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 is approximately 7,455 as of August 2025, reflecting a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 7,484 people. This change, inferred from ABS estimates and address validation since the Census date, equates to a density ratio of 3,241 persons per square kilometer, placing Franklin in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's analysis. Over the past decade, Franklin has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%, outpacing its SA4 region. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 66.2% of overall population gains. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year.

Projected demographic trends indicate an overall population decline by 938 persons to 2041, with specific age cohorts expected to grow; notably, the 55 to 64 age group is projected to increase by 97 people.

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

Franklin has seen approximately seven new homes approved annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, showing 35 dwellings approved over the past five financial years, from FY20 to FY25, with zero recorded so far in FY26. Population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good choice for buyers.

Additionally, $20.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Franklin has significantly less development activity. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, although building activity has accelerated in recent years.

Nationally, Franklin's activity is below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Franklin should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 31 projects that could affect the area. Notable ones are Franklin Aged Care Facility, Franklin Community Centre, Franklin District Park, and Franklin Storm Water Management. The following list details those likely to have the most relevance.

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 prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.9%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) 3.4%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.9%. As of June 2025, 4,990 residents are employed, with a participation rate of 79.4% compared to ACT's 69.6%. Dominant sectors include public administration & safety (26.7%), 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.

Employment levels increased by 1.9% from June 2024 to June 2025, with labour force increasing by 1.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Comparatively, ACT recorded similar growth rates but had a higher unemployment rate of 4.2% as of Sep-25. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Franklin's 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

Franklin's median income among taxpayers was $62,766 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $72,683 during the same period. These figures are higher than those for the Australian Capital Territory, which had median and average incomes of $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 10.78% from financial year 2022 to March 2025, estimated median income is approximately $69,532 and average income is around $80,518 as of March 2025. Census data from 2021 indicates that Franklin's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 87th and 87th percentiles. Income brackets show that 42.4% of Franklin's population (3,160 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting regional patterns where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 35.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power in the community. High housing costs consume 16.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 85th percentile nationally. 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 49.9% houses and 50.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Australian Capital Territory's 66.3% houses and 33.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Franklin stood at 10.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.5% and rented ones at 47.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,885, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,123. Median weekly rent in Franklin was $460, slightly higher than Australian Capital Territory's figure of $462. Nationally, Franklin's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,885 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $460 against 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 account for 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 benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 55.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.3% in the SA3 area. This advantage positions Franklin well for knowledge-based opportunities. 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% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary, 10.2% in tertiary, and 6.3% in secondary education. Franklin School serves the local area, enrolling 467 students as of a specific date. Franklin has significant socio-educational advantages, with an ICSEA score of 1104. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby due to limited local capacity (6.3 places per 100 residents versus the regional average of 14.9). Many families therefore travel for schooling.

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

Analysis of public transport in Franklin shows 15 active stops operating, consisting of a mix of lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 3 different routes, collectively offering 972 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 219 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 138 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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

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 found to be very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~4174 people), compared to 58.6% across the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 6.8% and 5.8% of residents respectively. A total of 81.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 76.4% across the ACT. The area has 5.7% (421 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 8.3% in the ACT. 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's population is diverse, with 55.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 51.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 27.5%. Hinduism stands out at 14.5%, higher than 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 (2.2%), Sri Lankan (1.0%), and Indian (7.8%) ethnicities are notably overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.2%, 0.6%, and 6.4% respectively.

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

Franklin's median age is 31, making it younger than the Australian Capital Territory's figure of 35, and substantially below Australia's median of 38. Compared to the ACT, 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 average 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 growth in the 45-54 age group from 11.6% to 13.4%, and increase of the 65-74 cohort from 3.0% to 4.2%. Conversely, the 35-44 age group has declined from 19.9% to 18.0%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 13.0% to 11.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Franklin, with the strongest projected growth in the 55-64 cohort (18%), adding 82 residents to reach 549. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 60% of population growth, underscoring trends towards an aging population. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 0-4 age cohorts.