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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Garran's population is around 3717 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 11 people 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 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1376 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.

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. Projections indicate a decline in overall population, with Garran'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 has averaged approximately eight new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 42 homes. As of FY-26, five approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 0.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed was observed. This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of new homes has been $351,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26 alone, $580.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating significant local commercial activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, 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. The area's level of new building activity is also below national averages, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints.

New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest, with 86.0% being detached houses and 14.0% medium and high-density housing. This sustains the area's suburban identity, concentrating family homes suited to buyers seeking space. At around 681 people per approval, Garran shows a mature, established area. With population projections indicating stability or decline, reduced housing demand pressures are expected in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 23 such projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include the Canberra Hospital Master Plan, Garran Primary School Modernisation and Expansion, The Shard, and Woden Experiment Stage 2 - Public Realm & Active Travel Upgrades. For more relevance, refer to the following list:.

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.

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

Garran has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 1.9% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.3%. As of June 2025, 1,909 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.6% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation in Garran was 61.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. Leading employment industries among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Health care & social assistance employed a significant share of local workers, at 1.8 times the regional level. However, construction employed only 4.1% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 6.8%. The area functioned as an employment hub with 2.0 workers for every resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.3% while labour force increased by 1.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 1.9%, labour force growth of 1.6%, with unemployment falling by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Garran. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Garran's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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

Garran has a median taxpayer income of $77,505 and an average of $107,845, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This places Garran in the top percentile nationally, compared with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Garran would be approximately $88,046 (median) and $122,512 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Garran 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 in Garran 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 recorded at the latest Census, 61.0% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 39.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs slightly from the Australian Capital Territory's ratio of 58.4% houses to 41.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Garran stood at 36.8%, higher than the ACT average. Mortgaged dwellings made up 32.7% and rented properties accounted for 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Garran was $2,600, above the ACT average of $2,167. Weekly rent median was $550 compared to the ACT's $440. 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 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, which is 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

Garran's educational attainment is notably higher than national and regional averages. 58.7% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 31.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.8%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%). Vocational pathways account for 18.1% of qualifications, 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. This includes 13.1% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 6.8% in tertiary education. Garran's three schools have a combined enrollment of 945 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1104). All three schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 25.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 18.4, suggesting Garran serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis indicates 28 active stops operating within Garran, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 17 individual routes, collectively facilitating 1,468 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 247 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 209 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 52 weekly trips per 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

Health data shows Garran residents have relatively positive health outcomes. Prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 75% of Garran's total population (2,776 people) has private health cover, compared to 68.1% in Australian Capital Territory and the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.2 and 7.0% of residents respectively. 70.6% of Garran residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.1% across Australian Capital Territory. 20.9% of Garran's population is aged 65 and over (776 people), higher than the 18.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly inline with the general 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 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 predominant religion in Garran, making up 42.9% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented in Garran compared to the Australian Capital Territory, comprising 9.2% versus 6.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.0%), Australian (20.6%), and Other (12.9%). There are also notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Indian is overrepresented at 7.0% compared to the regional average of 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 higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and slightly exceeds the national average of 38 years. Comparing the age distributions with the ACT average, the 5-14 cohort is notably over-represented at 16.7% in Garran, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 55 to 64 age group grew from 10.5% to 11.8% of the population between 2016 and 2021, while the 45 to 54 cohort increased from 13.1% to 14.4%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group declined from 9.4% to 7.3%. Population forecasts for Garran in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. Leading this shift, the 65 to 74 age group is expected to grow by 31%, reaching 429 people from 328. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 67% of the anticipated population growth. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.