🔍

Downer

ACT 2602 • Australian Capital Territory

4,296
Population (2021)
$117,884
Median Household Income
1.63 km²
Area
$420/wk
Median Rent
Inner SuburbsFamily-FriendlyLeafyMulticulturalWell-Connected

About Downer

Downer is an established inner-north suburb of Canberra, located just 5 kilometres north of the CBD in the district of North Canberra. With a population of around 4,300, it was gazetted in 1960 and named after Sir John Downer, a former Premier of South Australia and founding Australian Senator. The suburb is bounded by Northbourne Avenue, Antill Street, and Philip Avenue. With a median age of 35 and high household incomes, it attracts a mix of young professionals, academics, and families.

Downer offers a leafy, village-like atmosphere with a small local shopping centre known as the Downer shops, featuring cafes and essential services. The suburb is well-positioned near Dickson's dining precinct and the University of Canberra. Federated Crescent Park and surrounding green spaces provide recreation. The culturally diverse community — with significant Chinese, Indian, and Vietnamese heritage — adds vibrancy to the neighbourhood. Downer is popular with public servants, university students, and professionals who appreciate its central location and quiet residential streets.

Downer falls under postcode 2602 and is governed by Unincorporated Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kurrajong electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Australian Capital Territory Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
Australian Capital Territory
Postcode
2602
Urban Area
Braddon - Kowen
LGA / Council
Unincorporated
Federal Electorate
Canberra
State Electorate
Kurrajong
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.24°, 149.14°
Statistical Area
Australian Capital Territory
Area
1.63 km²
Elevation
584m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$420
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,167
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
35 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
9.8%

143 state housing + 17 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Dickson
0.8 km
10 mins
Swinden Street
1 km
12 mins
EPIC/Mitchell
1.5 km
18 mins

Bus Services

  • R2 — City Interchange via Dickson 15 mins
  • 39 — City via Watson and Downer 20 mins
  • 56 — Belconnen via Lyneham 25 mins

Commute to Canberra City (Civic)

Distance
5 km
By Train
10-12 mins (light rail from Dickson)
By Bus
15-20 mins
By Car (Peak)
10-15 mins
By Car (Off-Peak)
8-10 mins

🛣️ Light rail on Northbourne Avenue provides fast, frequent service to the city centre

Walkability Very Walkable

Local shops within the suburb, light rail and buses easily accessible, good cycling infrastructure

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,662
Census 2021
4,296
▲ 17.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$43,472
Personal Income 2021
$58,500
▲ 34.6% 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
$58,500 / yr
$1125/wk
Household
$117,884 / yr
$2267/wk
Family
$149,864 / yr
$2882/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,907
Born Overseas 1,238

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 130
  • 2. China 114
  • 3. India 82
  • 4. Vietnam 66
  • 5. New Zealand 47
  • 6. United States 40
  • 7. Sri Lanka 36
  • 8. Nepal 33
  • 9. Philippines 29
  • 10. Indonesia 28

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,394
Australian 1,376
Irish 560
Scottish 472
Chinese 237
German 171
Italian 139
Indian 103
Dutch 99
Vietnamese 91

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,886
Both parents born in Australia
1,515
Both parents born overseas
738
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
55.3%
Christianity
27.2%
Buddhism
6.1%
Hinduism
2.5%
Islam
1.7%
Sikhism
0.5%
Judaism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
272 (6.3%)
5-14 years
496 (11.5%)
15-19 years
193 (4.5%)
20-24 years
372 (8.7%)
25-34 years
751 (17.5%)
35-44 years
775 (18.0%)
45-54 years
519 (12.1%)
55-64 years
374 (8.7%)
65-74 years
293 (6.8%)
75-84 years
179 (4.2%)
85+ years
74 (1.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Downer known for? +

Downer offers a leafy, village-like atmosphere with a small local shopping centre known as the Downer shops, featuring cafes and essential services.

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

Downer is approximately 5 kilometres from Canberra CBD (Civic). The drive takes approximately 10-15 mins in peak hour and 8-10 mins off-peak.

Does Downer have public transport? +

The nearest train station is Dickson (0.8 km away, approximately 10 mins walk) on the Canberra Light Rail (Stage 1). Bus services include R2, running to City Interchange via Dickson in approximately 15 mins.

What is the population of Downer? +

According to the 2021 Census, Downer has a population of 4,296 residents. The suburb is part of the broader Australian Capital Territory metropolitan area.

Is Downer a good place to live? +

Downer is well-suited to families, offering a leafy, nature-connected lifestyle in Canberra. The suburb is well-positioned near Dickson's dining precinct and the University of Canberra.

What is the postcode for Downer? +

The postcode for Downer is 2602. It is located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

What is the average income in Downer? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Downer is about $1,125 per week (around $58,500 per year). The median household income is $2,267 per week and the median family income is $2,882 per week.

What is the age profile of Downer? +

The median age in Downer is 35. The largest age group is 35–44 (775 residents, around 18%). Around 22% of residents are under 20 and about 13% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Downer? +

In Downer, the median weekly rent is $420, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,167 (2021 Census).