Charnwood
Statistical Area - sa2

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

As of August 2025, Charnwood's population is approximately 3,026, reflecting a decrease of 29 people since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 3,055. This decline was inferred from ABS estimates of 3,026 in June 2024 and an additional three validated new addresses post-Census. The population density is around 1,626 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 63.8% to overall population gains recently. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections with a 2022 base are adopted. Projections indicate a population decline of 28 persons by 2041, but specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84 age group are expected to grow by 41 people over this period.

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

Charnwood has averaged approximately four new dwelling approvals per year. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, showing 22 homes over the past five financial years from FY-20 to FY-25, with no approvals so far in FY-26. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely kept up with demand, providing good choice for buyers. New dwellings have an average expected construction cost value of $167,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options.

There have been $876,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to other areas. In comparison to the Australian Capital Territory, Charnwood has significantly less development activity, being 84.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, although construction activity has intensified recently, which is still under the national average. New building activity shows a balance of standalone homes (50.0%) and attached dwellings (50.0%), marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns that are currently 87.0% houses. This shift suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 758 people per approval, Charnwood indicates a mature, established area with population projections showing stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Charnwood should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Charnwood has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

No factor impacts a region's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially affect this area. Notable projects include Parkwood Urban Release, New Northside Hospital, Deakin Private Hospital, and Enhanced bus and light rail corridors (Belconnen & Queanbeyan to Central Canberra). The following list details those considered most relevant.

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

AreaSearch assessment indicates Charnwood faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Charnwood's workforce comprises skilled individuals with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 9.7% as of an unspecified date, with estimated employment growth of 3.2% over the past year.

As of June 2025, 1,512 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 6.3%, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation was lower at 66.0%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Employment concentration is high in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Notably, construction employment levels were 1.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, public administration & safety showed lower representation at 22.9% versus the regional average of 30.4%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 3.2%, while labour force grew by 1.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points. In comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9% and unemployment falling by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. State-level data to Sep-25 shows ACT employment contracted by 0.33%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.1% over ten years for Charnwood, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022, Charnwood had a median income among taxpayers of $55,634. The average income was $62,887. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $68,678 in Australian Capital Territory respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $61,631 for median income and $69,666 for average income as of March 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 73rd percentile ($948 weekly), while household income sits at the 54th percentile. The largest segment comprises 38.7% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,171 residents). High housing costs consume 16.7% of income, placing disposable income at the 54th percentile. 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

In Charnwood, as per the latest Census findings, 87.1% of dwellings were houses while 12.9% consisted of semi-detached properties, apartments, and other dwelling types. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory had a higher proportion of houses at 69.4%, with 30.5% being other dwelling types. Home ownership in Charnwood stood at 23.1%, lower than the ACT's figure. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 45.4%, and rented dwellings made up 31.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,755, below the ACT average of $2,000. Weekly rent in Charnwood was $380, compared to the ACT's $430. Nationally, Charnwood's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 69.3% of all households, including 29.3% couples with children, 20.9% couples without children, and 18.0% single parent families. Non-family households consist of the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 27.4% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with 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 at 24.3%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (26.5%).

Educational participation is high at 29.5%, including primary education (10.6%), secondary education (7.1%), and tertiary education (3.9%). Charnwood's three schools have a combined enrollment of 678 students, serving typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. The schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 22.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.1, indicating Charnwood serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis reveals 21 active transport stops operating within Charnwood. These stops are serviced by five individual routes, collectively providing 516 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 193 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 73 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Charnwood is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Charnwood faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is approximately 51% of the total population (~1,546 people), slightly lagging behind the average SA2 area's 57.1%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues impacting 11.2% of residents and asthma affecting 10.8%. A total of 63.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across the Australian Capital Territory. The area has 14.7% of residents aged 65 and over (446 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Charnwood's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 22.5% born overseas and 18.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 43.6% of its population. The most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which comprises 1.8% compared to 1.3% regionally.

Regarding ancestry, the top groups are English (26.3%), Australian (25.2%), and Other (11.6%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: Spanish at 0.6% (vs regional 0.5%), Filipino at 2.1% (vs 1.2%), and Russian at 0.4% (vs 0.3%) are overrepresented in Charnwood.

Charnwood's population is younger than the national pattern

Charnwood's median age is 35, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure but slightly lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Charnwood has a higher proportion of residents aged 0-4 (7.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (15.1%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.7% to 5.0%, while the 15-24 cohort has risen from 10.7% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 9.6% to 8.2%, and the 25-34 age group has fallen from 16.3% to 15.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Charnwood. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 81%, adding 35 residents to reach a total of 79. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 69% of the population growth. However, the 15-24 and 65-74 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.