🔍

Spence

ACT 2615 • Australian Capital Territory

2,587
Population (2021)
$58,500
Median Income
1.52 km²
Area
$375/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyEstablishedSuburbanQuietLeafy

About Spence

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.

Spence sits alongside the suburbs of Fraser, Evatt, and Melba, and is within easy reach of the Belconnen Town Centre — Canberra's second-largest retail and services hub — just a few kilometres to the south. The suburb is connected to Belconnen and the Canberra city via ACTION bus services. True to Canberra's planned design, Spence features low-density residential streets, generous parks, and green corridors that lend the area a leafy, settled feel. The suburb is well-suited to families and working professionals seeking a peaceful neighbourhood with solid community infrastructure and straightforward access to the capital's employment centres.

Spence falls under postcode 2615 and is governed by Unincorporated Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ginninderra electorate.

📍 Location

State
Australian Capital Territory
Postcode
2615
Urban Area
Belconnen
LGA / Council
Unincorporated
Federal Electorate
Fenner
State Electorate
Ginninderra
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.20°, 149.07°
Statistical Area
Australian Capital Territory
Area
1.52 km²
Elevation
633m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • ACTION Bus routes via Belconnen — Belconnen Town Centre and Canberra City (Civic) 20-30 min to Civic

Commute to Canberra CBD (Civic)

Distance
15 km
By Train
No direct train service; bus to Civic takes approximately 25-35 min
By Car (Peak)
20-30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
15-20 min

🛣️ Belconnen Way and William Hovell Drive are the main arterial routes. No light rail to Belconnen as of 2026.

Walkability Car-Dependent

While local parks and some amenities are walkable, most errands and shopping require a car or bus to Belconnen Town Centre.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$375
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,120
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
38 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
10.2%

90 state housing + 4 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,585
Census 2021
2,587
▲ 0.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$47,008
Income 2021
$58,500
▲ 24.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,080
Born Overseas 417

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 74
  • 2. China 24
  • 3. Germany 22
  • 4. United States 18
  • 5. Chile 15
  • 6. Scotland 15
  • 7. India 13
  • 8. Vietnam 13
  • 9. New Zealand 12
  • 10. Bosnia & Herzegovina 11

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,074
English 1,007
Irish 385
Scottish 334
German 121
Italian 75
Chinese 68
Australian Aboriginal 63
Greek 48
Dutch 46

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,556
Both parents born in Australia
547
Both parents born overseas
378
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
46.7%
Christianity
44.8%
Buddhism
1.4%
Islam
0.9%
Hinduism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
155 (6.0%)
5-14 years
362 (14.0%)
15-19 years
173 (6.7%)
20-24 years
143 (5.5%)
25-34 years
305 (11.8%)
35-44 years
404 (15.6%)
45-54 years
343 (13.3%)
55-64 years
251 (9.7%)
65-74 years
300 (11.6%)
75-84 years
131 (5.1%)
85+ years
26 (1.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spence known for? +

Spence is known as a quiet, well-planned residential suburb in Canberra's Belconnen district, featuring tree-lined streets named after trade unionists and a strong community of professional families. It offers a peaceful lifestyle within easy reach of Belconnen's amenities.

How far is Spence from Canberra CBD? +

Spence is approximately 15 kilometres north-west of the Canberra CBD (Civic), typically a 15–30 minute drive depending on traffic, or around 25–35 minutes by bus.

Does Spence have public transport? +

Spence is serviced by ACTION bus routes connecting to the Belconnen Town Centre and Canberra City (Civic). There is no light rail service to the Belconnen district; bus is the primary public transport option.

What is the population of Spence? +

According to the 2021 Census, Spence has a population of 2,587 residents with a median age of 38, indicating a mix of established families and working-age professionals.

Is Spence a good place to live? +

Spence is well-regarded for its quiet, leafy streets, proximity to Belconnen Town Centre, and strong community atmosphere. It suits families and professionals seeking an affordable, peaceful base in Canberra's north-west with solid access to employment and services.

What is the postcode for Spence? +

The postcode for Spence is 2615, shared with several other Belconnen suburbs.