As Canberra's population increases, here are the suburbs with the largest growth

Canberra’s population has reached more than 450,000, and as more people call the capital home, certain suburbs are seeing significant population growth. 

In the past 10 years, the suburbs of Bonner, Casey and Greenway have recorded the highest growth in population numbers, according to 2021 census data. 

The population in Bonner had grown the most during this period, increasing by 407.2 per cent from 2011 to 2021. At the time of the recent 2021 census, the population was 7374.

Following Bonner, Casey’s population grew by 343.4 per cent over the decade, and reached a total of 6482 at the time of the recent census.

Shan Gao of Canberry Property said the growth of the two suburbs is representative of the ever growing popularity of the Gungahlin region.

“At one point, Gungahlin was one of the fastest growing regions in all of Australia, and Bonner and Casey, when the land was released, were cheaper suburbs too,” he said. 

“The growth also has a lot to do with timing, as there was a lot of immigration coming into Canberra, especially about eight years ago.

“There was a large Asian and Indian community coming into Gungahlin, and particularly Bonner and Casey. At that time multicultural growth was everywhere.” 

According to the latest Domain House Price Report, the median house price in Bonner is $882,000, an increase of  18.9 per cent year-on-year. 

Similarly, Casey has seen an equally large increase in median house prices, measuring at $870,000 and growing by 34.4 per cent year-on-year. 

Despite the growth in price of the suburb, Gao said another major drawcard for people moving into the suburbs was their relative affordability in Canberra. 

“Both suburbs are affordable in comparison to others which is an appeal, and they are also surrounded by schools in neighbouring suburbs of Amaroo and Nicholls,” he said. 

“They also have great newer shopping areas, and provide easy access to surrounding areas … [suitable] for those looking to have children, as well as people who wish to downsize.” 

Elsewhere, the suburb of Greenway measured the third largest population growth of all Canberra suburbs over the decade. 

Greenway recorded a 176.2 per cent increase in its population from 2011 to 2021, measuring a total of 4101 people at the time of the recent census. 

Lauren Laing of The Property Collective said the new areas of Greenway are to thank for its popularity. 

“New Greenway, which is only around five years old and has all the apartments and townhouses, is one of the reasons for the suburb’s growth,” she said. 

“You’re also not paying Woden prices, but you are only 10 minutes down the road … Greenway has better value for money. 

“Now that they have also updated the Tuggeranong town centre, there are more restaurants around, and the whole area is more appealing.” 

The median unit price in Greenway is $505,000, which is a 3.1 per cent growth year-on-year. 

The growing popularity of the suburb over the years has been noticeable, Laing said. 

“I think that comes down to the value for money there … it’s a bit more desirable than some of the newer suburbs that are less established,” she said. 

“The area was already established, but there are now new apartments and new townhouses right on the water too … I think it is a very desirable location.”