Charnwood (ACT)

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Based on demographic assessments from the ABS for the wider region and verified addresses via Districts post-Census, the suburb of Charnwood has an estimated population of 3,078 as of May 2026. This indicates a growth of 23 people (0.8%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 3,055 residents. The revised figure of 3,078 was calculated by Districts through analysis of the June 2025 ABS ERP release alongside 2 validated new addresses recorded after the Census. This population level translates to a density of 1,654 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical ratio observed in locations evaluated nationwide by Districts. The primary driver of this population growth was natural increase, which accounted for approximately 64.0% of the overall population gains in recent times.

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The suburb of Charnwood possesses a qualified labor force with solid representation in essential services, alongside an overall unemployment rate of 12.8% according to statistical area aggregations. As of March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,429, whereas the jobless rate stood at 8.7% above the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, showing room for improvement. The labor participation rate is slightly soft at 67.3% compared to the 70.8% benchmark for the Australian Capital Territory. Census records indicate that a minor share of the workforce, 8.9%, worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic containment measures.

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Taxpayer data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year shows that the suburb of Charnwood has a median income of $55,634 and an average income of $62,887. These values are lower than the national average and contrast with the Australian Capital Territory median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.44% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would stand at approximately $61,442 for the median and $69,452 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, individual incomes are in the 73rd percentile ($948 weekly), whereas household incomes are in the 54th percentile. The weekly earnings bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 contains 38.7% of the local population ( people), mirroring regional trends where fall within this bracket. High housing costs account for of income, but solid earnings help keep disposable income at the rd percentile, while the SEIFA index places the area in the th decile for income.

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According to the most recent Census, the residential makeup in Charnwood was dominated by houses, which accounted for 87.1% of all dwellings, while the remaining 12.9% consisted of semi-detached units, apartments, and other dwelling types, contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory where houses made up 63.3% and other dwellings comprised 36.7%. Home ownership rates in Charnwood trailed those of the Australian Capital Territory, standing at 23.1%, with the rest of the population either servicing mortgages at 45.4% or paying rent at 31.5%. The median monthly mortgage payment in Charnwood was significantly lower than the Australian Capital Territory mean of $1,755, and the median weekly rent was $380, whereas the Australian Capital Territory figures were $2,080 and $450 respectively. On a national scale, Charnwood's mortgage repayments fell beneath the Australian average of $1,863, while rental costs surpassed the national benchmark of $375.

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Families make up 69.3% of households, consisting of couples with children at 29.3%, couples without children at 20.9%, and single-parent homes at 18.0%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 30.7%, with single-person households representing 27.4% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size is 2.5 residents, which is identical to the Australian Capital Territory average.

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Educational attainment presents challenges, as university graduation rates stand at 24.3%, well below the 46.8% average for the SA4 region. This situation highlights an opportunity for targeted learning programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 6.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational qualifications are common, with 38.6% of residents aged 15 and over holding technical credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (26.5%).

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Public transport services in the suburb of Charnwood include 21 active bus stops. These locations are serviced by 71 distinct routes, which combine to offer 4,449 passenger trips per week. Transport access is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 193 meters from their nearest stop. Because it is a residential area, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars being the main transport mode at 92%, followed by buses at 6%. The average number of vehicles per household is 1.3. A low proportion of residents, 8.9%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic restrictions.

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Health indicators highlight notable difficulties in the suburb of Charnwood, based on evaluations of mortality and chronic disease rates across young and old cohorts, while private health insurance coverage lags slightly behind the typical SA2 area at approximately 52% of the population (~1,601 people). This compares to a rate of 62.4% for the Australian Capital Territory.

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The suburb of Charnwood exhibits above-average cultural diversity, with 22.5% of residents born outside Australia and 18.6% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, adhered to by 43.6% of residents. The most noticeable variation from broader trends is in the Other category, which accounts for 1.8% of the population compared to 1.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

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The median age in the suburb of Charnwood is 35 years, matching the Australian Capital Territory median but tracking slightly below the Australian average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, the suburb has a larger proportion of young children aged 0 - 4 (7.8%) but a smaller share of young adults aged 25 - 34 (14.7%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 3.7% to 5.0%, while the 55 to 64 bracket has fallen from 9.6% to 7.7%, and the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 16.3% to 14.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections point to significant changes, with the and over group expected to grow by , adding residents to total . This shift highlights demographic aging, with seniors aged and older accounting for of the projected growth. Conversely, contractions are expected in the to and to cohorts.

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Charnwood currently has an estimated 240 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 144 children aged 0-2 and 96 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 10% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 1% by 2041 (to approximately 237 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 322. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 14.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.