Harrison
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Harrison are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Harrison's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 8,073, a decrease of 171 people (2.1%) since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 8,244. This change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 8,073 as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,764 persons per square kilometer, placing Harrison in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Harrison has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%, outperforming its SA4 region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.9% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. Future population dynamics indicate an overall decline in population, with Harrison's population expected to contract by 1,083 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts such as the 55 to 64 age group are projected to grow, with an increase of 108 people anticipated.

Residential dwelling approval activity has been practically non-existent in Harrison

Harrison has seen very few dwelling approvals in recent years, totalling just 2 homes over the past five financial years. So far in FY26, only 1 approval has been recorded. The population has fallen during this period, yet development activity has been adequate relative to the population decline, which is positive for buyers.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $151,000, below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices for buyers compared to other areas like the Australian Capital Territory where construction is substantially higher. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes in Harrison, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures in Harrison, which could benefit potential buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Harrison should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Harrison has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

Twenty-eight infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable among these are Throsby District Playing Fields, Harrison Town Centre Development, Harrison Local Centre Expansion (Harrison 5 Precinct), and Moncrieff East Residential Estate. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Harrison significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Harrison has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) 3.4%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.5%. As of June 2025, 5,272 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% and workforce participation at 79.9%, higher than ACT's 69.6%. Leading employment industries include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. The area has a high specialization in accommodation & food services, employing 1.4 times the regional level, but health care & social assistance employs only 9.5% of local workers, below ACT's 11.7%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.5% and labour force by 1.6%, with unemployment remaining stable at 2.0%. In contrast, ACT experienced employment growth of 1.9% and labour force growth of 1.6%, with a drop in unemployment to 3.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these projections to Harrison's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Harrison has a median taxpayer income of $67,228 and an average of $76,926 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is notably high nationally, compared to Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $76,371 and an average of $87,388, factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data indicates that Harrison's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 91st and 93rd percentiles. Income brackets show that 35.8% of residents (2,890 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, consistent with broader metropolitan trends at 34.3%. The area exhibits significant affluence, with 42.9% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 93rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Harrison displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Harrison, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 55.4% houses and 44.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 66.3% houses and 33.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Harrison was 10.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.8% and rented dwellings at 46.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Harrison was $2,000, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,123. Median weekly rent in Harrison was $450, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $462. Nationally, Harrison's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Harrison features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 74.7% of all households, including 41.7% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.3%, with lone person households at 18.8% and group households comprising 6.2%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

Educational achievement in Harrison places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Harrison's educational attainment exceeds national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 51.7% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 46.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 27.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational pathways account for 22.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 11.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 37.2% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (12.5%), tertiary (8.6%), secondary (7.9%). Harrison School and Mother Teresa School serve a total of 2,114 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1080) and functions as an education hub with 26.2 school places per 100 residents, attracting students from surrounding communities.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The transport analysis indicates that Harrison has 21 operational transport stops, consisting of both lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 8 distinct routes, facilitating a total of 1,157 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport options is deemed good, with residents on average situated 236 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages at 165 trips per day, equating to roughly 55 weekly trips per individual stop.

Harrison's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Harrison shows excellent health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages.

Private health cover stands at approximately 58%, covering 4,666 people. Mental health issues and asthma were the most prevalent conditions, affecting 7.2% and 6.6% respectively. A total of 80.5% reported no medical ailments, higher than the ACT average of 76.4%. The senior population (aged 65+) comprises 5.0%, or 403 people, lower than the ACT's 8.3%. Despite this, seniors' health outcomes align well with the general population.

Harrison is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Harrison has a high cultural diversity, with 42.6% of its population born overseas and 44.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Harrison, making up 34.2% of people. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Australian Capital Territory figures, comprising 11.3% of Harrison's population.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (20.0%), English (18.4%), and Other (17.6%). Korean, Indian, and Croatian ethnicities show notable divergences in representation: Korean is overrepresented at 2.0%, Indian is at 6.5%, and Croatian is at 1.1%.

Harrison hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Harrison has a median age of 32 years, which is younger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 years and substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Harrison has a higher concentration of residents aged 35-44 (19.5%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (3.1%). This concentration of residents aged 35-44 is well above the national average of 14.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the age group of 45 to 54 has grown from 13.0% to 14.1% of the population while the age group of 25 to 34 has declined from 21.1% to 19.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that Harrison's age profile will evolve significantly by the year 2041. The age cohort of 55 to 64 is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 74 people (15%) from 514 to 589. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 59% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the age groups of 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 are expected to see reduced numbers.