Charnwood
At a median house price of $512,000, Charnwood sits well below Canberra's broader market, making it one of the most affordable detached-house suburbs in the ACT. The suburb covers 1.86 km2 with 3,055 residents and 87.1% of dwellings are separate houses, a higher detached share than most capital city suburbs. Household income sits at the 65.6th percentile nationally, comfortably middle-tier, yet the IRSD decile of 4 signals below-average advantage, a gap explained by the combination of moderate wages, a 31.7% renter share and aging demographics. The population is gradually shrinking, down 0.4% over 10 years, with the senior share rising 4.2 points as younger cohorts move on.
Population
3,055
Median Age
35.0
Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)
$1,818/wk
DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year
1
Median House
$512K
Estimated from rent (2025)
The median house price of $512,000 is the headline number for Charnwood buyers, and at a monthly mortgage repayment of $1,755, the mortgage-to-income ratio sits at 22.3%, well below the 30% stress threshold. That affordability compares favourably with most ACT suburbs and supports owner-occupier purchasing, with 45.7% of households currently on a mortgage and 22.6% owning outright. Stock is overwhelmingly detached houses at 87.1%, with semi-detached at 12.6% and only 0.3% apartments, so buyers seeking a freestanding home on a suburban block have real choice. Three-bedroom homes dominate at 68.7% of dwellings, with 4-plus bedroom homes at 19.8%, meaning the suburb fits families more than singles or couples.
For Buyers
The median house price of $512,000 is the headline number for Charnwood buyers, and at a monthly mortgage repayment of $1,755, the mortgage-to-income ratio sits at 22.3%, well below the 30% stress threshold. That affordability compares favourably with most ACT suburbs and supports owner-occupier purchasing, with 45.7% of households currently on a mortgage and 22.6% owning outright. Stock is overwhelmingly detached houses at 87.1%, with semi-detached at 12.6% and only 0.3% apartments, so buyers seeking a freestanding home on a suburban block have real choice. Three-bedroom homes dominate at 68.7% of dwellings, with 4-plus bedroom homes at 19.8%, meaning the suburb fits families more than singles or couples.
For Investors
The investment case for Charnwood is built on yield more than capital growth. Weekly rent averages $380 against a $512,000 median, implying a gross yield around 3.9%, above the ACT average. The 31.7% renter share provides a steady tenant pool, though the 5.6% vacancy rate is elevated and warrants attention before committing. Net overseas migration adds around 20 residents a year while internal migration removes 43, leaving a mild net outflow. Annual population trend is negative at -0.13%, with the medium forecast projecting the population declining from 3,028 to 3,010 by 2031. Rent growth of 18.8% over the decade confirms that rents are rising faster than affordability concerns, supporting income returns over the medium term.
Development Activity
Total DAs
20
Last 12 Months
1
YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements
-66.7%
Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year
N/A
Monthly DA Lodgements
DA Categories
Schools in Charnwood iICSEA: school advantage index. 1000 = national avg, higher = more advantaged
St Thomas Aquinas Primary School
K-6 · 374 students
Charnwood-Dunlop School
K-6 · 308 students
Demographics
The median age of 35 is 5.0 years below the national figure, making Charnwood younger than the national average despite an aging trajectory where the senior share grew 4.2 points over the decade. Overseas-born residents make up 22.5%, which is 0.9 points above national. Ancestry is predominantly Anglo-Celtic, led by English (1,123 residents), Irish (356) and Scottish (299). University qualifications reach 30.9%, which is 0.8 points above the national figure. Average household size of 2.5 matches the national average exactly, consistent with the family-oriented dwelling mix. Volunteering sits at 14.7% and couples with children account for 43.4% of families, reinforcing the suburb's family character.
Age Distribution
Bedrooms
Dwelling Structure
87.1%
Houses
12.6%
Townhouse
0.3%
Apartment
Tenure
Charnwood's housing tenure splits across 22.6% outright owners, 45.7% on mortgages and 31.7% renters, a mortgage-belt profile where the majority of residents are active buyers rather than settled owners or short-term tenants. Separate houses account for 87.1% of dwellings, well above what most inner-ring suburbs record, and semi-detached homes cover most of the remainder at 12.6%. Three-bedroom homes are the norm at 68.7%, with 4-plus bedroom at 19.8% and smaller 1-2 bedroom dwellings making up just 11.4%. At $512,000 median, housing stress is limited: rent-to-income at 20.9% and mortgage-to-income at 22.3% both sit below stress thresholds, which is a notable strength compared to higher-cost ACT areas.
Mortgage / mo
$1,755
Rent / wk
$380
HH Size
2.5
Personal Income / wk
$948
Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)
5.6%
Unoccupied
69
Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
20.9%
Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
22.3%
Community Profile
Languages Spoken at Home
Ancestry
Household Composition
21.8%
Couples, no children
2,428
Total families
Economy & Employment
The local workforce reflects Canberra's public sector character, with Public Administration the dominant industry at 24.0% (243 workers). Healthcare follows at 14.2% (144) and Education at 11.5% (116), with Construction at 11.1% (112) and Professional/Tech at 8.9% (90). By occupation, Professionals lead with 293 workers, followed by Clerical/Admin at 255 and Community/Personal Services at 218. The unemployment rate is 5.1% with a participation rate of 61.5% and a full-time employment rate of 69.8%. The SEIFA IEO decile of 6 places education and occupation outcomes above the national median, even though the IRSD decile of 4 reflects relative disadvantage, a divergence explained by the public service employment base offsetting lower household wealth accumulation.
Unemployment
12.0%
Labour Force
1,631
Unemployed
195
Quarterly Trend
Source: SALM Dec-25
Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)
Full-time
69.8%
Part-time
25.1%
Participation
61.5%
Employed
1,406
Occupations
Top Industries
University
30.9%
Postgraduate
8.6%
Born Overseas
22.5%
Dwellings
1,172
Transport to Work
Transport in Charnwood is car-dependent, with 88.8% of residents driving to work, well above the national average, while only 3.8% use public transport and 1.3% walk or cycle. The IRSAD decile of 5 places the suburb at the national median for advantage, a middling outcome that reflects its affordability relative to other ACT areas rather than deep disadvantage. About 6.3% of residents (184 people) need daily assistance, and rent-to-income at 20.9% keeps housing costs manageable. No schools are recorded within the suburb boundary in the dataset, so families rely on schools in neighbouring Charnwood-area precincts. The vacancy rate of 5.6% is elevated compared to tighter Canberra markets, which reduces rental competition and keeps rents accessible for tenants.
Drive
88.8%
Public Transport
3.8%
Walk / Cycle
1.3%
Work from Home
N/A
Population Forecast
-0.13%/yr
(-4 people/yr)
EstablishedCharnwood is a slow-decline suburb, with annual population change at -0.13% and a 10-year population change of -0.4%. The medium forecast projects the population falling from 3,028 in 2026 to 3,010 by 2031, a modest but consistent decline. Net internal migration removes around 43 residents per year while overseas migration adds roughly 20, leaving a sustained net outflow. The gentrification score of 0 confirms no signs of renewal pressure, compared to inner-Canberra suburbs that are actively upgrading. Real income growth of 9.3% and rent growth of 18.8% over the decade show that economic conditions are improving faster than headcount, which benefits existing owners even as population edges down. The young share fell 1.3 points over the decade as the senior share rose 4.2 points.
Historical + Forecast
Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025
Age Cohort Forecast
Primary Driver
Overseas Migration
Net Overseas / yr
+20
Net Internal / yr
-43
Gentrification Signal
Not gentrifying
National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs
How Charnwood compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charnwood a good suburb to live in?
Charnwood suits families and first-home buyers looking for affordable detached housing. At a $512,000 median house price and a mortgage-to-income ratio of 22.3%, it is one of the more accessible ACT suburbs. The IRSAD decile of 5 places it at the national median for overall advantage, with low housing stress and a strong 87.1% separate house stock.
What is the median house price in Charnwood?
The median house price is approximately $512,000, estimated from 2025 rental data. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,755 and weekly rent averages $380. The mortgage-to-income ratio of 22.3% is well below the 30% stress threshold.
What schools are in Charnwood?
No schools are recorded within the Charnwood boundary in this dataset, with a population of 3,055 across 1.86 km2. Families access schools in the surrounding Belconnen district. About 30.9% of residents hold university qualifications, 0.8 points above the national figure.
Is Charnwood safe?
Detailed crime statistics for Charnwood are not available in this dataset. As an indirect indicator, the suburb scores IRSD decile 4, below the national median for relative disadvantage, and the IRSAD decile of 5 is at the national median. About 6.3% of residents, or 184 people, need daily assistance.
Is Charnwood good for property investment?
The investment case rests on yield rather than growth. Weekly rent of $380 against a $512,000 median implies a gross yield near 3.9%, above typical ACT averages. The 31.7% renter share is healthy, though the 5.6% vacancy rate and projected population decline to around 3,010 by 2031 suggest limited capital growth momentum.
How is Charnwood's population changing?
The population is in gradual decline, falling at -0.13% annually and down 0.4% over 10 years to 3,055 residents. Internal migration removes around 43 residents per year while overseas migration adds about 20. Medium forecasts project the population reaching roughly 3,010 by 2031, with an aging profile as the senior share rose 4.2 points over the decade.
How to read these comparisons
Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.
Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.
Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state Valuer-General (house prices), Department of Jobs SALM (unemployment), ACARA (school ICSEA), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications). Population forecasts use a Hamilton-Perry cohort model calibrated to ABS ERP.
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