Garran

An assessment of population growth drivers in Garran reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Garran is around 3740. This reflects an increase of 34 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3706. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3732 in June 2025 and 19 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1385 persons per square kilometer, higher than average national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth 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 ACT Government's SA2 area projections are used, also based on 2022. Future population trends indicate a decline by 2041, with the suburb's population expected to decrease by 133 persons. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 65 to 74 age group, anticipated to increase by 98 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Garran, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Garran has seen approximately 8 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 42 homes. As of FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were noted between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand in the area, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations.

The average value of new properties constructed is $437,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals worth $580.3 million have been registered, signifying strong commercial development momentum in Garran. However, when compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, Garran has significantly less development activity, at 86.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, with activity also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development in Garran consists of 88.0% detached dwellings and 12.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

This is despite current patterns favouring detached housing at 61.0%, demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. With approximately 676 people per approval, Garran shows a mature and established population. Given expectations of stable or declining population, reduced pressure on housing in the area is anticipated, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Garran 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 22 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Canberra Hospital Master Plan, Garran Primary School Modernisation and Expansion, Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, and Skye by Trilogy (Section 117 Phillip). Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Garran significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Garran has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 1.9% as of December 2025, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.1%.

As of December 2025, 1,861 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate of 63.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. Home-based work accounted for 15.9% of jobs based on Census responses. Key industries included public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Health care & social assistance was particularly strong with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level.

Construction had limited presence at 4.1%, compared to the regional average of 6.8%. There were 2.0 workers per resident as of the Census, indicating Garran functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.1% while labour force and unemployment remained broadly flat. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Garran's employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Garran had a median taxpayer income of $77,505 and an average income of $107,845. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high, compared to ACT's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Using Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Garran would be approximately $85,597 (median) and $119,104 (average) by March 2026. Census data indicates Garran's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 95th and 96th percentiles. Income distribution shows 36.6% of individuals earn more than $4,000 annually, unlike surrounding regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 34.3%. Economic strength is evident with 49.4% of households earning over $3,000 weekly, enabling elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Garran displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Garran's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 61.0% houses and 39.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Garran stood at 36.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.7% and rented dwellings at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, surpassing the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Garran was $550, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Garran's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Garran has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.1% of all households, including 38.9% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.9%, with lone person households at 23.7% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Garran shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Garran's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 58.7% hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This advantage positions Garran strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 31.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.8%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%).

Vocational pathways account for 18.1% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 9.1%. Educational participation is notably high, with 33.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.1% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 6.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Garran has 27 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 69 routes that facilitate 5,691 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents, on average, located 246 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. The car remains the dominant mode of transport at 80%, followed by walking at 11% and cycling at 2%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 813 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 210 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Garran is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Garran demonstrates superior health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 70% of the total population (2,609 people), compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory and 55.7% nationally.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.2 and 7.0% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 70.6%, report being completely free from medical ailments, slightly higher than the ACT average of 70.2%. The under-65 population displays better-than-average health outcomes. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.4% (800 people), compared to 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Garran was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Garran's population has a high level of cultural diversity, with 35.5% born overseas and 30.1% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Garran, comprising 42.9% of its population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, making up 9.2% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 4.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.0%), Australian (20.6%), and Other (12.9%). Some ethnic groups have significant representation differences: Indian at 7.0% versus the regional average of 3.3%, Russian at 0.5% versus 0.3%, and Polish at 0.9% versus 0.8%.

Garran's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Garran is 41 years, which is higher than both the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and the national average of 38 years. In comparison to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 5-14 year age group is over-represented at 16.0% locally, while the 25-34 year age group is under-represented at 7.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 55 to 64 age group grew from 10.5% to 11.7%, and the 15 to 24 age group increased from 9.4% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group declined from 9.4% to 7.0%. Population forecasts for Garran in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 65 to 74 age group is expected to grow by 22%, reaching 426 people from 347, with residents aged 65 and older representing 70% of the anticipated growth. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to experience population declines.