Franklin

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 was 7,457 as of February 2026, a decrease of 27 people from the 2021 Census figure of 7,484. This change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data and address validation since the Census date in June 2024. The population density was 3,242 persons per square kilometer as of February 2026, placing Franklin in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the decade prior to February 2026, Franklin had a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%, outpacing its SA4 region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 66.2% of overall population gains during this period. AreaSearch projections for each SA2 area are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data 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, also with a 2022 base year, are adopted. According to these projections, Franklin's population is expected to decline by 938 persons by 2041, with the 55 to 64 age group projected 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 had minimal development with just one approval over five years. This indicates a mature, established suburb where available land for new construction is limited. For buyers, this scarcity of new housing stock typically supports property values and means competition may primarily be among existing homes.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Franklin shows substantially reduced construction. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, though construction activity has intensified recently. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints.

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

Franklin has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 34 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Franklin Early Childhood School Expansion, Franklin Aged Care Facility, Franklin Community Centre, and Franklin Storm Water Management. The following details projects likely most relevant.

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

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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. The unemployment rate is 2.0%, with estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year as of September 2025. During this period, 4,939 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.6% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation in Franklin is high at 82.3%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. According to Census responses, a low 9.7% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. Notably, accommodation & food services employ 1.6 times the regional average.

However, public administration & safety employs only 26.7% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's 30.4%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, while labour force grew by 1.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory saw employment grow by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest that Franklin's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years based on industry-specific projections.

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

The Franklin SA2 has a high national income level according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers is $65,852 and the average income stands at $74,618. These figures compare to those of Australian Capital Territory's which are $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $71,950 (median) and $81,528 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Franklin, between the 86th and 87th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 42.4% of residents (3,161 people). Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 35.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 16.8% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 84th 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 structure, 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 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Franklin stood at 10.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.5% and rented dwellings at 47.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,885, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Franklin was $460, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of $450. Nationally, Franklin's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,885 compared to 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 higher-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 constitute 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, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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 national and regional averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 55.2% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 46.3%. University graduates make up 28.6%, postgraduate qualifications account for 22.6%, and graduate diplomas are held by 4.0%. Vocational pathways comprise 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.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Franklin indicates that there are currently 15 operational transit stops serving a combination of light rail and bus services. These stops are supported by 33 distinct routes, collectively facilitating 2,821 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to transport is considered good, with residents typically residing within 219 meters of the nearest stop. As primarily a residential area, most residents commute outward from Franklin. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 73%, while bus usage accounts for 10%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 9.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 403 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 188 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 excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups.

Approximately 56% of Franklin's total population (~4,183 people) has private health cover, compared to 62.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues and asthma were the most common conditions, affecting 6.8 and 5.8% of residents respectively. 81.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Franklin has 6.1% of residents aged 65 and over (455 people), lower than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, broadly in line with the general population nationally.

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 and 51.3% were born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, with 27.5% of people practicing it. Hinduism comprises 14.5%, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (22.4%), Australian (16.0%), and English (14.4%). Korean, Indian, and Sri Lankan ethnicities are notably overrepresented in Franklin compared to regional averages.

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 Australian Capital Territory, Franklin has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (24.4%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (1.7%). This 25-34 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.4%. Between 2021 and the present, Franklin's median age has increased by 1.4 years from 30 to 31, reflecting an aging population. Key changes include the growth of the 45 to 54 age group from 11.6% to 13.7% and the increase of the 65 to 74 cohort from 3.0% to 4.3%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 19.9% to 17.8%, and the 25 to 34 group has dropped from 25.9% to 24.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes for Franklin, with the 75 to 84 cohort projected to grow by 40%, adding 50 residents to reach 177. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 64% of population growth, highlighting aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.