Charnwood

Charnwood has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Charnwood's population is around 3,025 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 30 people (1.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,055 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,025 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,626 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 63.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Regarding demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 28 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 41 people. See the age section for more details.

The level of residential development activity in Charnwood is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Charnwood has averaged around 3 new dwelling approvals per year, with 15 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 0 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $199,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $876,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Charnwood has significantly less development activity (83.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though development activity has picked up in recent periods. This level is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New building activity shows 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 87.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. At around 758 people per approval, Charnwood shows a mature, established area.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Charnwood should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Charnwood has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Ginninderry Stage 3 - The Valley Release, Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara), The Valley Ponds - Stage 3 & Future Stages, and Kestral Rise - Macnamara, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Charnwood face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Charnwood features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented and an unemployment rate of 12.0%. As of December 2025, 1,436 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 8.1% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (67.5% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 22.9% versus the regional average of 30.4%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force increased by 0.9% combined with employment decreasing by 0.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.6 percentage points. By comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.9%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Charnwood. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Charnwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Charnwood SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $58,615 with the average level standing at $64,685. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $72,206 and $85,981 across the Australian Capital Territory respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $64,043 (median) and $70,675 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 73rd percentile ($948 weekly), while household income sits at the 54th percentile. The data shows the largest segment comprises 38.7% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,170 residents), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 34.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 16.7% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 53rd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Charnwood is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Charnwood, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.1% houses and 12.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Charnwood was lagging that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 23.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (45.4%) or rented (31.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Australian Capital Territory average at $1,755, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Charnwood's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

Charnwood has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 69.3% of all households, comprising 29.3% couples with children, 20.9% couples without children, and 18.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 27.4% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Australian Capital Territory average.

The educational profile of Charnwood exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (24.3%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (26.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 21 active transport stops operating within Charnwood, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 71 individual routes, collectively providing 4,449 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 193 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%, with 6% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. A relatively low 8.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 635 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 211 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Charnwood is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Charnwood, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,548 people), compared to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 11.2% and 10.8% of residents, respectively, while 63.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 15.4% of residents aged 65 and over (464 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Charnwood was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Charnwood is above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 22.5% of its population born overseas and 18.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Charnwood is Christianity, which makes up 43.6% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Other, which comprises 1.8% of the population, compared to 1.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Charnwood are English, comprising 26.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 25.2% of the population, and Other, comprising 11.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Filipino is notably overrepresented at 2.1% of Charnwood (vs 1.2% regionally), Spanish at 0.6% (vs 0.5%), and Russian at 0.4% (vs 0.3%).

Charnwood's population is younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 35, Charnwood is equal to the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 but is modestly under Australia's 38 years. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Charnwood has a higher concentration of 0 - 4 residents (7.7%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (14.8%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.7% to 5.3% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.7% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 9.6% to 8.0% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 16.3% to 14.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Charnwood. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 74%, adding 33 residents to reach 79. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 58% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.