🔍

Acton

ACT 2601 • Australian Capital Territory

2,848
Population (2021)
$13,364
Median Personal Income
5.99 km²
Area
$9/wk
Median Rent
University TownLeafyCBD-AdjacentHistoric

About Acton

Acton is an inner suburb of Canberra located adjacent to the Australian National University (ANU) campus and Lake Burley Griffin, postcode 2601, within the City of Canberra (Unincorporated) area. With a 2021 Census population of 2,848 — up from 2,086 in 2016 — Acton has experienced strong growth driven largely by student and university-affiliated residents. The suburb sits at an elevation of 560 metres and covers approximately 6 square kilometres on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin, just west of the Canberra CBD.

Acton is home to significant institutions including the ANU (one of Australia's leading universities), the National Museum of Australia, the Black Mountain Nature Reserve, and the historic Royal Australian Mint building. The suburb offers excellent amenities including the ANU campus shops, cafes, and services, as well as walking and cycling paths along Lake Burley Griffin. City buses connect Acton directly to the Canberra CBD and all major districts, and the area is highly walkable for students and academics living within the campus precinct.

Acton falls under postcode 2601 and is governed by Unincorporated Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kurrajong electorate.

📍 Location

State
Australian Capital Territory
Postcode
2601
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Unincorporated
Federal Electorate
Canberra
State Electorate
Kurrajong
Type
Rural
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.28°, 149.11°
Statistical Area
Australian Capital Territory
Area
5.99 km²
Elevation
560m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$9
Avg Household Size
1 people
Median Age
19 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

City (Light Rail)
1.5 km
18 min

Bus Services

  • Transport Canberra Route 61, 62, 63 — Canberra City (Civic) / Woden 8-15 min

Commute to Canberra CBD (Civic)

Distance
2 km
By Train
No direct rail; light rail at City stop 1.5 km away
By Car (Peak)
6-12 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
4-8 min

🛣️ Highly accessible by bus; cycleway along Lake Burley Griffin connects to the CBD

Walkability Very Walkable

Most daily errands can be done on foot within the ANU campus precinct; excellent cycling paths to the CBD

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,086
Census 2021
2,848
▲ 36.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$9,308
Personal Income 2021
$13,364
▲ 43.6% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,613
Born Overseas 746

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. China 149
  • 2. England 113
  • 3. India 87
  • 4. United States 38
  • 5. Singapore 33
  • 6. New Zealand 29
  • 7. Malaysia 27
  • 8. South Africa 23
  • 9. Hong Kong 18
  • 10. Indonesia 18

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 929
English 798
Irish 323
Chinese 301
Scottish 228
Indian 117
German 102
Italian 80
Dutch 54
Greek 33

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

965
Both parents born in Australia
844
Both parents born overseas
534
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
54.2%
Christianity
18.0%
Hinduism
2.3%
Buddhism
1.8%
Islam
1.6%
Judaism
1.4%
Sikhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
5 (0.2%)
5-14 years
0 (0.0%)
15-19 years
1,450 (50.9%)
20-24 years
1,060 (37.2%)
25-34 years
267 (9.4%)
35-44 years
51 (1.8%)
45-54 years
7 (0.2%)
55-64 years
0 (0.0%)
65-74 years
0 (0.0%)
75-84 years
0 (0.0%)
85+ years
0 (0.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acton known for? +

Acton is known for being home to the Australian National University (ANU), the National Museum of Australia, Black Mountain Nature Reserve, and its scenic position along the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin.

How far is Acton from Canberra CBD? +

Acton is approximately 2 kilometres west of the Canberra CBD (Civic), making it a short 6–12 minute drive or an easy 20-minute walk.

Does Acton have public transport? +

Yes, multiple Transport Canberra bus routes serve Acton, providing frequent connections to the Canberra CBD and all major districts. The light rail City stop is also within easy reach.

What is the population of Acton? +

The 2021 Census recorded 2,848 residents in Acton, a significant increase from 2,086 in 2016, reflecting its popularity with university students and staff.

Is Acton a good place to live? +

Acton is popular with university students, academics, and professionals who value its central location, walkability, proximity to the ANU campus, and access to Lake Burley Griffin's parklands and walking trails.

What is the postcode for Acton? +

The postcode for Acton is 2601.

What is the average income in Acton? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Acton is about $257 per week (around $13,400 per year)..

What is the age profile of Acton? +

The median age in Acton is 19. The largest age group is 15–19 (1,450 residents, around 51%). Around 51% of residents are under 20 and about 0% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Acton? +

In Acton, the median weekly rent is $9 (2021 Census).