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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, the Franklin (ACT) statistical area's population is estimated at around 7,457. This reflects a decrease of 27 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,484. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 7,457 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,242 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, the Franklin (ACT) demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the Franklin (ACT)'s population expected to reduce by 938 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 55 to 64 age group, which is projected to grow by 97 people.

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 the five years from 2016 to 2021. 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.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Franklin shows substantially reduced construction activity. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though development activity has picked up in recent periods such as 2020-21. However, this remains 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 see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Franklin has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 34 projects that could affect the area. Notable ones are Franklin Early Childhood School Expansion, Franklin Aged Care Facility, Franklin Community Centre, and Franklin Storm Water Management. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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 an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.0% and it saw a 1.3% employment growth over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of September 2025, there are 4,939 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 1.6%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation is high at 79.4% compared to the ACT's 69.6%. Key employment industries include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food services with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

However, public administration & safety has limited presence at 26.7% compared to the regional average of 30.4%. Local employment opportunities appear limited as indicated by the resident population vs working population count. In the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.3% and labour force grew by 1.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). In contrast, ACT saw employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. State-level data to 25-Nov shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. National forecasts from May-25 indicate total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Franklin's industry 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.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, the suburb of Franklin had a median income among taxpayers of $62,766, with an average of $72,683. This was higher than the national average. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had a median income of $72,206 and an average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $68,578 (median) and $79,413 (average) as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in Franklin ranked highly nationally, between the 86th and 87th percentiles. The data showed that 42.4% of Franklin's population (3,161 individuals) had weekly incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort represented 34.3%. A substantial presence of higher earners was noted, with 35.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consumed 16.8% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 84th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 49.9% houses and 50.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's 66.3% houses and 33.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Franklin stood at 10.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.5% and rented ones at 47.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,885, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,123. The median weekly rent was $460, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $462. Nationally, Franklin's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,885 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 72.3% of all households, consisting of 37.9% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 7.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 20.8% and group households comprising 6.9%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.9.

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 significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 55.2% hold 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%, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 10.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 35.4% of residents 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 operating within its boundaries. These include a mix of lightrail and bus services. There are 33 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 2,821 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 219 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 403 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 188 weekly trips per individual 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 excellent results with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 56%, covering about 4168 people in total.

This figure is slightly lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 59.5%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 6.8% and 5.8% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 81.9%, report being completely free from medical ailments compared to the ACT's 76.4%. Franklin has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 5.7% (425 people) than the ACT's 8.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors require particular attention.

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 languages other than English at home, with 51.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Franklin, comprising 27.5%. Hinduism is notably higher in Franklin at 14.5%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 9.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (22.4%), Australian (16.0%), and English (14.4%). Korean (2.2%) and Sri Lankan (1.0%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Franklin, as is Indian (7.8%), compared to regional averages of 1.2%, 0.6%, and 6.4% respectively.

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's figure of 35 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Franklin has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (25.2%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (1.4%). This concentration is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has increased by 1 year from 30 to 31, indicating an aging population. Key changes include the growth of the 45-54 age group from 11.6% to 13.4%, and the 65-74 cohort increasing from 3.0% to 4.2%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort has declined from 19.9% to 18.0%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 13.0% to 11.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Franklin, with the 55-64 cohort projected to grow by 17%, adding 78 residents to reach 548. Senior residents aged 65 and above will contribute to 60% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 0-4 age cohorts.