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

The suburb of Franklin (ACT) had an estimated population of 7,446 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and validated new addresses. This figure represents a decrease of 38 people from the 2021 Census count of 7,484. The current resident population estimate of 7,457 is based on AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,237 persons per square kilometer, placing Franklin in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Franklin has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%, outpacing its SA4 region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, using 2022 as a base, are adopted. Population projections indicate an overall decline of 938 persons by 2041, with specific age cohorts like the 55 to 64 age group projected to grow by 97 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 seen minimal dwelling approvals in recent years. Over the past five financial years ending June 2021, only an estimated one home was approved. As of April 2026, zero dwellings have been approved this financial year.

The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate development activity relative to demand, which is positive for buyers. In contrast, $64,000 in commercial approvals were registered this financial year, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Franklin shows significantly reduced construction levels.

This scarcity of new dwellings typically increases demand and prices for existing properties, although building activity has accelerated in recent years. Nationally, Franklin's construction level is also lower, reflecting market maturity and potential development constraints. Population projections indicating stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures in Franklin, benefiting potential buyers.

Franklin has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

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

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

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Employment conditions in Franklin rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Franklin has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.9% as of June 2025, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.9%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. A total of 4,990 residents were employed in June 2025, with a participation rate of 79.4% compared to ACT's 69.6%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. Franklin shows particular strength in accommodation & food services, employing 1.6 times the regional average.

However, public administration & safety employs only 26.7% of local workers, below ACT's 30.4%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.9%, and labour force grew by 1.6%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 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 the local employment mix.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Franklin had a median income among taxpayers of $62,766 with an average level standing at $72,683. Nationally, these figures compare to levels of $68,678 and $83,634 respectively for the Australian Capital Territory. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year ended June 2022, current estimates would be approximately $71,302 (median) and $82,568 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Franklin, between the 86th and 87th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 42.4% of residents (3,157 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 34.3%. A substantial presence of higher earners is indicated by the fact that 35.4% exceed $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 16.8% of income, however 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 66.3% houses and 33.7% 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, below Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,123. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $460, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $462. Nationally, Franklin's median monthly 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, 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 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 is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 55.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.3% in the SA3 area. 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, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (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. Franklin School serves the area, enrolling 467 students as of a specific date. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 6.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.7, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis in Franklin shows 15 active public transport stops operating within the area. These include a mix of lightrail and bus services. Three individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 972 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 219 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 138 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 64 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 data shows excellent results with very low prevalence rates for common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 56%, translating to around 4,162 people, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 58.6%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in Franklin, affecting 6.8% and 5.8% of residents respectively. A total of 81.9% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 76.4% across Australian Capital Territory. As of 2021, 5.7% of Franklin's population is aged 65 and over (424 people), which is lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 8.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in the broader 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, accounting for 27.5% of people. Hinduism is notably prevalent at 14.5%, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 9.5%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (22.4%), Australian (16.0%), and English (14.4%). Korean, Sri Lankan, and Indian ethnicities show notable overrepresentation in Franklin compared to regional averages: Korean at 2.2% versus 1.2%, Sri Lankan at 1.0% versus 0.6%, and Indian at 7.8% versus 6.4%.

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 residents aged 25-34 (25.2%) compared to the Australian Capital Territory but fewer residents aged 75-84 (1.4%). This 25-34 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, Franklin's median age has increased by 1 year from 30 to 31, reflecting 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 from 3.0% to 4.2%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort has declined from 19.9% to 18.0%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 13.0% to 11.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes for Franklin. The 55-64 cohort is projected to grow by 17%, adding 78 residents to reach 548. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 60% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 0-4 age cohorts.