Belconnen

ACT 2617 • Australian Capital Territory

8,502
Population (2021)
$92,352
Median Household Income
4.43 km²
Area
$430/wk
Median Rent
Major CentreFamily-FriendlyLakesideUniversitySelf-Contained

About Belconnen

Belconnen is a major district in the Australian Capital Territory, located approximately 7 kilometres north-west of the Canberra CBD. As the most populous district in the ACT with over 106,000 residents spread across 27 suburbs, it is essentially a self-contained satellite city. The district surrounds Lake Ginninderra, an ornamental lake created by damming Ginninderra Creek, which serves as its recreational centrepiece.

Belconnen offers extensive amenities including Westfield Belconnen (one of Canberra's largest shopping centres), the University of Canberra, CIT Bruce campus, and the Australian Institute of Sport. The lakeside precinct features restaurants, playgrounds, and walking paths popular with families. The district caters to a broad demographic — from students and young professionals in newer apartment developments to established families in leafy suburban streets. Its strong public transport links and self-sufficient services make it one of Canberra's most liveable districts.

Belconnen falls under postcode 2617 and is governed by Unincorporated Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ginninderra electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Australian Capital Territory Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

Postcode
2617
Urban Area
Belconnen
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.24°, 149.07°
Statistical Area
Australian Capital Territory
Area
4.43 km²
Elevation
578m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$430
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,517
Avg Household Size
1.9 people
Median Age
30 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
5.6%

198 state housing + 27 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • R4, R5 — Canberra City Centre (Rapid) 20–25 min
  • R2 — Gungahlin via light rail interchange 30 min
  • 58, 59 — Woden via City 45 min

Commute to Canberra CBD (Civic)

Distance
7 km
By Bus
20–25 min (Rapid)
By Car (Peak)
15–20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10–12 min

🛣️ Light rail Stage 2B to Belconnen planned. Currently well-served by rapid bus network

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Belconnen town centre is walkable with shops, restaurants, and lake access; outer suburbs are more car-dependent

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Belconnen Mall Shopping Centre Cnr Emu Bank Road & Lathlain Drive Belconnen 2617 ACT
  • Woolworths
    18 Benjamin Way Belconnen 2617 ACT
  • ALDI
    Cnr Benjamin Way, Cohen Street, Belconnen ACT 2617

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
6,657
Census 2021
8,502
27.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$43,628
Personal Income 2021
$52,468
20.3% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$52,468 / yr
$1009/wk
Household
$92,352 / yr
$1776/wk
Family
$105,768 / yr
$2034/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,843
Born Overseas 4,284

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. China 946
  • 2. India 525
  • 3. Nepal 482
  • 4. Philippines 208
  • 5. England 168
  • 6. South Korea 145
  • 7. Vietnam 121
  • 8. Iran 91
  • 9. Pakistan 87
  • 10. New Zealand 83

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,886
Australian 1,690
Chinese 1,309
Irish 663
Scottish 642
Indian 550
German 265
Filipino 257
Italian 172
Korean 165

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,443
Both parents born in Australia
4,838
Both parents born overseas
797
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
46.4%
Christianity
26.1%
Hinduism
9.9%
Islam
5.4%
Buddhism
3.9%
Sikhism
1.4%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
380 (4.5%)
5-14 years
360 (4.2%)
15-19 years
229 (2.7%)
20-24 years
1,325 (15.6%)
25-34 years
3,216 (37.8%)
35-44 years
1,209 (14.2%)
45-54 years
592 (7.0%)
55-64 years
410 (4.8%)
65-74 years
324 (3.8%)
75-84 years
272 (3.2%)
85+ years
184 (2.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Belconnen known for? +

Belconnen offers extensive amenities including Westfield Belconnen (one of Canberra's largest shopping centres), the University of Canberra, CIT Bruce campus, and the Australian Institute of Sport.

How far is Belconnen from Canberra CBD (Civic)? +

Belconnen is approximately 7 kilometres from Canberra CBD (Civic). The drive takes approximately 15–20 min in peak hour and 10–12 min off-peak.

Does Belconnen have public transport? +

Bus services include R4, R5, running to Canberra City Centre (Rapid) in approximately 20–25 min.

What is the population of Belconnen? +

According to the 2021 Census, Belconnen has a population of 8,502 residents. The suburb is part of the broader Australian Capital Territory metropolitan area.

Is Belconnen a good place to live? +

Belconnen is well-suited to families, offering a comfortable suburban lifestyle in Canberra. The lakeside precinct features restaurants, playgrounds, and walking paths popular with families.

What is the postcode for Belconnen? +

The postcode for Belconnen is 2617. It is located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

What is the average income in Belconnen? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Belconnen is about $1,009 per week (around $52,500 per year). The median household income is $1,776 per week and the median family income is $2,034 per week.

What is the age profile of Belconnen? +

The median age in Belconnen is 30. The largest age group is 25–34 (3,216 residents, around 38%). Around 11% of residents are under 20 and about 9% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Belconnen? +

In Belconnen, the median weekly rent is $430, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,517 (2021 Census).