🔍

Palmerston

ACT 2913 • Australian Capital Territory

5,579
Population (2021)
$58,968
Median Income
1.95 km²
Area
$450/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyYoung FamiliesAffordableCommuter

About Palmerston

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.

Palmerston offers a quiet, family-oriented lifestyle with easy access to the amenities of the nearby Gungahlin Town Centre, including major supermarkets, restaurants and retail shops. The suburb has good green spaces and walking paths, popular with families and joggers. Residents benefit from the Canberra light rail network with a stop at Gungahlin Town Centre, providing a straightforward commute into the Canberra CBD. The community skews toward young families and working professionals, drawn by relatively affordable housing, quality local schools and a safe, suburban atmosphere.

Palmerston falls under postcode 2913 and is governed by Unincorporated Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Yerrabi electorate.

📍 Location

State
Australian Capital Territory
Postcode
2913
Urban Area
Gungahlin
LGA / Council
Unincorporated
Federal Electorate
Fenner
State Electorate
Yerrabi
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.19°, 149.12°
Statistical Area
Australian Capital Territory
Area
1.95 km²
Elevation
613m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Gungahlin Place (Light Rail)
1.8 km
22 min

Bus Services

  • 56, R9 — Gungahlin Town Centre / Belconnen / Canberra CBD 30-40 min to CBD

Commute to Canberra CBD

Distance
10 km
By Train
N/A – nearest light rail at Gungahlin (~25 min total with bus/walk)
By Car (Peak)
20-30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
15 min

🛣️ Bus routes connect Palmerston to Gungahlin light rail station. Light rail runs to City West and Civic in Canberra CBD.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Residential streets are walkable locally; most daily needs require a car or bus to Gungahlin Town Centre.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$450
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,940
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
36 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
5.8%

113 state housing + 6 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,525
Census 2021
5,579
▲ 1.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$46,280
Income 2021
$58,968
▲ 27.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,665
Born Overseas 1,744

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. China 214
  • 2. India 203
  • 3. Vietnam 135
  • 4. England 114
  • 5. Philippines 68
  • 6. New Zealand 52
  • 7. South Korea 49
  • 8. Malaysia 47
  • 9. Pakistan 45
  • 10. Sri Lanka 43

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,706
English 1,607
Irish 563
Chinese 462
Scottish 459
Indian 217
Italian 191
German 181
Vietnamese 172
Filipino 125

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,354
Both parents born in Australia
2,357
Both parents born overseas
687
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
40.4%
No Religion
40.3%
Islam
4.6%
Buddhism
4.6%
Hinduism
3.5%
Sikhism
0.9%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
381 (6.8%)
5-14 years
752 (13.5%)
15-19 years
284 (5.1%)
20-24 years
356 (6.4%)
25-34 years
852 (15.3%)
35-44 years
878 (15.7%)
45-54 years
751 (13.5%)
55-64 years
647 (11.6%)
65-74 years
462 (8.3%)
75-84 years
170 (3.0%)
85+ years
52 (0.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Palmerston ACT a good suburb for families? +

Yes – Palmerston is considered a family-friendly suburb with quality local schools, green spaces and a safe, low-traffic environment. It is popular with young families who want affordable housing close to Gungahlin's amenities.

How far is Palmerston ACT from Canberra CBD? +

Palmerston is approximately 10 kilometres north of the Canberra CBD. By car it takes around 20–30 minutes in peak hour, or residents can catch a bus to Gungahlin and connect to the light rail.

What schools are in or near Palmerston ACT? +

Palmerston District Primary School is located within the suburb. Nearby secondary options include Gungahlin College and St John Paul II College in the broader Gungahlin district.

What is the median rent in Palmerston ACT? +

The 2021 Census recorded a median weekly rent of $450 in Palmerston, which is broadly in line with the wider Gungahlin district.