Garran

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 indicates Garran's population was approximately 3,740 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 34 individuals (0.9%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,706 people. The change is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 3,732 in June 2025 and an additional 19 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,385 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For uncovers areas and years post-2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections are used, also with 2022 as the base year. Future demographic trends suggest a population decline, with Garran's population projected to decrease by 133 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 65-74 age group, projected to increase by 100 individuals.

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 has averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 42 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 7 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 0.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed was seen. This pace suggests that supply is keeping up with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of new homes is $351,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, commercial development approvals have totalled $580.3 million, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory's averages, Garran has significantly less development activity, 86.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, a trend also seen nationally where Garran is below average in terms of new supply, possibly due to planning constraints. New building activity 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 exceeds current patterns (61.0% at Census), indicating robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. With approximately 681 people per approval, Garran appears as a mature, established area. Population projections showing stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Garran has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Twenty-two infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include the Canberra Hospital Master Plan, Garran Primary School Modernisation and Expansion, Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, and Skye by Trilogy (Section 117 Phillip). 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.

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

Garran's workforce is highly educated with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 1.9% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.1%.

As of that date, 1,861 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.9% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Garran was 64.1%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 15.9% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Health care & social assistance had an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. Construction employed 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 Garran functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.1% while labour force increased by 1.1%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. By comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.9%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Garran. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these 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 postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This places Garran among the top percentile nationally, contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $90,527 (median) and $128,500 (average) as of March 2026. 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 (1,368 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

Garran's dwellings, as per the latest Census, 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 ones at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than 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 at $2,600 versus 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 comprise 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 account for 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 2.5.

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

Garran has a notably higher educational attainment than broader averages. As of 2016, 58.7% of its residents aged 15 years and above held university qualifications, surpassing the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's average of 46.8%. This high level of educational attainment positions Garran favourably for opportunities in knowledge-based sectors. Bachelor degrees are the 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 years and above, with advanced diplomas making up 9.0% and certificates 9.1%. Educational participation is notably high in Garran, with 33.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This includes 13.1% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, 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

Garran has 27 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 69 routes providing 5,691 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 246 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Garran being primarily residential. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 80%, with walking and cycling accounting for 11% and 2% respectively. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 813 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 210 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Analysis shows strong health performance in Garran based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 78% of the total population (2,935 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.2 and 7.0% of residents respectively. 70.6% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Under-65 population had better than average health outcomes. The area has 21.3% of residents aged 65 and over (796 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors were above average, broadly in line with national rankings for 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 35.5% of its population born overseas and 30.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Garran, comprising 42.9% of the population. Hinduism, however, is overrepresented in Garran compared to the Australian Capital Territory, making up 9.2% versus 4.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.0%), Australian (20.6%), and Other (12.9%). Notably, Indian (7.0%) and Russian (0.5%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Garran compared to regional averages of 3.3% and 0.3%, respectively. Additionally, Polish ethnicity is also somewhat overrepresented 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 Australian Capital Territory average, Garran has an over-representation of the 5-14 cohort (16.0% locally) and under-representation of the 25-34 year-olds (6.9%). From 2021 onwards, the 45 to 54 age group grew from 13.1% to 14.2%, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 10.5% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 9.4% to 6.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Garran's age profile will evolve significantly. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to expand by 75 people (22%), from 348 to 424. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 70% of total population growth, reflecting Garran's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.