Garran

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

The estimated population of the suburb of Garran is around 3,795 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 3,706 people. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date, is 3,709. This results in a density ratio of 1,405 persons per square kilometer for Garran, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth rate of 2.4% since the Census places it within 2.1 percentage points of its SA3 area (4.5%). Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains in recent periods.

For future projections up to 2041, ABS/Geoscience Australia data from 2024 with a base year of 2022 is used for SA2 areas covered by this data. After 2032 or for areas not covered, ACT Government's SA2 area projections with a base year of 2022 are adopted. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to decline by 123 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 65 to 74 group are projected to increase, with an anticipated growth of 126 people in this cohort over this period.

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 indicates approximately 8 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 42 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. The average increase in residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.5. New construction is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more options to buyers and potentially accelerating population growth.

The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $437,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $580.3 million, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, Garran has significantly less development activity, with 86.0% fewer approvals per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, which is also below the national average, reflecting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 88.0% detached dwellings and 12.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Garran's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes.

This preference for detached housing exceeds current patterns, indicating robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. With around 676 people per approval, Garran is a mature, established area with an expected stable or declining population, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 23 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives 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. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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 a highly educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6%. As of September 2025, 1,855 residents were employed at a 1.6% lower unemployment rate than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation was 64.3%, compared to ACT's 72.5%. According to Census responses, 15.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment were 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 the regional average of 6.8%.

There were 2.0 workers per resident in Garran as of the Census, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.6%, labour force by 0.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.4% and a fall in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Garran's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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 taxpayer income 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 between the 95th and 96th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 36.6% of individuals earn over $4,000 annually, contrasting with the surrounding region where 34.3% earn between $1,500 and $2,999. Economic strength is evident with 49.4% of households earning over $3,000 weekly. Post-housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of income, indicating 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). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Garran was at 36.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.7% and rented ones at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Garran was $2,600, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Garran was $550, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Garran's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 versus Australia's 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, which is 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 has a notably high educational attainment with 58.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, surpassing the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This is attributed to a significant number of residents having bachelor degrees (31.3%), postgraduate qualifications (21.8%), and graduate diplomas (5.6%). Vocational pathways are also prevalent, with advanced diplomas accounting for 9.0% and certificates for 9.1% among those aged 15 and above. The area's educational participation is 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, facilitating 5,691 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 246 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation 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. The service frequency averages 813 trips daily across all routes, translating 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 better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 70% of the total population (2,648 people), compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.2 and 7.0% of residents respectively. 70.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. The under-65 population demonstrates better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 21.5% of residents aged 65 and over (815 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 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. Christianity is the predominant religion in Garran, with 42.9% of people identifying as Christian. Hinduism is overrepresented in Garran compared to the Australian Capital Territory, comprising 9.2% of the population versus the regional average of 4.8%.

The top three ancestral groups based on country of birth of parents are English (22.0%), Australian (20.6%), and Other (12.9%). Notably, Indian ethnicity is overrepresented in Garran at 7.0%, compared to the regional average of 3.3%. Russian ethnicity is also overrepresented at 0.5% versus the regional average of 0.3%, as is Polish ethnicity at 0.9% versus 0.8%.

Garran's median age exceeds the national pattern

Garran has a median age of 42, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 years. This is also significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, Garran has an over-representation of the 5-14 cohort (16.5% locally), while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented (7.0%). Between 2021 and present, the 45-54 age group grew from 13.1% to 14.7%, and the 55-64 cohort increased from 10.5% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 9.4% to 7.0%, and the 0-4 group dropped from 5.2% to 4.0%. Demographic modeling suggests Garran's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 65-74 age cohort is projected to expand by 68 people (19%), from 360 to 429. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 75% of total population growth, reflecting Garran's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 15-24 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.