall is a small historic village located approximately 15 kilometres north-west of the Canberra CBD in the Australian Capital Territory, sitting at an elevation of around 633 metres. With a population of around 298 residents, it is one of the ACT's oldest settlements, established in 1882 before Canberra itself was founded. The suburb retains a distinct rural character surrounded by open farmland, woodland, and conservation areas on the northern edge of the ACT. Hall is part of the Ngunnawal traditional lands and is recognised for its heritage buildings and village atmosphere.
Belconnen ACT 2617
Belconnen is a major district in the Australian Capital Territory, located approximately 7 kilometres north-west of the Canberra CBD. As the most populous district in the ACT with over 106,000 residents spread across 27 suburbs, it is essentially a self-contained satellite city. The district surrounds Lake Ginninderra, an ornamental lake created by damming Ginninderra Creek, which serves as its recreational centrepiece.
Bonner ACT 2914
Bonner is a modern suburb in the district of Gungahlin in the northern part of Canberra, ACT. With a population of around 7,300, it is one of the newer suburbs in the Gungahlin area, with development beginning in the mid-2000s. The suburb is named after Neville Bonner, the first Indigenous Australian to serve in the Australian Parliament.
Gordon ACT 2906
Gordon is a well-established suburb in the Tuggeranong district of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, located approximately 25 kilometres south of the Canberra CBD. With a population of around 7,892 (2021 Census), it is one of the larger suburbs in the Tuggeranong valley. Situated at an elevation of 573 metres, Gordon has a predominantly family-oriented demographic with higher-than-average household incomes reflecting its public service workforce.
Yarralumla ACT 2600
Yarralumla is one of Canberra's most prestigious and historically significant suburbs, situated approximately 4 kilometres south-west of the Canberra CBD (Civic) along the northern shores of Lake Burley Griffin, within the ACT's unincorporated area administered directly by the ACT Government. With a population of 3,120 at the 2021 Census and a median age of 50, the suburb is home to an affluent, established community of professionals, diplomats, and retirees. Its median weekly household income of $3,327 far exceeds the national average, reflecting the area's exclusive character and desirable lakeside setting.
Watson ACT 2602
Watson is an established inner-north suburb of Canberra, located approximately 5 kilometres from the CBD in the North Canberra district. With a population of around 5,860 residents, it has a younger demographic profile with an average age of 20-39 and a significant renter population at 41%. The suburb is characterised by a mix of original 1960s homes, townhouses, and newer apartment developments.
Weston ACT 2611
Weston is the central suburb of Canberra's Weston Creek district, located 12 kilometres southwest of the city centre. Home to around 4,000 residents, it serves as the district's retail and community hub, anchored by Cooleman Court shopping centre. The suburb was established in 1970 and named after Captain Edward Weston, an early colonial landholder whose homestead once stood in the area.
Cook ACT 2614
Cook is a leafy residential suburb in the Belconnen district of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, established in 1968 and named after both Captain James Cook and Australia's sixth Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Cook. Covering 1.7 square kilometres, the suburb had a population of 2,965 at the 2021 census, reflecting a well-settled, stable community. Its streets are distinctively named after notable women in Australian history, giving the neighbourhood a unique civic character.
Braddon ACT 2612
Braddon is a vibrant inner-north suburb of Canberra, located just 2 km northeast of the CBD (Civic). With a population of around 6,400 and a high density of 4,560 people per square kilometre, it is one of Canberra's most densely populated suburbs. Established in 1928, Braddon has transformed from a quiet residential area into one of Canberra's trendiest neighbourhoods, known for its eclectic mix of cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and bars along Lonsdale Street.
Dickson ACT 2602
Dickson is a well-established inner-north suburb of Canberra, located approximately 4 kilometres north of the city centre (Civic). It is one of the ACT's oldest post-war suburbs, developed in the 1950s, and today serves as a major local retail and dining hub for the surrounding suburbs. Dickson's flat terrain and accessible location make it a practical and popular choice for city workers and students.
Dunlop ACT 2615
Dunlop is a well-planned suburban community in Canberra's Belconnen district, home to approximately 7,265 residents across 3.6 square kilometers. Located at the northwestern edge of Canberra near the New South Wales border, this suburb was established in 1993 and named after Lieutenant Colonel Sir Ernest 'Weary' Dunlop. The community features a relatively young demographic with a median age of 33 years and is characterized by modern residential estates, abundant parkland, and family-oriented amenities.
Evatt ACT 2617
Evatt is a well-established residential suburb in the Belconnen district of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, developed during the 1970s and named after Herbert Vere Evatt, a prominent Australian politician and High Court justice. The suburb lies approximately 11 kilometres north-west of the Canberra CBD and is part of the broader Belconnen town centre catchment. It features a mix of original 1970s-era homes and more recent infill development, set within a green, leafy streetscape typical of Canberra's planned suburbs.
Monash ACT 2904
Monash is an established residential suburb in the Tuggeranong district of Canberra, located about 12 kilometres south of the city centre at an elevation of around 589 metres. Part of the ACT's Unincorporated area, it covers 3.4 square kilometres and had a population of 5,644 at the 2021 Census, with a relatively mature demographic profile and a median age of 43. The suburb was developed from the early 1980s as part of Tuggeranong's planned expansion and features predominantly detached housing on established tree-lined streets. It falls within the federal electorate of Bean and the ACT Legislative Assembly electorate of Brindabella.
Hackett ACT 2602
Hackett is an established inner-north suburb of Canberra, located just 4.5 kilometres northeast of the CBD in the district of North Canberra. With a population of 3,227 at the 2021 census (up 7.9% from 2016), the suburb covers 1.9 square kilometres of tree-lined streets backing onto Mount Majura nature reserve. The community is a mix of long-term residents, young professionals, and families, with a well-educated demographic typical of Canberra's inner suburbs.
Chifley ACT 2606
Chifley is an established suburb in Canberra's Woden Valley, located approximately 10 kilometres south of the city centre. Named after former Prime Minister Ben Chifley, the suburb has a population of around 2,680 with a median age of 37. The community is culturally diverse, with significant Nepalese, Indian, and European-born populations alongside Australian-born residents, reflecting Canberra's cosmopolitan character.
Banks ACT 2906
Banks is a residential suburb in Canberra's Tuggeranong district, situated in the Australian Capital Territory at an elevation of 631 metres in the city's southern reaches. With a population of 5,100 across just 2.25 square kilometres, it is a compact, well-established suburb with a relatively young demographic — the median age is 35 — and a median household income of ,419 per week, comfortably above the national average. The suburb is characterised by a mix of family homes, townhouses, and a diverse community with residents of Australian, English, Irish, Indian, and Filipino heritage.
Fisher ACT 2611
Fisher is a residential suburb in Canberra's southern Tuggeranong district, situated approximately 16 kilometres south of the city centre (Civic) within the ACT. With a population of 3,219 residents, the suburb has a median age of 40 and a median household income of $2,275 per week — above the national average, reflecting the influence of Canberra's public service workforce. Developed largely in the 1970s and 1980s, Fisher is characterised by established single-family homes on tree-lined streets, typical of Canberra's planned suburban layout.
Chapman ACT 2611
Chapman is a quiet, established residential suburb located about 11 kilometres south-west of the Canberra CBD in the Weston Creek district of the Australian Capital Territory. With a population of approximately 2,867 people (2021 Census), the suburb is known for its leafy, tree-lined streets, well-maintained parks, and a strong sense of community. Developed primarily in the 1970s and 1980s, Chapman features a mix of brick family homes on generous blocks surrounded by nature reserves, including the nearby Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
Garran ACT 2605
Garran is an established inner-south suburb of Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory, located about 7 kilometres from the city centre. With a population of approximately 3,700 and a high median income of 1,308, it is an affluent residential area popular with professionals, academics, and public servants. The suburb is adjacent to the Canberra Hospital and sits on gently undulating terrain at an elevation of around 624 metres.
Griffith ACT 2603
Griffith is one of Canberra's oldest and most prestigious inner-south suburbs, located 7 kilometres south of the CBD in the South Canberra district. With a population of 5,328 at the 2021 census and a median age of 38, it attracts a mix of established families, professionals and public servants. The suburb was established in 1927 and features streets designed according to Walter Burley Griffin's original plans for the national capital. Griffith is named after Sir Samuel Griffith, Australia's first Chief Justice of the High Court.
Curtin ACT 2605
Curtin is an established inner-south suburb in the Woden Valley district of Canberra, located approximately 8 kilometres southwest of the CBD. With a population of 5,569, this leafy suburb was developed in the 1960s and named after Prime Minister John Curtin. It features generous block sizes and mature trees, giving it a distinctly settled character.
Denman Prospect ACT 2611
Denman Prospect is a master-planned suburb under development in the Molonglo Valley district of Canberra, located approximately 13 kilometres west of the Canberra CBD within the Australian Capital Territory. Gazetted in 2012, the suburb forms part of a broader greenfield development area designed to accommodate Canberra's growing population, with a 2021 Census population of 2,759. Denman Prospect is a young, evolving suburb attracting families and owner-occupiers drawn to its modern homes, open green spaces, and community infrastructure.
Gungahlin ACT 2912
Gungahlin is the town centre suburb of Canberra's northernmost and fastest-growing district, situated approximately 13 kilometres north of the Canberra CBD (Civic). The suburb itself had a population of 8,586 at the 2021 census, while the broader Gungahlin district is home to over 87,000 residents across 16 suburbs. Established in 1998, Gungahlin has grown into a modern, vibrant hub anchored by Hibberson Street — the district's main commercial precinct. The suburb has a young median age of 31 and a highly multicultural population, with nearly half of residents born overseas.
Holder ACT 2611
Holder is a quiet, established residential suburb in the Weston Creek district of Canberra, located approximately 10 kilometres south-west of the city's CBD. Developed in the early 1970s, the suburb was named after Sir Frederick William Holder, the first Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives. With a population of around 2,800, Holder is characterised by leafy streets, mature gardens, and a mix of original brick homes, townhouses, and newer infill developments.
Amaroo ACT 2914
Amaroo is a modern suburb in Canberra's thriving Gungahlin district, located approximately 15 kilometres north of the city centre. With a population of around 6,100 residents and a median income above $65,000, it attracts professionals and families seeking contemporary living with strong community connections. The suburb sits at an elevation of 628 metres and features well-planned streets, quality housing developments, and abundant green spaces.
Crace ACT 2911
Crace is a modern, planned residential suburb in Canberra's Gungahlin district, established in 2009 and named after pioneer settler Edward Kendall Crace. With a population of approximately 4,800, it is one of Gungahlin's more mature newer suburbs and has grown rapidly with a strong emphasis on sustainable urban design. The suburb features an attractive town pond, open green corridors, and diverse housing stock including detached homes, townhouses, and apartments.
Deakin ACT 2600
Deakin is an established inner-south suburb of Canberra, located approximately 6 kilometres south-west of the CBD in the South Canberra district. With a population of around 3,120, the suburb covers 3.58 square kilometres at an elevation of 593 metres. First developed in the 1920s with most construction occurring after 1945, Deakin is one of Canberra's most prestigious residential areas. The suburb is home to The Lodge, the official residence of the Prime Minister of Australia.
Hawker ACT 2614
Hawker is a small outback town in South Australia's Flinders Ranges, located approximately 365 kilometres north of Adelaide in the Flinders Ranges Council area. Surveyed in 1880, the town developed as a service centre for the surrounding pastoral district and as a gateway to the spectacular Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound. At the 2016 census the locality had a population of around 341 residents, making it one of the larger settlements in the remote mid-north of South Australia. Hawker sits at an elevation that provides a welcome break in the aridity, with the dramatic gorges, red rock escarpments, and native flora of the Flinders Ranges surrounding it.
Ngunnawal ACT 2913
Ngunnawal is a residential suburb in Canberra's Gungahlin district, 15 kilometres north of the CBD. Named for the traditional Indigenous owners, the suburb offers modern family homes in Canberra's northern growth corridor.
Giralang ACT 2617
Giralang is a well-established suburb in the Belconnen district of Canberra, located 12 kilometres north-northwest of the CBD. Named from a Wiradhuri Aboriginal word meaning "star", the suburb was established in 1974 and has a population of around 3,370. With a median age of 38 and high median household income of $2,447 per week, Giralang is a solidly middle-class residential area with a mix of original homes and renovated properties.
Flynn ACT 2615
Flynn is a well-established residential suburb in the Belconnen district of the Australian Capital Territory, located approximately 11 kilometres north-west of Canberra City (Civic). With a population of 3,671 and a median age of 37, the suburb supports a youthful mix of families and working-age residents, with above-average household incomes of around $2,728 per week. Sitting at an elevation of 588 metres on the Canberra Tablelands, Flynn features a mix of established housing from the 1970s and 1980s with good access to Belconnen's services.
Greenway ACT 2900
Greenway is a suburb in the Tuggeranong district of Canberra, situated approximately 15 kilometres south of the city centre (Civic) at an elevation of 579 metres within the Australian Capital Territory. Named after the colonial architect Francis Greenway and gazetted in 1986, the suburb covers around 5.3 square kilometres and had a population of 4,129 at the 2021 Census. With a notably young median age of 36 and a strong concentration of residents in the 25–34 age bracket, Greenway attracts young professionals, public servants, and families drawn to its urban amenities. The median household income of around $1,855 per week reflects Canberra's generally higher wage base, driven in part by proximity to the federal public service.
Macgregor ACT 2615
Macgregor is a family-oriented residential suburb in the Belconnen district of Canberra, established in 1972 and located on the western side of Belconnen about 12 kilometres from the CBD. With a population of over 7,000 and a median age of 34, the suburb has a youthful family demographic. It is culturally diverse with Indian, Filipino, Chinese, and Vietnamese communities alongside its Anglo-Australian majority. Named after Sir William MacGregor, Governor of Queensland (1909-14), the suburb features streets named after Australian medical professionals.
Isaacs ACT 2607
Isaacs is a well-established residential suburb in the Woden Valley district of Canberra, located approximately 14 km south of the city centre. With a population of around 2,379 (2021 Census), it is a quiet, leafy suburb that was gazetted in 1966 and developed primarily in the late 1980s. Named after Sir Isaac Isaacs, Australia's first Australian-born Governor-General, it features a mix of detached houses on generous blocks.
Phillip ACT 2606
Phillip is the commercial heart of Canberra's Woden Valley district, located 9 kilometres south of the city centre. With around 5,200 residents and a strong median income of approximately $64,000, it's notable for having 67% of its population living in apartments—unusually high for Canberra. The suburb centres on Woden Town Centre, one of Canberra's major regional shopping destinations.
Calwell ACT 2905
Calwell is an established suburb in Canberra's Tuggeranong district, around 20 km south of the city centre. It has a relatively large population and a family-oriented demographic profile, with detached homes and well-planned residential streets. Developed in the late 20th century, the suburb forms part of Canberra's structured town-centre and neighbourhood model. Its character is suburban, practical and community-focused, with easy connections to nearby employment and services.
Isabella Plains ACT 2905
Isabella Plains is a well-established suburban locality in the Tuggeranong district of Canberra, situated approximately 14 kilometres south of the city centre at an elevation of 594 metres. With a population of 4,329 and a median age of 36, it is a mixed-age community with a healthy share of families and working-age residents. Median household income of around $2,131 per week reflects Canberra's generally higher earning levels, while the suburb offers a quieter, more affordable residential environment than many inner ACT areas.
Campbell ACT 2612
Campbell is an inner suburb of Canberra located approximately 2 kilometres east of Civic, within the Australian Capital Territory. With a population of 6,564 and a notably young median age of 28, the suburb has a vibrant, professional character shaped by its proximity to government institutions and defence establishments. Median household incomes of around $3,052 per week reflect the highly educated and well-employed residents drawn to this sought-after inner-city location.
Fraser ACT 2615
Fraser is a residential suburb in the Belconnen district of Canberra, the Australian Capital Territory, situated approximately 11 kilometres north-west of the Canberra CBD (Civic) at an elevation of around 614 metres. The suburb covers 2.5 square kilometres and is part of the ACT's unincorporated territory, administered directly by the ACT Government. With a population of 2,126 and a median household income of $2,618 per week — well above the national average — Fraser is a prosperous family suburb that attracts established professionals and long-term Canberra residents.
Farrer ACT 2607
Farrer is a well-established residential suburb in Canberra's south, located approximately 8 kilometres from the city centre (Civic) in the Woden Valley district. Situated at an elevation of 650 metres across 2.1 square kilometres, it is part of the ACT's unincorporated territory and falls within the Australian Capital Territory statistical area. The suburb's 2021 population of 3,787 has grown modestly from 3,231 in 2016, with a median age of 43 and above-average household incomes — the median household income of $2,540 per week reflects Canberra's concentration of public sector and professional workers.
Nicholls ACT 2913
Nicholls is a modern suburb in the Gungahlin district of Canberra, established in 1994 and named after Sir Douglas Nicholls, the Aboriginal activist and former Governor of South Australia. With a population of 6,680, the suburb is located approximately 14 kilometres northwest of Canberra CBD and 2 kilometres from the Gungahlin Town Centre.
Red Hill ACT 2603
Red Hill is an established inner-south Canberra suburb situated on and around the Red Hill ridge, approximately 4 kilometres south-east of the Canberra CBD (Civic). Part of the unincorporated ACT, it covers 4.86 square kilometres at an elevation of around 635 metres, offering elevated positions with sweeping views across the national capital. With a population of 3,146 and a median household income of around $3,938 per week, Red Hill is one of Canberra's more affluent inner-south addresses, home to a mix of professionals, public servants, and long-established families.
Harrison ACT 2914
Harrison is a modern, master-planned suburb in the Gungahlin district of Canberra, located approximately 10 kilometres north of the Canberra CBD. With a population of around 8,244 (2021 Census), it is one of the newer suburbs in the ACT, with most development occurring from the mid-2000s. The suburb features contemporary housing, a high proportion of young families, and a notably higher median income than the national average, reflecting Canberra's public service workforce.
Casey ACT 2913
Casey is a residential suburb located in the north-west of the Gungahlin district in the Australian Capital Territory, bounded by Horse Park Drive and Clarrie Hermes Drive. The suburb was established in the 2000s as part of Canberra's northward urban expansion, and its street names honour notable Australian diplomats, public servants, and politicians. Casey sits adjacent to the suburbs of Nicholls and Ngunnawal, and features a well-planned layout with parks, walking paths, and modern housing. It is part of the postcode 2913 area which also covers nearby Palmerston.
Forde ACT 2914
Forde is an affluent suburb in the Gungahlin district of Canberra, located approximately 15 kilometres north of the CBD. Named after former Prime Minister Frank Forde, the suburb was established in 2008 and had a population of 4,435 at the 2021 census. It is a relatively new, family-oriented neighbourhood characterised by modern housing, generous green spaces, and proximity to the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary.
Franklin ACT 2913
Franklin is a modern suburb in the Gungahlin district of Canberra, located approximately 11 kilometres north-north-west of the CBD. With a population of around 7,480, the suburb was established in 2007 and is named after novelist Miles Franklin. Franklin covers 2.3 square kilometres at an elevation of 611 metres and is one of Gungahlin's newer residential developments. The suburb features a mix of detached houses and townhouses with a predominantly young demographic.
Wright ACT 2611
Wright is a modern master-planned suburb located in the Molonglo Valley corridor of the Australian Capital Territory, approximately 8 kilometres west of Canberra's city centre. Established in the early 2010s as part of the ACT Government's Molonglo Valley development, the suburb has grown rapidly to a population of around 3,800 residents. Nestled between the Molonglo River and the hills of Stromlo, Wright offers a contemporary urban feel with expansive green spaces and new community infrastructure.
Forrest ACT 2603
Forrest is one of Canberra's most prestigious inner-south suburbs, located approximately 5 kilometres south of the Canberra CBD (Civic) within the South Canberra district. Established in 1926 and named after explorer and statesman Sir John Forrest, it is one of the Australian Capital Territory's oldest planned suburbs. With a 2021 population of 1,827 and a median household income of $3,363 per week — among the highest of any suburb in the ACT — Forrest is characterised by large, established homes on generous blocks, tree-lined avenues, and a refined residential character.
Kingston ACT 2604
Kingston is a major suburb 12 kilometres south of Hobart's CBD, serving as a commercial and residential centre for the southern region. The suburb offers beach access, comprehensive shopping at Channel Court, and a genuine township atmosphere.
Lawson ACT 2617
Lawson is a modern suburb in the Belconnen district of Canberra, located approximately 12 kilometres northwest of the Canberra CBD. Developed primarily in the 2010s, the suburb features contemporary housing including detached homes, townhouses, and apartments. Lawson has a growing population and is designed around sustainable urban principles with generous green spaces and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes. The suburb sits at an elevation of 592 metres within the Australian Capital Territory.
Bruce ACT 2617
Bruce is a vibrant inner-suburban locality in Canberra's Belconnen district, located approximately 8 kilometres north-west of the ACT's city centre. With a population of 7,520 and a notably young median age of just 29, the suburb is strongly shaped by its proximity to the University of Canberra campus, which draws thousands of domestic and international students each year. The suburb sits at an elevation of around 619 metres in the Australian Capital Territory and records one of the higher median household incomes in Canberra at around $118,000 annually.
Aranda ACT 2614
Aranda is a leafy, established suburb in Canberra's Belconnen district, situated at the western foot of Black Mountain and gazetted in 1967. Home to approximately 2,605 residents, it borders the Canberra Nature Park on two sides, giving it an unusually strong bush setting for an inner suburban location. The suburb features a mix of well-maintained houses and low-rise units, with high owner-occupancy rates reflecting a settled, professional demographic.
Macarthur ACT 2904
Macarthur is a quiet residential suburb in Canberra's Tuggeranong district, located approximately 15 kilometres south of the Canberra CBD (Civic) within the Australian Capital Territory. With a population of around 1,405 residents and a median age of 39, the suburb attracts a mix of families and working professionals who value affordable suburban living within the nation's capital. The median household income of approximately $3,037 per week reflects the strong public sector employment base common across greater Canberra, and the suburb's 1.3 square kilometre footprint comprises predominantly detached housing on quiet residential streets.
City ACT 2601
City (also known as Civic) is the central business district of Canberra, the Australian capital, located within the district of Canberra Central. With a population of 4,835 (2021 census) and a notably young median age of 27, it is a dense urban hub covering just 1.5 km² at an elevation of 577 metres. Established in 1927, it sits at the heart of Canberra's planned urban layout, north of Lake Burley Griffin.
📊 Methodology
Rankings are based on the proportion of dwellings classified as social housing (state housing authority + community housing provider) in the ABS Census 2021, Table G37 — Tenure Type by Dwelling Structure. Only suburbs in ACT with at least 100 occupied private dwellings were included to ensure statistical reliability.