Charnwood

Charnwood has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

The estimated population of the suburb of Charnwood was around 3,025 as of February 2026, based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by them. This figure reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census count of 3,055 people, indicating a drop of 30 individuals (a 1.0% reduction). The current resident population estimate is attributed to AreaSearch following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional two validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,626 persons per square kilometer for Charnwood, which exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in this suburb.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, also based on 2022, are adopted. According to these projections, Charnwood's population is expected to decrease by 28 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow; notably, the 75 to 84 age group is projected to increase by 40 people over this period.

The level of residential development activity in Charnwood is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Charnwood shows around 3 residential properties granted approval annually over the past 5 financial years ending FY26. This totals an estimated 15 homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY26. The average value of new homes being built is $167,000, below the regional average.

In terms of commercial development, $876,000 in approvals have been registered this financial year. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Charnwood records markedly lower building activity at 83.0% below the regional average per person. Recent construction comprises 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% attached dwellings, a significant departure from existing housing patterns which are currently 87.0% houses. With around 674 people per dwelling approval, Charnwood reflects a highly mature market with stable or declining population forecasts, indicating less housing pressure in the area.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Charnwood may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Charnwood has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to impact the area. Key projects include Ginninderry Stage 3 - The Valley Release, Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara), The Valley Ponds - Stage 3 & Future Stages, and Kestral Rise - Macnamara.

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The labour market performance in Charnwood lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Charnwood's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 10.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1%. As of September 2025, 1,453 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 7.2%, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation was 67.7%, below the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. Only 8.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction, with a strong specialization in construction at 1.8 times the regional level. However, public administration & safety employs only 22.9% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's 30.4%.

The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1%, labour force grew by 0.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory saw employment grow by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Charnwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that median income in Charnwood is $55,634 and average income is $62,887. This is lower than national figures of a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981 for the Australian Capital Territory. As of September 2025, estimates project median income to be approximately $60,786 and average income at around $68,710 based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data indicates personal income ranks at the 73rd percentile with a weekly income of $948, while household income is at the 54th percentile. The largest income segment comprises 38.7% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (1,170 residents), similar to the surrounding region where 34.3% fall into this bracket. Housing costs consume 16.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 53rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Charnwood is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Charnwood, as per the latest Census evaluation, 87.1% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 12.9% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments and other types. This differs from the Australian Capital Territory's dwelling structure which had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Charnwood stood at 23.1%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 45.4% and rented ones making up 31.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,755, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Charnwood was $380, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Charnwood's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863 while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Charnwood has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 69.3% of all households, including 29.3% couples with children, 20.9% couples without children, and 18.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 27.4% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

The educational profile of Charnwood exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 24.3%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.6% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 26.5%. Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.6% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Charnwood has 21 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 71 different routes that together facilitate 4,449 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average located 193 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 92%, while buses account for 6%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in Charnwood.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 635 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 211 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Charnwood is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Charnwood faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,574 people), slightly lagging behind the average SA2 area which stands at 62.4%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues affecting 11.2% of residents and asthma impacting 10.8%. Meanwhile, 63.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Charnwood has 15.3% of residents aged 65 and over (462 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Charnwood was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Charnwood's cultural diversity was above average, with 22.5% of its population born overseas and 18.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Charnwood, comprising 43.6% of people. Notably, the 'Other' category comprised 1.8%, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 1.4%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (26.3%), Australian (25.2%), and Other (11.6%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Spanish was overrepresented at 0.6% compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Russian at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Filipino at 2.1% versus 1.2%.

Charnwood's population is younger than the national pattern

Charnwood's median age is 35, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure but slightly below Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Charnwood has a higher percentage of residents aged 0-4 (7.6%) and fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 75-84 has increased from 3.7% to 5.3%, while those aged 15-24 have risen from 10.7% to 11.9%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 55-64 has decreased from 9.6% to 8.0%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 14.0% to 12.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Charnwood. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 74%, adding 33 residents to reach 79. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 59% of the total population growth. Meanwhile, the 35-44 and 15-24 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.