Garran
Statistical Area - sa2

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

AreaSearch's analysis shows Garran's population was around 3,717 as of Aug 2025. This reflected an increase of 11 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,706 people. The change was inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 3,712 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 1,376 persons per square kilometer, above average national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration primarily drove Garran's population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections were used, also based on 2022. Projections indicate Garran's population may decline by 123 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 65 to 74 group are expected to grow by 126 people during this period.

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 eight new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 42 dwellings were approved, with one approval recorded so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, 0.5 new residents per year were associated with each dwelling constructed.

This pace of new supply has kept up with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new homes was $437,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. In the current financial year, $580.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Garran has significantly less development activity, with 86.0% fewer approvals per person than the regional average. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

This level is also below the national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity in Garran shows 86.0% detached houses and 14.0% medium and high-density housing, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. This focus on detached housing is more pronounced than current patterns suggest (61.0% at Census), indicating ongoing robust demand for family homes. With approximately 681 people per approval, Garran shows a mature, established area. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures in the future and benefiting potential buyers.

Garran has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Canberra Hospital Master Plan, Garran Primary School Modernisation and Expansion (scheduled for completion in June 2023), The Shard (expected to be finished by December 2024), and Woden Bus Depot and Transport Interchange (planned for late 2025). Below is a list of projects likely most relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Garran demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Garran has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation, a low unemployment rate of 1.9%, and estimated employment growth of 1.3% in the past year as of June 2025. There are 1,909 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 1.6%, below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%.

Workforce participation is lower at 61.8% compared to ACT's 69.6%. Key employment industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Health care & social assistance has a significant share with 1.8 times the regional level. Construction employs only 4.1% of local workers, lower than ACT's 6.8%.

The area functions as an employment hub with 2.0 jobs per resident, attracting workers from nearby regions. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, while labour force grew by 1.6%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, ACT saw employment growth of 1.9% with a decrease in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. As of Sep-25, ACT's employment contracted by 0.33%, losing 1,480 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, and employment grew by 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Garran's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

Garran's median taxpayer income was $77,505 with an average of $107,845 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022. This places Garran among the top percentile nationally, contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 10.78% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for March 2025 would be approximately $85,860 (median) and $119,471 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, Garran's household, family, and personal incomes all rank highly nationally, between the 96th and 97th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 36.6% of Garran's population (1,360 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 their 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

In Garran, as per the latest Census evaluation, 61.0% of dwellings were houses while 39.0% consisted of other types such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 58.4% houses and 41.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Garran stood at 36.8%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 32.7% and rented ones 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Garran was recorded at $550, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $440. Nationally, Garran's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 25.9%, with lone person households at 23.7% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.4.

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

Educational attainment in Garran is notably higher than national averages. As of a specific date (not specified), 58.7% of residents aged 15 and above held university qualifications, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Within Garran's SA4 region, which has an educational attainment rate of 46.8%, bachelor degrees are the most common qualification 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 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 9.0% and certificates 9.1%.

Educational participation is high in Garran, with 33.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.1% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 6.8% pursuing tertiary education. As of a specific year (not specified), Garran's three schools had a combined enrollment of 945 students. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 25.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 18.4, indicating that Garran serves as an educational center for the broader region. The International Comparative Student Achievement (ICSEA) value for Garran is 1104, reflecting significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement.

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

Garran has 28 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 17 different routes which facilitate 1,468 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 247 meters.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 209 trips per day, equating to approximately 52 weekly trips per individual stop.

Garran's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Garran residents show favourable health outcomes, with low prevalence rates for common conditions across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 75% (2,776 people), higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 68.1%, and significantly above the national average of 55.3%. Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 8.2% and 7.0% of residents respectively.

A total of 70.6% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 70.1%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors (aged 65 and over), at 20.9% (776 people), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 18.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Garran are above average, mirroring the overall population's health profile.

Garran is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Garran's cultural diversity is notable, with 35.5% of its population born overseas and 30.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Garran, comprising 42.9% of people. Notably, Hinduism is overrepresented in Garran at 9.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 6.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (22.0%), Australian (20.6%), and Other (12.9%). Some ethnic groups show significant divergences: Indian is overrepresented at 7.0% versus 3.6%, Russian at 0.5% versus 0.3%, and Polish at 0.9% versus 0.8%.

Garran's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Garran is 41 years, which is considerably higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and modestly exceeds the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the cohort aged 5-14 is notably over-represented at 16.7% in Garran, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 7.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the age group 55 to 64 has grown from 10.5% to 11.8% of the population, while the age group 45 to 54 has increased from 13.1% to 14.4%. Conversely, the age group 25 to 34 has declined from 9.4% to 7.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Garran. Leading this shift, the age group 65 to 74 is expected to grow by 31%, reaching 429 people from 328. This growth will be primarily driven by residents aged 65 and older representing 67% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, the cohorts aged 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 are expected to experience population declines.