Charnwood

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Charnwood is around 3,078, reflecting an increase of 23 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a growth rate of approximately 0.8%. The latest estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses following the examination of the ABS's ERP data release from June 2025. This results in a population density ratio of 1,654 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

Population projections indicate a decline in overall population for the suburb, with an expected reduction of 41 persons by 2041 according to ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, notably the 85 and over age group, projected to grow by 36 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 for Charnwood shows approximately 3 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 15 homes. In FY-26 so far, 0 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate development activity relative to other areas, benefiting buyers with new homes averaging $167,000, below the regional average. This financial year has seen $876,000 in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Charnwood records significantly lower building activity, 83.0% below the regional average per person. The limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, although building activity has increased in recent years. This activity is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% attached dwellings, a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 87.0% houses, indicating diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 674 people per dwelling approval, Charnwood reflects a highly mature market. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Charnwood may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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 48thth percentile nationally

No projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to impact the area. Key projects include Ginninderry Masterplanned Community - Strathnairn & Macnamara, Ginninderry Estate - Strathnairn & Macnamara (Stages 1-7+), 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 essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 12.0% as per AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,436 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 8.1% higher than Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was lower at 67.0%, compared to Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, only 8.9% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Construction showed notable concentration with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

However, public administration & safety was under-represented at 22.9% of Charnwood's workforce compared to Australian Capital Territory's 30.4%. Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period, labour force increased by 0.9%, while employment declined by 0.9%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.6 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a smaller unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Charnwood. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Charnwood's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Charnwood had a median taxpayer income of $55,634 and an average income of $62,887 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average for that year. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. By March 2026, based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes were approximately $61,442 (median) and $69,452 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranked at the 73rd percentile ($948 weekly), while household income was at the 54th percentile. In Charnwood, 38.7% of locals (1,191 people) fell into the $1,500 - $2,999 income category. High housing costs consumed 16.7% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 53rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 while 12.9% comprised semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% 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, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Charnwood was $380 compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Charnwood's mortgage repayments were lower than 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 constitute 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 account for 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 the most common at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (26.5%). Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.6% in primary, 7.1% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 a total of 71 different routes that facilitate 4,449 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 193 meters away from the nearest stop. As Charnwood is primarily residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars are the dominant mode of transport, used by 92% of residents, while only 6% use buses. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 635 trips per day, 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is lower than average at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,601 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 11.2% and 10.8% of residents respectively. However, 63.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age population health is particularly challenging due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 14.9% of residents aged 65 and over (458 people), with senior health outcomes ranking higher than the general population nationally.

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 population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 22.5% born overseas and 18.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Charnwood, accounting for 43.6%. The category 'Other' is slightly overrepresented compared to Australian Capital Territory figures (1.8% vs 1.4%).

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (26.3%), Australian (25.2%), and Other (11.6%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Spanish (0.6% vs regional 0.5%), Russian (0.4% vs 0.3%), and Filipino (2.1% vs 1.2%) are overrepresented in Charnwood.

Charnwood's population is younger than the national pattern

Charnwood's median age is 35 years, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure but slightly lower than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Charnwood has a higher percentage of residents aged 0-4 (7.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.7%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75-84 has increased from 3.7% to 5.0%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 55-64 has decreased from 9.6% to 7.7%, and the 25-34 age group has dropped from 16.3% to 14.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Charnwood. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 71%, adding 32 residents to reach a total of 79. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 58% of the population growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.