🔍

Watson

ACT 2602 • Australian Capital Territory

6,727
Population (2021)
$125,528
Median Household Income
3.67 km²
Area
$437/wk
Median Rent
Inner-CityNature AccessAffordableYoung ProfessionalsWalkable

About Watson

Watson is an established inner-north suburb of Canberra, located approximately 5 kilometres from the CBD in the North Canberra district. With a population of around 5,860 residents, it has a younger demographic profile with an average age of 20-39 and a significant renter population at 41%. The suburb is characterised by a mix of original 1960s homes, townhouses, and newer apartment developments.

Watson features the popular Watson shops precinct with cafés and essential services, and is close to the Dickson retail and dining hub. The suburb borders Mount Majura Nature Reserve, offering excellent bushwalking and mountain biking trails. It attracts young professionals, students, and small families who appreciate the combination of affordability, nature access, and proximity to the ANU and city centre.

Watson 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💰 Top 50 Suburbs in Australian Capital Territory by Median Household Income

📍 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
-35.23°, 149.16°
Statistical Area
Australian Capital Territory
Area
3.67 km²
Elevation
598m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$437
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,067
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
34 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
5.5%

136 state housing + 10 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Watson Light Rail (planned)
0.5 km
6 min
Dickson Light Rail
2 km
25 min

Bus Services

  • 39, 939 — Canberra City Centre 12 min
  • 7, 9 — Dickson / Belconnen 10 min
  • 58 — Fyshwick via Kingston 20 min

Commute to Canberra City

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

🛣️ Cycling to the CBD is popular via shared paths along Antill Street

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Watson shops meet basic daily needs on foot. The suburb has good cycling infrastructure but is spread out with typical Canberra suburban spacing.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,862
Census 2021
6,727
▲ 14.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$53,924
Personal Income 2021
$70,408
▲ 30.6% 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
$70,408 / yr
$1354/wk
Household
$125,528 / yr
$2414/wk
Family
$159,432 / yr
$3066/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,753
Born Overseas 1,762

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 191
  • 2. India 132
  • 3. China 111
  • 4. New Zealand 94
  • 5. United States 74
  • 6. Vietnam 65
  • 7. Nepal 57
  • 8. Philippines 48
  • 9. Germany 42
  • 10. Malaysia 39

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,380
Australian 2,331
Irish 940
Scottish 734
German 353
Chinese 310
Italian 254
Indian 167
Dutch 143
Australian Aboriginal 115

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,139
Both parents born in Australia
2,151
Both parents born overseas
1,204
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
57.0%
Christianity
28.4%
Buddhism
4.2%
Hinduism
2.9%
Islam
1.4%
Judaism
0.5%
Sikhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
440 (6.5%)
5-14 years
904 (13.4%)
15-19 years
316 (4.7%)
20-24 years
447 (6.6%)
25-34 years
1,273 (18.9%)
35-44 years
1,244 (18.5%)
45-54 years
858 (12.8%)
55-64 years
609 (9.1%)
65-74 years
364 (5.4%)
75-84 years
210 (3.1%)
85+ years
74 (1.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Watson known for? +

Watson features the popular Watson shops precinct with cafés and essential services, and is close to the Dickson retail and dining hub.

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

Watson is approximately 5 kilometres from Canberra CBD (Civic). The drive takes approximately 12 min in peak hour and 8 min off-peak.

Does Watson have public transport? +

The nearest train station is Watson Light Rail (planned) (0.5 km away, approximately 6 min walk) on the Canberra Light Rail Line 2 (planned extension). Bus services include 39, 939, running to Canberra City Centre in approximately 12 min.

What is the population of Watson? +

According to the 2021 Census, Watson has a population of 6,727 residents. The suburb is part of the broader Australian Capital Territory metropolitan area.

Is Watson a good place to live? +

Watson is well-suited to a range of residents, offering vibrant urban living in Canberra. The suburb borders Mount Majura Nature Reserve, offering excellent bushwalking and mountain biking trails.

What is the postcode for Watson? +

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

What is the average income in Watson? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Watson is about $1,354 per week (around $70,400 per year). The median household income is $2,414 per week and the median family income is $3,066 per week.

What is the age profile of Watson? +

The median age in Watson is 34. The largest age group is 25–34 (1,273 residents, around 19%). Around 25% of residents are under 20 and about 10% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Watson? +

In Watson, the median weekly rent is $437, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,067 (2021 Census).