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

As of November 2025, Franklin's population is approximately 7,446. This figure represents a decrease from the 2021 Census total of 7,484 people, marking a reduction of 38 individuals (0.5%). The estimated resident population in June 2024 was 7,457, according to ABS data and address validation since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 3,237 persons per square kilometer, placing Franklin in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Franklin exhibited resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9%, outperforming the SA4 region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 66.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, also using 2022 as the base year. Between now and 2041, demographic trends suggest a decline in overall population, with Franklin's population projected to decrease by 938 persons. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 55 to 64 age group, which is forecasted to increase by 97 individuals.

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. Between FY21 and FY25, only 1 home was approved, with none approved so far in FY26. The population decline over recent years has led to adequate development activity relative to demand, benefiting buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $800,000, indicating a focus on the premium market by developers. This financial year has seen $20.4 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Franklin has significantly less development activity.

Despite this scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthening demand and prices for existing properties, recent periods have shown increased development activity. However, this activity remains lower than national averages, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. With stable or declining population forecasts expected in the future, Franklin may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 34 projects that could impact this area. Notable ones are Franklin Early Childhood School Expansion, Franklin Aged Care Facility, Franklin Community Centre, and Franklin District Park. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Franklin has a highly educated workforce with an unemployment rate of 1.9%. In the past year, there was estimated employment growth of 1.9%.

As of June 2025, 4,990 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.5% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation in Franklin is 79.4%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. Key industries of employment among residents include public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. The area shows strong specialization in accommodation & food services, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 26.7% of Franklin's workforce compared to 30.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.9%, and labour force increased by 1.6%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 0.3 percentage points. This mirrors trends in the Australian Capital Territory. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, project national employment growth of 6.6% 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.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended 30 June 2022, Franklin had a median income among taxpayers of $62,766 with an average level standing at $72,683. This is above national averages which stood at $68,678 and $83,634 respectively across Australian Capital Territory for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 13.6% from financial year ended 30 June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $71,302 and average income at $82,568 as of that date. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data for 2021, Franklin's household, family, and personal incomes rank high nationally, between the 87th and 87th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 42.4% of locals (3,157 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 34.3%. Economic strength is evident with 35.4% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting increased consumer spending. High housing costs consume 16.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 85th percentile nationally. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Advantage (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 latest Census data shows 49.9% houses and 50.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). The Australian Capital Territory had 66.3% houses and 33.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Franklin was 10.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.5% and rented ones at 47.0%. Median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,885, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,123. Median weekly rent was $460, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $462. Nationally, Franklin's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 20.8% and group households comprising 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% possess university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 46.3%. 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%, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 10.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 35.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary, 10.2% in tertiary, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education. Franklin School serves the local area, enrolling 467 students as of a specific date. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 6.3 places per 100 residents, compared to the regional average of 14.7.

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, offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by three routes, together facilitating 972 weekly passenger trips. The city's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 219 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 138 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 64 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Franklin's health outcomes show a low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Approximately 56% (~4,169 people) have private health cover, compared to 58.6% in Australian Capital Territory.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions at 6.8% and 5.8%, respectively. About 81.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 76.4% across Australian Capital Territory. Franklin has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (5.7%; 421 people) than Australian Capital Territory's 8.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors require particular attention.

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 languages other than English at home, with 51.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion at 27.5%. Hinduism's representation in Franklin is notably higher at 14.5%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 9.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (22.4%), Australian (16.0%), and English (14.4%). Korean, Sri Lankan, and Indian ethnicities show significant overrepresentation in Franklin with respective percentages of 2.2%, 1.0%, and 7.8%.

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

Franklin's median age is 31, which is younger than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Franklin has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (25.2%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (1.4%). This 25-34 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, Franklin's median age has increased by 1 year from 30 to 31, reflecting an aging population. Key changes include the growth of the 45-54 age group from 11.6% to 13.4%, and the increase of the 65-74 cohort from 3.0% to 4.2%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort has declined from 19.9% to 18.0%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 13.0% to 11.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Franklin. The 55-64 cohort is projected to grow by 18%, adding 82 residents to reach 549. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 60% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 0-4 age cohorts.