Franklin (ACT)

Population growth drivers in Franklin are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As per analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Franklin as of May 2026 is approximately 7520. This figure reflects a rise of 36 individuals (0.5%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7484 people in the suburb of Franklin (ACT). The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 7520 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 3269 persons per square kilometer, placing Franklin in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past ten years, Franklin has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%, outperforming the SA4 region. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth in the area, contributing approximately 66% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are adopted, also using 2022 as the base year. According to these projections, Franklin's population is expected to decrease by 887 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 55-64 age group, projected to increase by 89 people over this period.

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

Franklin has had minimal development with just one approval over five years, from 2015 to 2020. This reflects a fully developed suburb with limited opportunities for new construction. The absence of new supply generally supports demand for established properties and can contribute to price stability in the area.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Franklin shows substantially reduced construction activity. As of January 2023, there are no ongoing or planned developments in Franklin. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

However, development activity has picked up in recent periods, with two approvals granted in the past year. This is still under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Population projections show stability or decline in Franklin, which should result in reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers as of 2023.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 33 projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives are Franklin Aged Care Facility, Franklin Community Centre, Franklin Storm Water Management, and Franklin Childcare Centre. The following details projects expected to have the most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Franklin performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Franklin has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.1% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2% over the past year. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 4942 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.7% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Franklin was 81.2%, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, only 9.7% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents were public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance.

Notably, accommodation & food services had employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. However, public administration & safety had a limited presence with 26.7% employment compared to the regional average of 30.4%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.2%, and labour force increased by 1.0% in Franklin, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Franklin's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Franklin's employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Franklin's median income among taxpayers is $62,766. The average income in this period was $72,683. Nationally, the average income is lower than Franklin's. In the Australian Capital Territory, the median income is $72,206 and the average is $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Franklin would be approximately $69,319 (median) and $80,271 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Franklin rank highly nationally, between the 86th and 87th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. In Franklin, 42.4% of the population, or 3,188 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range. This aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort also represents 34.3%. Higher earners are prominent in Franklin, with 35.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 16.8% of income. Despite this, strong earnings place disposable income at the 84th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Franklin displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Franklin's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 49.9% houses and 50.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Franklin was at 10.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (42.5%) or rented (47.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,885, below Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,080. The median weekly rent was $460, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Franklin's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,885, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Franklin features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 72.3% of all households, including 37.9% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 7.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 20.8% and group households making up 6.9%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Franklin demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Franklin's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 55.2% have university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 46.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 28.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational pathways account for 21.1% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 10.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 35.4% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 10.2% in tertiary education, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

Franklin has 15 active public transport stops offering a mix of lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 33 individual routes that facilitate 2,821 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average located 219 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward, primarily by car (73%), followed by bus (10%). On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency across all routes averages 403 trips per day, equating to approximately 188 weekly trips per stop.

Franklin's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Franklin's health outcomes show exceptional results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 56% of the total population (~4,203 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 6.8% and 5.8% of residents respectively. 81.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. As of 4th October 2021, Franklin has 5.8% of residents aged 65 and over (436 people), lower than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Franklin is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Franklin has a population where 55.2% speak a language other than English at home, and 51.3% were born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Franklin, with 27.5%. Hinduism is notably higher here compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, comprising 14.5% of Franklin's population.

Regarding ancestry, 'Other' is most represented at 22.4%, substantially higher than the regional average of 12.2%. Australians make up 16.0%, lower than the regional average of 23.0%. English heritage comprises 14.4%, also lower than the regional average of 23.3%. Notably, Korean (2.2% vs 0.6%), Sri Lankan (1.0% vs 0.4%), and Indian (7.8% vs 3.3%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in Franklin compared to regional averages.

Franklin hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Franklin's median age is 31, which is younger than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Franklin has a higher concentration of 25-34 year-olds at 24.7%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory and the national average of 14.6%. However, it has fewer 65-74 year-olds at 3.9%. Between 2021 and present, Franklin's median age increased by 1.3 years from 30 to 31, reflecting an aging population. During this period, the 45-54 age group grew from 11.6% to 13.7%, while the 55-64 cohort increased from 5.5% to 6.9%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort declined from 19.9% to 18.1%, and the 0-4 group dropped from 7.2% to 5.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Franklin. The 55-64 cohort is projected to grow by 11%, adding 58 residents to reach 577. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 61% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 0-4 cohorts.