🔍

Dickson

ACT 2602 • Australian Capital Territory

3,292
Population (2021)
$67,756
Median Income
1.58 km²
Area
$500/wk
Median Rent
Inner CityMulticulturalAffordableYoung Families

About Dickson

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.

The suburb is best known for its vibrant Dickson Place precinct, a pedestrian-friendly strip lined with Asian restaurants, cafés, and specialty grocers that give it a multicultural character. Public housing mixes with private residences across Dickson's streets, supporting a diverse community of renters, young professionals, and long-term residents. Easy bus connections to the Canberra CBD and proximity to EPIC (Exhibition Park) and Dickson College add to the suburb's appeal.

Dickson falls under postcode 2602 and is governed by Unincorporated Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kurrajong electorate.

📍 Location

State
Australian Capital Territory
Postcode
2602
Urban Area
Braddon - Kowen
LGA / Council
Unincorporated
Federal Electorate
Canberra
State Electorate
Kurrajong
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.25°, 149.14°
Statistical Area
Australian Capital Territory
Area
1.58 km²
Elevation
583m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • 4, 40, 51 — Canberra City (Civic) 10 min
  • 59 — Gungahlin 25 min

Commute to Canberra CBD (Civic)

Distance
4 km
By Train
N/A — no train service in Canberra
By Car (Peak)
10-15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
8 min

🛣️ Frequent ACTION bus services run direct to Civic; cycling is also popular via Dickson bike paths

Walkability Very Walkable

Flat suburb with good footpaths, walkable to Dickson Place shops, parks, and bus stops

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    1 Dickson Place Dickson 2602 ACT

🎓 Schools

🌳 Parks & Reserves

There is 1 park or reserve in Dickson.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$500
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,904
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
30 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
5.2%

66 state housing + 8 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,149
Census 2021
3,292
▲ 53.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$46,592
Income 2021
$67,756
▲ 45.4% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,189
Born Overseas 989

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. China 191
  • 2. England 87
  • 3. Vietnam 43
  • 4. India 41
  • 5. United States 40
  • 6. Nepal 38
  • 7. New Zealand 34
  • 8. South Korea 22
  • 9. Malaysia 22
  • 10. Indonesia 21

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,071
Australian 942
Irish 488
Chinese 356
Scottish 355
German 191
Italian 124
Indian 73
Vietnamese 68
Dutch 66

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,415
Both parents born in Australia
1,239
Both parents born overseas
527
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
61.5%
Christianity
23.6%
Buddhism
4.6%
Hinduism
2.2%
Islam
1.8%
Judaism
0.6%
Sikhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
146 (4.4%)
5-14 years
278 (8.4%)
15-19 years
103 (3.1%)
20-24 years
503 (15.3%)
25-34 years
935 (28.4%)
35-44 years
485 (14.7%)
45-54 years
341 (10.4%)
55-64 years
251 (7.6%)
65-74 years
128 (3.9%)
75-84 years
80 (2.4%)
85+ years
35 (1.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dickson in Canberra known for? +

Dickson is best known for Dickson Place, a lively pedestrian strip with a wide range of Asian restaurants, cafés, and specialty grocers. It's one of Canberra's top dining destinations.

How far is Dickson from Canberra CBD? +

Dickson is approximately 4 kilometres north of Canberra's city centre (Civic). The drive takes around 8–10 minutes, and several ACTION bus routes connect the two in about 10 minutes.

What schools are in Dickson ACT? +

Dickson is home to Dickson College, a government senior secondary college. Nearby Merici College (Catholic, girls' school) also serves the area.

Is Dickson affordable to rent? +

Dickson is considered one of Canberra's more affordable inner suburbs due to its mix of public housing and older private rental stock, making it popular with students and young professionals.