🔍

Palmerston

ACT 2913 • Australian Capital Territory

5,579
Population (2021)
$120,432
Median Household Income
1.95 km²
Area
$450/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyEstablishedSuburbanLeafy

About Palmerston

Palmerston is an established residential suburb in Canberra's Gungahlin district, postcode 2913, within the ACT Unincorporated area. With a 2021 Census population of 5,579 — slightly up from 5,525 in 2016 — Palmerston is a mature community at 613 metres elevation, covering approximately 1.95 square kilometres. Located approximately 16 kilometres north of the Canberra CBD, the suburb was developed in the 1990s and features a good mix of housing types, schools, and community parks characteristic of Canberra's northern residential suburbs.

Palmerston has a local shops precinct with everyday conveniences, good primary schooling, and several neighbourhood parks. The suburb is close to the Gungahlin Town Centre, which offers a full range of shops, restaurants, and the Canberra Light Rail terminus. Residents of Palmerston benefit from easy access to the ACT parkland network, including walking and cycling paths connecting through the broader Gungahlin district. Transport Canberra buses provide regular connections to Gungahlin and the CBD.

Palmerston falls under postcode 2913 and is governed by Unincorporated Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Yerrabi electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Australian Capital Territory Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
Australian Capital Territory
Postcode
2913
Urban Area
Gungahlin
LGA / Council
Unincorporated
Federal Electorate
Fenner
State Electorate
Yerrabi
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.19°, 149.12°
Statistical Area
Australian Capital Territory
Area
1.95 km²
Elevation
613m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$450
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,940
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
36 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
5.8%

113 state housing + 6 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Gungahlin Place (Light Rail)
2.5 km
30 min

Bus Services

  • Transport Canberra Route 51, 53 — Gungahlin Town Centre / Canberra City 25-38 min

Commute to Canberra CBD (Civic)

Distance
16 km
By Train
30-38 min via light rail from Gungahlin Place
By Car (Peak)
22-32 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
16-24 min

🛣️ Gundaroo Drive and Federal Highway provide arterial access

Walkability Car-Dependent

Local shops and parks accessible on foot; most daily needs require a car or bus to the Gungahlin Town Centre

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,525
Census 2021
5,579
▲ 1.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$46,280
Personal Income 2021
$58,968
▲ 27.4% 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
$58,968 / yr
$1134/wk
Household
$120,432 / yr
$2316/wk
Family
$139,672 / yr
$2686/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,665
Born Overseas 1,744

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. China 214
  • 2. India 203
  • 3. Vietnam 135
  • 4. England 114
  • 5. Philippines 68
  • 6. New Zealand 52
  • 7. South Korea 49
  • 8. Malaysia 47
  • 9. Pakistan 45
  • 10. Sri Lanka 43

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,706
English 1,607
Irish 563
Chinese 462
Scottish 459
Indian 217
Italian 191
German 181
Vietnamese 172
Filipino 125

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,354
Both parents born in Australia
2,357
Both parents born overseas
687
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
40.4%
No Religion
40.3%
Islam
4.6%
Buddhism
4.6%
Hinduism
3.5%
Sikhism
0.9%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
381 (6.8%)
5-14 years
752 (13.5%)
15-19 years
284 (5.1%)
20-24 years
356 (6.4%)
25-34 years
852 (15.3%)
35-44 years
878 (15.7%)
45-54 years
751 (13.5%)
55-64 years
647 (11.6%)
65-74 years
462 (8.3%)
75-84 years
170 (3.0%)
85+ years
52 (0.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Palmerston ACT known for? +

Palmerston is known as a quiet, established family suburb in Canberra's Gungahlin district, with good schools, neighbourhood parks, and convenient access to the Gungahlin Town Centre and light rail.

How far is Palmerston from Canberra CBD? +

Palmerston is approximately 16 kilometres north of the Canberra CBD (Civic), about a 22–32 minute drive, or 30–38 minutes via light rail from Gungahlin Place.

Does Palmerston have public transport? +

Yes, Transport Canberra bus routes connect Palmerston to the Gungahlin Town Centre and the CBD, with light rail available from the nearby Gungahlin Place stop.

What is the population of Palmerston? +

Palmerston had a population of 5,579 in the 2021 Census, a marginal increase from 5,525 in 2016.

Is Palmerston a good place to live? +

Palmerston suits families who want an established community with good schools and parks, proximity to Gungahlin Town Centre, and convenient light rail access to the CBD.

What is the postcode for Palmerston? +

The postcode for Palmerston is 2913.

What is the average income in Palmerston? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Palmerston is about $1,134 per week (around $59,000 per year). The median household income is $2,316 per week and the median family income is $2,686 per week.

What is the age profile of Palmerston? +

The median age in Palmerston is 36. The largest age group is 35–44 (878 residents, around 16%). Around 25% of residents are under 20 and about 12% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Palmerston? +

In Palmerston, the median weekly rent is $450, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,940 (2021 Census).