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 of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Franklin (ACT) is around 7,457, reflecting a decrease of 27 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7,484. This estimate is based on AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. The population density ratio is 3,242 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Franklin has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 66.0% 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 and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also based on 2022 as the base year. According to these projections, over this period, the suburb's population is expected to decline by 938 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 55 to 64 group are projected to grow, with an increase of 97 people anticipated.

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 activity with just one approved project over the five years from 2016 to 2021. This indicates a mature, established suburb where available land for new construction is limited. For buyers, this scarcity of new housing stock typically supports property values and means competition may primarily be among existing homes.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Franklin has significantly less development activity. In recent periods, however, there has been an increase in development activity. This is still under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

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

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

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

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

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The exceptional employment performance in Franklin places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Franklin's workforce is highly educated with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3%. As of September 2025, 4,939 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.6%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 3.6%.

Workforce participation was 82.3% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. According to Census responses, 9.7% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. The area had a particular specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety employed only 26.7% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's 30.4%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, labour force by 1.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points in Franklin, compared to Australian Capital Territory's growth rates of 1.4% for employment, 1.2% for labour force, and a 0.2 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Franklin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Franklin has a median taxpayer income of $62,766 and an average income of $72,683 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average, which contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $68,578 (median) and $79,413 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that incomes in Franklin rank highly nationally, with household, family, and personal incomes all between the 86th and 87th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 42.4% of the population (3,161 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 34.3% in the same category. A substantial proportion of high earners (35.4% above $3,000 per week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Franklin. High housing costs consume 16.8% of income, but strong earnings still 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 49.9% houses and 50.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Franklin was at 10.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.5% and rented ones at 47.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,885, lower than Australian Capital Territory's $2,080. Weekly rent median was recorded at $460, slightly higher than Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Franklin's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,885 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $460 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 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 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 has a higher educational attainment than the national average. 55.2% of its residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 46.3%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 28.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 22.6% and graduate diplomas at 4.0%. Vocational pathways account for 21.1% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 10.8% and certificates 10.3%.

Educational participation is high in Franklin, 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

Public transport analysis shows 15 active transport stops operating within Franklin. These include a mix of lightrail and buses, serviced by 33 individual routes providing 2,821 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 219 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commute outward. Car remains dominant at 73%, with 10% using buses. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 9.7% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 403 trips daily across all routes, 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 notable results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups.

Private health cover was approximately 56% of the total population (~4,168 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues impacted 6.8%, while asthma affected 5.8%. A total of 81.9% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 6.1% (454 people) aged 65 and over, 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 high level of cultural diversity, with 55.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 51.3% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Franklin, comprising 27.5% of the population. Hinduism, however, is notably higher than average, making up 14.5% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 4.8%.

Ancestry-wise, 'Other' is highest at 22.4%, above the regional average of 12.2%. Australians make up 16.0%, below the regional average of 23.0%. English ancestry stands at 14.4%, also below 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 significantly lower than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Franklin has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (24.4%), but fewer residents aged 75-84 (1.7%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably above the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, Franklin's median age has increased by 1.4 years from 30 to 31, indicating an aging population. Key changes include the growth of the 45 to 54 age group from 11.6% to 13.7%, and the increase of the 65 to 74 cohort from 3.0% to 4.3%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has decreased from 19.9% to 17.8%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 13.0% to 11.5%. By 2041, Franklin's population is projected to undergo significant demographic changes. The 75 to 84 cohort is expected to grow by 40%, adding 50 residents to reach a total of 177. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 65% of the population growth, highlighting trends towards an aging population. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 age group and the 0 to 4 cohort.