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 November 2025, the estimated population for the Garran statistical area (Lv2) is around 3,795. This figure reflects an increase of 89 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,706. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,709 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,405 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Garran (SA2) has seen a 2.4% growth since the census, positioning it within 2.0 percentage points of the SA3 area's 4.4%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains in 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 used, also based on 2022. Future population trends indicate an overall decline by 123 persons by 2041, but specific age cohorts like the 65 to 74 group are projected to increase by 126 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 in Garran shows approximately 8 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 42 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. An average of 0.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed has been observed between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current expectations.

The average value of new properties under construction is $437,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals registered totalled $580.3 million, reflecting strong commercial development momentum in Garran. However, 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 an established area 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 trend favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (61.0% at Census), indicating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. With approximately 676 people per approval, Garran demonstrates a mature, established area with an expected stable or declining population. Consequently, reduced pressure on housing is anticipated, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Canberra Hospital Master Plan, Garran Primary School Modernisation and Expansion, Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, and Woden Experiment Stage 2 - Public Realm & Active Travel Upgrades. 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 reveals Garran significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Garran has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 2.0% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 0.6%.

As of September 2025, there were 1,855 residents employed at an unemployment rate of 1.6%, below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation was 61.8% compared to ACT's 69.6%. Key industries included public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Health care & social assistance had a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level, while construction had limited presence at 4.1% compared to 6.8% regionally.

The area functioned as an employment hub with 2.0 workers per resident, attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.6% and labour force by 0.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.4%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections suggested Garran's employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Garran suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $77,505 and an average income of $107,845. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to the ACT median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $84,682 (median) and $117,831 (average), based on a 9.26% Wage Price Index growth since June 2023. Census data shows Garran's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 95th and 96th percentiles. Income distribution indicates that 36.6% of residents earn over $4,000 annually (1,388 individuals), unlike surrounding regions where earnings predominantly fall within $1,500 - $2,999. Economic strength is evident with 49.4% of households earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting higher consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of their 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

In Garran, as per the latest Census evaluation, 61.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 39.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) had 58.4% houses and 41.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Garran stood at 36.8%, with mortgaged properties at 32.7% and rented dwellings at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Garran was $2,600, exceeding the ACT average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Garran was $550, higher than the ACT's $440. Nationally, Garran's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 25.9%, with lone person households at 23.7% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.4.

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

Garran has a notably high level of educational attainment, with 58.7% of its residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications. This figure surpasses both the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's average of 46.8%. The area's strong educational advantage is evident in its distribution of qualifications: bachelor degrees lead 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 years and above, with advanced diplomas making up 9.0% and certificates 9.1%.

Educational participation in Garran is notably high at 33.2%, with residents currently enrolled in primary education (13.1%), secondary education (7.7%), and tertiary education (6.8%).

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

The public transport analysis indicates that Garran has 28 active transport stops in operation. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. A total of 69 individual routes service these stops, collectively facilitating 5,691 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically residing 246 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes stands at 813 trips per day, equating to approximately 203 weekly trips per individual stop.

Garran's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Garran residents show favourable health outcomes, with low prevalence rates for common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 70%, covering about 2648 people, significantly higher than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.2% of residents) and asthma (7.0%). About 70.6% report no medical ailments, slightly above the ACT average of 70.1%. Garran has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.8%, or 789 people, compared to the ACT's 18.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are favourable, mirroring the general population's health profile.

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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 35.5% of its population born overseas and 30.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Garran is Christianity, accounting for 42.9% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented in Garran, comprising 9.2% of the population compared to the regional average of 6.6%.

The top three represented ancestry groups are English (22.0%), Australian (20.6%), and Other (12.9%). Some other ethnic groups are also notable for their representation: Indian at 7.0% versus 3.6%, 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, considerably higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years, and modestly exceeds the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 5-14 cohort is notably over-represented at 16.7% in Garran, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 45 to 54 age group has grown from 13.1% to 14.4% of the population, and the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 10.5% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 9.4% to 7.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Garran. Leading this shift, the 65 to 74 age group is expected to grow by 28%, reaching 429 people from 333. Residents aged 65 and older represent 72% of anticipated growth. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.