Franklin (ACT)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census Franklin's population is estimated at around 7,520 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 36 people (0.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,484 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,520, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,269 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by Districts. Over the past decade, Franklin has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 2.2% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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Franklin has a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and 0.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 4,954 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.8% below Australian Capital Territory's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (81.5% compared to Australian Capital Territory's 70.8%). Based on Census responses, a low 9.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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As per Districts' latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Franklin's median income among taxpayers is $62,766, with an average of $72,683. This is higher than average nationally, and compares to Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $69,319 (median) and $80,271 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Franklin, between the 86th and 87th percentiles nationally. The data shows 42.4% of the population (3,188 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents . Higher earners represent a substantial presence with exceeding weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within Franklin, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 49.9% houses and 50.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Franklin was lagging that of Australian Capital Territory, at 10.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.5%) or rented (47.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Australian Capital Territory average at $1,885, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $460, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Franklin's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 72.3% of all households, comprising 37.9% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 7.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 20.8% and group households comprising 6.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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Educational attainment in Franklin significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 55.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 46.3% in SA3 area. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 28.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational pathways account for 21.1% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (10.3%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 15 active transport stops operating within Franklin comprising a mix of lightrail and buses. These stops are serviced by 33 individual routes, collectively providing 2,821 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 219 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 73%, with 10% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. A relatively low 9.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Franklin, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups , and the rate of private health cover found to be very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~4,203 people). This compares to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory.

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Franklin is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 55.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 51.3% born overseas. The main religion in Franklin was found to be Christianity, which makes up 27.5% of people in Franklin. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Hinduism, which comprises 14.5% of the population, substantially higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%.

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With a median age of 31, Franklin is materially younger than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 similarly substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Australian Capital Territory, Franklin has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (24.7%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (3.9%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.6%. In the period since 2021, the median age has increased by 1.3 years from 30 to 31, reflecting an aging population. Key changes show the 45 to 54 age group has grown from 11.6% to 13.7% of the population, while the to cohort increased from to . Conversely, the to cohort has declined from to and the to group dropped from to . Population forecasts for indicate substantial demographic changes for Franklin. The to cohort shows the strongest projected growth at , adding residents to reach . Senior residents (+) will drive of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the to and to cohorts.

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Franklin currently has an estimated 421 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 254 children aged 0-2 and 169 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 22% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 19% by 2041 (to approximately 341 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 691. Birth rates in the area have averaged 12.1 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.