Charnwood

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

As of Nov 2025, Charnwood's population is estimated at around 3,025 people, reflecting a decrease of 30 individuals since the 2021 Census. This decline represents a 1.0% change from the previous population count of 3,055 people. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, which indicated a resident population of 3,027. This results in a population density ratio of 1,626 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Charnwood.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are used, also based on a 2022 baseline. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a decline in overall population for Charnwood over the coming years. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to reduce by 28 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, with the 75 to 84 age group projected to grow by 40 people during 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 for Charnwood shows approximately 3 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 15 homes. As of FY26, 0 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years has led to adequate development activity relative to other areas, benefiting buyers with new homes averaging $167,000, below the regional average. This year, $100,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Charnwood has 83.0% lower building activity per person, suggesting limited new supply and stronger demand for established homes. Recent construction consists of 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% attached dwellings, a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 87.0% houses, possibly due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. With around 674 people per dwelling approval, Charnwood reflects a highly mature market with stable or declining population forecasts, potentially reducing housing pressure and creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

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

No infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could 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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Charnwood shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Charnwood's workforce comprises skilled individuals with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 9.7% as of an unspecified past year.

Employment growth over this period was estimated at 3.2%. As of June 2025, 1,512 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 6.3%, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation in Charnwood was 66.0%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction sectors.

Notably, construction employs 1.8 times more residents than the regional average. However, public administration & safety employs only 22.9% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's 30.4%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. In the 12-month period ending in an unspecified date, employment increased by 3.2% and labour force grew by 1.6%, leading to a 1.4 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. Comparing this with Australian Capital Territory's growth rates of 1.9% for employment and 1.6% for labour force, and a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment, reveals differing trends between the two areas. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Charnwood's current employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not consider localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Charnwood is $55,634. Average income stands at $62,887. This is lower than national averages of $68,678 (median) and $83,634 (average). By September 2025, considering a 13.6% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, median income would be approximately $63,200 and average income around $71,440. Census 2021 data ranks personal income at the 73rd percentile ($948 weekly) and household income at the 54th percentile. Most residents (38.7%, 1,170 individuals) earn between $1,500-$2,999 weekly, similar to surrounding regions (34.3%). 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 dwelling types. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Charnwood stood at 23.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.4% and rented ones at 31.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,755, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Charnwood was $380, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $430. Nationally, Charnwood's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than 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 make up the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 27.4% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the Australian Capital Territory average.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates at 24.3%, compared to 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+, with advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 26.5%. Educational participation is high, with 29.5% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.6% in primary, 7.1% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education. Charnwood's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 678 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1020) with balanced educational opportunities. All three schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 22.4 places per 100 residents, indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note that 'n/a' in school enrolments refers to the parent campus.

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

Charnwood has 21 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of buses along five different routes. Together, these routes facilitate 516 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of public transport in Charnwood is rated excellent, with residents typically located 193 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 73 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Charnwood is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Charnwood faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~1,574 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 57.1%.

Mental health issues impact 11.2% of residents, while asthma affects 10.8%. About 63.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across the Australian Capital Territory. The area has 14.6% of residents aged 65 and over (441 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Charnwood has a cultural diversity above average, with 22.5% of its population born overseas and 18.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Charnwood, comprising 43.6% of its population. The most significant overrepresentation is seen in the 'Other' category, making up 1.8% compared to 1.3% across Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English at 26.3%, Australian at 25.2%, and Other at 11.6%. Notably, Spanish (0.6% vs 0.5%), Russian (0.4% vs 0.3%), and Filipino (2.1% vs 1.2%) groups are overrepresented in Charnwood compared to regional averages.

Charnwood's population is younger than the national pattern

Charnwood's median age is 35, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure but slightly lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Charnwood has a higher percentage of residents aged 0-4 (7.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (15.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 3.7% to 4.9%, while those aged 15-24 have risen from 10.7% to 11.8%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 55-64 has decreased from 9.6% to 8.2%, and those aged 25-34 have fallen from 16.3% to 15.1%. By 2041, Charnwood's population is projected to see significant demographic changes. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 87%, adding 36 residents to reach a total of 79. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 68% of this growth. Conversely, the 15-24 and 65-74 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.