Garran

An assessment of population growth drivers in Garran reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Garran's population is around 3795 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 89 people (2.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3706 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3709 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1405 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Garran's 2.4% growth since census positions it within 2.1 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 123 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 65 to 74 age group, which is projected to increase by 126 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Garran, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Garran averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 42 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 0.5 new residents per year per dwelling was observed. This suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes being built is $351,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalling $580.3 million have been recorded, demonstrating significant local commercial activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, Garran has significantly less development activity, at 86.0% below regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. The area's new building activity shows 86.0% detached houses and 14.0% medium and high-density housing, sustaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

At around 681 people per approval, Garran demonstrates a mature, established area with population projections indicating stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Garran has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 23 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Canberra Hospital Master Plan, Garran Primary School Modernisation and Expansion, Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, and Woden Experiment Stage 2 - Public Realm & Active Travel Upgrades. The following list details those projects likely to be 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 in Garran shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Garran has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.0% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.6%.

As of that date, 1855 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.6% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation in Garran lagged significantly at 64.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. According to Census responses, 15.9% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries among residents comprised public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

The area had a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. In contrast, construction employed just 4.1% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's 6.8%. There were 2.0 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating that Garran functioned as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.6% while labour force increased by 0.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 1.4%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment falling 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Garran. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Garran's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The median taxpayer income in Garran SA2 was $81,969, with an average of $116,353 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This places it among the top percentile nationally, contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. By September 2025, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.26%, current estimates would be approximately $89,559 for median income and $127,127 for average income. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Garran all rank highly nationally, between the 95th and 96th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 36.6% of the population (1,388 individuals) fall within the $4000+ income range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 34.3%. Economic strength is evident through 49.4% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Garran displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

As per the latest Census evaluation in Garran, dwelling structures consisted of 61.0% houses and 39.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Garran stood at 36.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.7% and rented dwellings at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Garran was $550, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Garran's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Garran has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.1% of all households, including 38.9% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.9%, with lone person households at 23.7% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Garran shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Garran's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages, with 58.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This significant advantage positions Garran favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 31.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.8%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%). Vocational pathways account for 18.1% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 9.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 13.1% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 6.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 27 active public transport stops in Garran. These include train and bus services, totaling 69 routes that facilitate 5,691 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good access to transport, with an average distance of 246 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this residential area. Car is the primary mode of travel at 80%, with 11% walking and 2% cycling. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 813 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 210 weekly trips per stop.

Garran's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Garran. AreaSearch's assessment found low prevalence of common health conditions among both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 78% of the total population (2,979 people), compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.2 and 7.0% of residents respectively. Seventy-point-six percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 21.5% of residents aged 65 and over (816 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Garran was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Garran's population shows high cultural diversity, with 35.5% born overseas and 30.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Garran, practiced by 42.9%. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, comprising 9.2% of Garran's population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.0%), Australian (20.6%), and Other (12.9%). Notably, Indian ethnicity is overrepresented at 7.0%, Russian at 0.5%, and Polish at 0.9%.

Garran's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Garran has a median age of 42, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the ACT average, Garran has an over-representation of the 5-14 cohort (16.5%) and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group (7%). Since 2021, the 45-54 age group has increased from 13.1% to 14.8%, while the 55-64 cohort has risen from 10.5% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 9.4% to 7%, and the 0-4 group has dropped from 5.2% to 4%. By 2041, Garran's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 65-74 age cohort is expected to expand by 69 people (19%), growing from 359 to 429. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 76% of total population growth, reflecting Garran's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.