Franklin
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Franklin are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Franklin's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 7,455 people. This figure represents a decrease from the 2021 Census count of 7,484 people, a decline of 29 individuals (0.4%). The estimated resident population in June 2024 was 7,457, with address validation since the Census date used to infer this change. This results in a population density ratio of 3,241 persons per square kilometer, placing Franklin in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Franklin has exhibited resilient growth patterns, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%, outperforming the SA4 region. Overseas migration contributed roughly 66.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. Future demographic trends suggest a decline in overall population, with Franklin's population projected to decrease by 938 persons by 2041. However, certain age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 55 to 64 age group, which is forecasted to increase by 97 people over this period.

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

Franklin has seen minimal dwelling approvals in recent years. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports on a financial year basis; one dwelling was approved between the financial years 2021 and 2025, with none recorded so far in the current financial year 2026. During this period, population decline suggests that new supply has likely met demand, providing good buyer choice.

Commercial development approvals totalled $20.4 million in the current financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Franklin has significantly less development activity. The scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, although building activity has accelerated recently.

This lower-than-average national level reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Franklin should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially offering opportunities for buyers.

Franklin has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 31 such projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Franklin Aged Care Facility, Franklin Community Centre, Franklin District Park, and Franklin Storm Water Management. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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

The labour market strength in Franklin positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Franklin has an educated workforce with key services sectors well-represented. The unemployment rate was 1.9% in June 2025, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.9%. As of June 2025, 4,990 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 79.4%, higher than ACT's 69.6%. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. The area specializes in accommodation & food services, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety has limited presence at 26.7% compared to the regional average of 30.4%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparisons. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.9%, while labour force grew by 1.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. ACT recorded similar growth trends during this period. State-level data to Sep-25 shows ACT employment contracted by 0.33% (losing 1,480 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, unemployment was at 4.5%, and employment grew by 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Franklin's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Franklin's median income among taxpayers was $62,766 and average income stood at $72,683 in financial year 2022. These figures exceed those of the Australian Capital Territory, which were $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates as of March 2025 would be approximately $69,532 for median income and $80,518 for average income. Census 2021 data shows Franklin's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 87th and 87th percentiles. In Franklin, 42.4% of individuals fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, reflecting regional patterns where 34.3% occupy this range. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 35.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 16.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 85th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Franklin displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Franklin's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 49.9% houses and 50.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 66.3% houses and 33.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Franklin was at 10.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.5% and rented ones at 47.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,885, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,123. Median weekly rent in Franklin was recorded at $460, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figure of $462. Nationally, Franklin's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Franklin features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 72.3% of all households, including 37.9% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 7.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 20.8% and group households making up 6.9%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.9.

Franklin demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Franklin's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 55.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.3% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 28.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational pathways account for 21.1% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 10.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 35.4% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 10.2% in tertiary education, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education. Franklin School serves the local area, enrolling 467 students as of a recent date. It focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited (6.3 places per 100 residents vs 14.7 regionally), leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Franklin has 15 active public transport stops. These include lightrail and bus services. There are 3 routes in total, providing 972 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have good access to these stops, typically located 219 meters away from the nearest one. On average, there are 138 daily trips across all routes, which equals about 64 weekly trips per stop.

Franklin's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Franklin, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 56% of the total population (around 4174 people), compared to 58.6% across Australian Capital Territory.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 6.8% and 5.8% of residents respectively. Around 81.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.4% across Australian Capital Territory. Franklin has 5.7% of residents aged 65 and over (421 people), which is lower than the 8.3% in Australian Capital Territory. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of the broader population.

Franklin is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Franklin has a population where 55.2% speak a language other than English at home, with 51.3% born overseas. The dominant religion is Christianity, comprising 27.5%. Hinduism is significantly higher in Franklin at 14.5%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 9.5%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (22.4%), Australian (16.0%), and English (14.4%). Notably, Korean is overrepresented at 2.2% versus regional 1.2%, Sri Lankan at 1.0% compared to 0.6%, and Indian at 7.8% against the regional average of 6.4%.

Franklin hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Franklin has a median age of 31, which is younger than the Australian Capital Territory's figure of 35 and significantly lower than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Franklin has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (25.2%), but fewer residents aged 75-84 (1.4%). This concentration of residents aged 25-34 is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and the present, Franklin's median age has increased by one year from 30 to 31, indicating an aging population. The proportion of residents aged 45-54 has grown from 11.6% to 13.4%, while the percentage of those aged 65-74 has risen from 3.0% to 4.2%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has decreased from 19.9% to 18.0%, and the percentage of those aged 5-14 has dropped from 13.0% to 11.9%. Population forecasts for Franklin in 2041 suggest significant demographic changes. The 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 18%, adding 82 residents, reaching a total of 549. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 60% of population growth, emphasizing the trend towards an aging population. Conversely, population declines are expected for the 45-54 age group and those under the age of five.