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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Garran has an estimated 3,740 residents, up from 3,706 at the 2021 Census. That puts 1,385 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the suburb of Garran has an estimated population of approximately 3,740, according to AreaSearch evaluations combining ABS regional figures with newly validated postal points. Compared with the 3,706 residents counted in the 2021 Census, this marks an addition of 34 people (0.9%). The adjustment relies on an estimated resident population count of 3,732 following the ABS ERP release in June 2025 alongside 19 validated new addresses registered post-Census. Consequently, population density stands at 1,385 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages benchmarked by AreaSearch. Inbound international migration served as the primary demographic driver, virtually accounting for all population gains in recent times.
Demographic outlooks for the suburb of Garran utilize 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 models anchored to 2022, switching to 2022-based ACT Government SA2 projections for subsequent years past 2032 or unmapped sectors. Under this approach, overall headcount across the suburb of Garran is anticipated to contract, declining by 136 persons by 2041. In contrast, select demographics are slated for expansion, most notably the 65 to 74 age group with an anticipated gain of 90 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
42 new dwellings have been approved in Garran over the past five years, an average of 8 a year. That places the area in the 52nd percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 2 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 36 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 17% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 149, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS residential approval statistics by AreaSearch shows that Garran has averaged approximately 8 residential dwelling permits annually, accumulating an estimated 42 homes across the preceding 5 financial years. In FY-25 to date, 149 residential approvals have been logged. Given the recent population contraction, local building volumes remain relatively well balanced for incoming purchasers, with new dwellings recording an average expected construction cost of $366,000. Additionally, non-residential development remains robust, underscored by $580.3 million worth of commercial permits authorized during this financial year. Per-capita construction volumes in Garran track at approximately half the broader Australian Capital Territory rate, though recent momentum positions the locality within the 94th percentile nationally.
Medium-to-high density housing comprises the vast majority of upcoming residential development, with townhouses or apartments capturing 83.0% against 17.0% for standalone homes. This structural shift toward higher-density stock offers relatively affordable options for entry-level buyers, downsizers, and property investors, while marking a clear divergence from the existing established landscape of 61.0% houses as land constraints and buyer preferences evolve. With roughly 48 people per approval, Garran exhibits low-density characteristics. Given that the local population is projected to stabilize or decrease, residential real estate pressures should ease, potentially generating favorable conditions for prospective property buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Garran
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 3 current infrastructure and development projects inside Garran, worth an estimated $1 billion. A further 41 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $3.83 billion. 7 are already under construction and 10 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and health & medical. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local economic momentum and community development are heavily shaped by capital works and strategic planning initiatives. AreaSearch has registered 22 major projects with potential local impact, led by prominent undertakings such as the Canberra Hospital Master Plan, the Garran Primary School Modernisation and Expansion, the Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, and Skye by Trilogy (Section 117 Phillip).
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Canberra Hospital Master Plan
The Canberra Hospital Master Plan is a 20-year strategic development blueprint prepared by Canberra Health Services and the ACT Government to guide campus expansion through 2041. Organized into seven specialized clinical and research precincts, the plan builds upon the recent $660 million Critical Services Building (Building 5) and Yamba Drive entrance upgrades. Future stages focus on a new pathology and clinical support facility, mental health precinct enhancements, and consolidated parking infrastructure.
Woden Community Services Hub
A new four-storey facility in Woden Town Centre that will centralise community and government services under one roof, bringing together services currently operating from multiple buildings in the region. It will include child and family services, meeting rooms, a multi-purpose hall, and workshop spaces. Construction is expected to commence in 2026-27.
Garran Primary School Modernisation and Expansion
A complete modernisation and expansion of Garran Primary School to increase capacity to 975 students. The project includes new learning and administration facilities, a new gymnasium, hard courts, green spaces, and improved parking and school access. The new facilities will be modern, sustainable, and inclusive.
Skye by Trilogy (Section 117 Phillip)
A landmark 20-storey mixed-use residential tower comprising 188 luxury apartments with ground-floor retail and commercial space, located directly opposite Westfield Woden in the Phillip town centre. Developed by Zapari, the project forms part of the broader high-rise transformation of the Woden Town Centre precinct.
Ivy by Morris (Section 54 Phillip)
A premium 18-storey residential tower offering 212 apartments with rooftop amenities, ground-floor retail and direct connection to the redeveloped Woden Town Square.
Woden Pool Project (Phillip Swimming and Ice-Skating Centre Redevelopment)
Staged redevelopment of the Phillip Swimming and Ice-Skating Centre site in Woden by Geocon. Stage one, approved by the ACT Territory Planning Authority on 16 December 2025, comprises two 13-storey residential towers with 286 apartments above a new public aquatic centre featuring a 25-metre, eight-lane indoor lap pool, warm water program pool, splash pad, learn-to-swim and toddler areas, cafe, and steam and sauna facilities. The existing outdoor 50-metre pool and the ice-skating rink will remain operational during stage one construction, with their future considered in later stages.Geocon intends to eventually deliver around 696 to 700 apartments across five buildings in three stages on the 1.29 hectare site. Minor structural amendments to the approved stage one design remain under assessment.
The Centenary Hospital for Women and Children Expansion Project
The $50.05 million Centenary Hospital for Women and Children Expansion Project will deliver 20 additional inpatient beds for children and adolescents, four additional birthing suites, 16 additional special care nursery cots, and four additional maternity beds. To meet the growing health service demand from the Canberra community as our population continues to rapidly increase over coming years.
Woden Pool Redevelopment
Mixed-use redevelopment of the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre (Woden Pool) comprising a new public indoor aquatic centre with 25m lap pool, learn-to-swim pool, leisure and toddler pools, splash pad, sauna, steam room and cafe, together with two residential towers containing 286 apartments in Stage 1. The broader masterplanned redevelopment is proposed to ultimately deliver around 696 dwellings across three stages.
1,864 residents of Garran are employed, from a labour force of 1,905. Unemployment sits at 2.2%, with participation at 64.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 6,615, about 177% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Garran features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and 0.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,864 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.9% below Australian Capital Territory's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (64.1% compared to Australian Capital Territory's 70.6%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 15.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.
Local workers are primarily concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical disciplines. Specialization in health care & social assistance is particularly pronounced, representing 1.8 times the wider regional concentration. Conversely, construction employment is subdued, engaging only 4.1% of local workers versus 6.8% across Australian Capital Territory. With a ratio of 2.0 jobs per resident at the Census, the suburb operates as a prominent employment destination, drawing substantial commuter inflows from surrounding districts. ABS and SALM records analyzed by AreaSearch indicate that throughout the 12 months leading to March 2026, Garran recorded an employment increase of 0.9% against a 1.2% expansion in the total labor force, shifting the unemployment rate upward by 0.3 percentage points. Over the same timeframe, Australian Capital Territory posted employment gains of 0.3%, a workforce increase of 1.1%, and a 0.7 percentage points rise in unemployment. Long-term industry outlooks from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide further visibility regarding structural labor demand. Nationally, overall headcount is forecast to grow by 6.6% across five years and 13.7% across ten years, with performance varying widely by sector. When mapped directly to the local industry base, projected employment growth translates to 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Garran is $2,985 a week (about $155,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,349 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $77,505 a year against an average of $107,845. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Postcode-level ATO statistics for financial year 2023 indicate that earnings in the suburb of Garran rank in the highest national percentile, with a median taxable income of $77,505 and an average of $107,845. These figures exceed the Australian Capital Territory median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, updated estimates reach roughly $85,597 (median) and $119,104 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the Census 2021 shows household, family, and individual incomes sitting between the 95th and 96th percentiles across Australia.
Among local earners, 36.6% (1,368 individuals) report weekly incomes in the $4000+ bracket, contrasting with the regional benchmark where the $1,500 - 2,999 tier is most prevalent at 34.3%. High weekly earnings exceeding $3,000 are achieved by 49.4% of households, supporting strong consumer spending. Residents preserve 87.8% of income after servicing housing costs, placing the area in the 9th decile on the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Garran had 1,257 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 61% detached houses and 17% apartments. 33% are owned with a mortgage, 31% rented and 37% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $550 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,600 a month, a total housing cost higher than 85% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 18.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census data reveals that Garran's residential stock consists of 61.0% standalone houses and 39.0% alternative formats including semi-detached dwellings, units, and apartments, compared to 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings across Australian Capital Territory. Outright home ownership is notably elevated at 36.8%, exceeding the territory baseline, while mortgaged properties represent 32.7% and rental accommodations comprise 30.5%. Typical monthly mortgage commitments stand at $2,600, higher than the Australian Capital Territory median of $2,080, while median weekly rent is $550 compared to $450 across Australian Capital Territory. On a nationwide scale, local mortgage payments sit substantially above the Australian benchmark of $1,863, with weekly rent exceeding the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Garran counted 1,257 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.7 people each. 39% are couples with children, more than in 76% of areas nationally, against 26% couples without children. 24% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 74.1% of local households, consisting of couples with children (38.9%), couples without children (26.0%), and single parent arrangements (8.1%). The remaining 25.9% are non-family households, made up of single-person occupancies at 23.7% and group households at 2.3%. The typical household size sits at 2.7 people, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
58.7% of adults in Garran hold a university qualification, including 31.3% with a bachelor degree and 21.8% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 88% of areas nationally. A further 9.1% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 945 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,104 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels across Garran outpace standard benchmarks, with 58.7% of individuals aged 15+ possessing tertiary degrees compared with 30.4% across Australia and 46.8% across the SA4 region. Primary qualifications include bachelor degrees at 31.3%, postgraduate awards at 21.8%, and graduate diplomas at 5.6%. Technical and vocational training encompasses 18.1% of residents aged 15+, divided between certificates at 9.1% and advanced diplomas at 9.0%. A significant 33.2% of the local population is actively engaged in formal study. This student cohort comprises 13.1% attending primary schools, 7.7% in secondary education, and 6.8% enrolled in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Garran reaches 28 stops on 69 routes, timetabled for about 5,700 services a week. The typical home sits about 250 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Garran is serviced by 28 active public transit nodes encompassing bus and rail options. These facilities support 69 distinct transit routes that generate 5,702 passenger departures each week. Local transit proximity is favorable, with residents situated an average of 246 meters from their nearest boarding point. As an established residential community, outbound commuting is typical, with private vehicle travel serving as the primary transport mode at 80%, complemented by 11% walking and 2% cycling. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.4 vehicles, while 15.9% of workers recorded working remotely during the 2021 Census.
Across all operating routes, transit frequency registers an average of 814 daily departures, translating to around 203 weekly trips for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
70.6% of residents in Garran report no long-term health condition. 6.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 69.8% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Garran demonstrates favorable health indicators across morbidity and mortality metrics analyzed by AreaSearch, with both younger and older cohorts displaying a low incidence of chronic illnesses. Private health insurance coverage is notably widespread, held by roughly 70% of the population (2,609 people), outperforming the Australian Capital Territory level of 62.4% and the national baseline of 55.7%. Arthritis (8.2%) and asthma (7.0%) represent the most prevalent long-term conditions among local residents, while 70.6% reported having no diagnosed chronic conditions, outperforming the Australian Capital Territory proportion of 70.2%. Overall health outcomes for residents under 65 are particularly favorable.
Furthermore, seniors aged 65 and over constitute 20.6% of the population (770 people), exceeding the 14.2% share observed across Australian Capital Territory, with senior wellness metrics aligning closely with broader national health standards.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
35.5% of Garran residents were born overseas and 30.1% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 77% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are English (22.0%) and Australian (20.6%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity is pronounced across Garran, where 35.5% of residents were born overseas and 30.1% speak a language other than English at home. Christianity represents the most common religious affiliation at 42.9%. In addition, Hinduism displays notable local concentration, accounting for 9.2% of residents compared to 4.8% throughout Australian Capital Territory. Looking at parental birthplace, the primary reported ancestries include English (22.0%), Australian (20.6%), and Other (12.9%). Divergences appear across several specific heritages, with Indian ancestry overrepresented at 7.0% (against 3.3% across the wider region), Polish at 0.9% (against 0.8%), and Russian at 0.5% (against 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Garran is 41. 18.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Garran presents a demographic structure skewed toward mature residents. As of August 2026 estimates, individuals aged 65+ account for 20.6% of the population, compared to 14.2% across Australian Capital Territory, whereas the 25 - 44 cohort represents 21.5% locally versus 32.8% territory-wide. The median age is estimated at 41 as of August 2026, mirroring the 2021 Census outcome and tracking 6 years above the Australian Capital Territory median of 35 from that period. The most distinct structural movement since the Census occurred among the 25 - 44 age bracket, dropping from 25.1% to 21.5%.
Projections to 2041 indicate that older demographics will absorb the bulk of growth, adding 71 residents (9%) to total 841, whereas young adult, child, and middle-aged cohorts are anticipated to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Garran
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 last month all 3 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 19 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (3,706 at the 2021 Census → 3,740 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL80061). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.