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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Franklin's population is around 7,457 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 27 people (0.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,484 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,457 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,242 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Franklin has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 2.9% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 66.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Regarding demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 938 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 55 to 64 age group, which is projected to increase by 97 people. See the age section for more details.

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 1 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 be primarily 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 the 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 34 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Franklin Early Childhood School Expansion, Franklin Aged Care Facility, Franklin Community Centre, and Franklin Storm Water Management, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 possesses a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.1%, and 1.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,942 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.7% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (82.4% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 9.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. In contrast, public administration & safety employs just 26.7% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's 30.4%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.2% while the labour force increased by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory, where employment grew by 0.9%, the labour force expanded by 1.2%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Franklin. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Franklin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Franklin SA2's income level is very high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Franklin SA2's median income among taxpayers is $65,852 and the average income stands at $74,618, which compares to figures for the Australian Capital Territory's of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, 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 the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 42.4% of residents (3,161 people), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 34.3%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 35.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 16.8% of income, though 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

Dwelling structure within Franklin, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 49.9% houses and 50.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Franklin was lagging that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 10.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.5%) or rented (47.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Australian Capital Territory average at $1,885, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $460, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. 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 higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 72.3% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is 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

Educational attainment in Franklin significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 55.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 46.3% in the SA3 area. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 28.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational pathways account for 21.1% of qualifications among those aged 15+; advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (10.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.4% of residents 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

Public transport analysis reveals 15 active transport stops operating within Franklin, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 33 individual routes, collectively providing 2,821 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 219 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 73%, with 10% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. A relatively low 9.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 403 trips per day across all routes, equating 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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Franklin, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~4,183 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 6.8% and 5.8% of residents, respectively, while 81.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The area has 6.1% of residents aged 65 and over (455 people), which is lower than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 55.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 51.3% born overseas. The main religion in Franklin is Christianity, which makes up 27.5% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 14.5% of the population, substantially higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Franklin are Other, comprising 22.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 12.2%, Australian, comprising 16.0% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 23.0%, and English, comprising 14.4% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 23.3%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 2.2% of Franklin (vs 0.6% regionally), Indian at 7.8% (vs 3.3%) and Sri Lankan at 1.0% (vs 0.4%).

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

With a median age of 31, Franklin is materially younger than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Franklin has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (24.4%) but fewer 75 - 84 year-olds (1.7%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since 2021, the median age has increased by 1.4 years from 30 to 31, reflecting an aging population. Key changes show the 45 to 54 age group has grown from 11.6% to 13.7% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased 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 dropped from 25.9% to 24.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Franklin. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 40%, adding 50 residents to reach 177. Senior residents (65+) will drive 64% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 cohorts.