Charnwood

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

The population of the Charnwood statistical area (Lv2), as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS data and validated addresses, was 3,025 in November 2025. This figure represents a decrease from the 2021 Census count of 3,055 people, indicating a reduction of approximately 30 individuals over this period. The latest Estimate and Residual Population (ERP) data release by the ABS in June 2024 was used to estimate this population figure, along with validation from two additional addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,626 persons per square kilometer for Charnwood, which is higher than the average seen across other areas assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed significantly to the area's population increase, accounting for approximately 64% of overall gains during recent periods.

Population projections indicate a decline in total population over time, with an expected reduction of 28 persons by 2041 according to adopted methodologies. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 75-84 age group which is projected to increase 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 shows Charnwood has recorded approximately 3 residential properties granted approval annually over the past 5 financial years ending FY26, totalling an estimated 15 homes. As of FY26, 0 approvals have been recorded. The average construction cost value for new homes in Charnwood is $167,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. In FY26, $876,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, 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. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Recent construction comprises 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% attached dwellings, a significant shift 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, potentially experiencing less housing pressure in the future.

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 47thth percentile nationally

No 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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The labour market performance in Charnwood lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Charnwood's workforce is skilled, with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 10.8% as of an unspecified past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.0%.

As of September 2025, 1,453 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 7.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation in Charnwood is 66.0%, below the ACT's 69.6%. 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, lower than the ACT's 30.4%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. In the past year, employment increased by 1.0%, while labour force grew by 0.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. This compares to the ACT, where employment grew by 1.4% and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from November 25 shows ACT employment growth of 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Charnwood's employment mix indicates local employment should grow by 6.4% in five years and 13.1% in ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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 income in Charnwood is lower than average nationally. The median income is $55,634 while the average stands at $62,887. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $72,206 and an average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $60,786 (median) and $68,710 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 73rd percentile ($948 weekly), with household income at the 54th percentile. The largest segment comprises 38.7% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,170 residents). High 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 homes, apartments and other types. This contrasts with 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 in Charnwood was $380, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $430. Nationally, Charnwood's mortgage repayments were below the 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 make up the remaining 30.7%, composed of 27.4% lone person households and 3.2% group households. 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+, 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, 7.1% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

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

Charnwood has 21 operational public transport stops. All are bus stops serviced by 71 routes. These routes facilitate 4,449 weekly passenger trips in total.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 193 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency across all routes is 635 trips daily, translating to about 211 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. Private health cover is held by approximately 52% of the total population (~1,574 people), slightly lagging behind the average SA2 area rate of 57.7%, as seen in the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues, impacting 11.2% of residents, and asthma, affecting 10.8%. Meanwhile, 63.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across the Australian Capital Territory. As of 2021, 14.6% of residents are 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 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, comprising 43.6% of Charnwood's population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category represents 1.8%, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 1.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (26.3%), Australian (25.2%), and Other (11.6%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Spanish is overrepresented at 0.6% compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Russian at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Filipino at 2.1% against a regional average of 1.2%.

Charnwood's population is younger than the national pattern

Charnwood's median age is 35, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure but lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to ACT, 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 now, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 3.7% to 4.9%, while those aged 15-24 increased from 10.7% to 11.8%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 55-64 declined from 9.6% to 8.2%, and those aged 25-34 dropped from 16.3% to 15.1%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest substantial demographic changes in Charnwood. The cohort aged 85+ is projected to grow by 87%, adding 36 residents to reach a total of 79. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 68% of the overall growth. Meanwhile, the cohorts aged 15-24 and 65-74 are anticipated to experience population declines.