Harrison

Population growth drivers in Harrison are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Harrison's population is around 8,073 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 171 people (2.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,244 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,073 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,764 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Harrison 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, which contributed approximately 65.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Regarding demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 1,083 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 55 to 64 age group, which is projected to grow by 108 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Harrison has recorded just 2 dwelling approvals over the past five years. This reflects a fully developed suburb with limited opportunities for new construction. The absence of new supply generally supports demand for established properties and can contribute to price stability.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Harrison has significantly less development activity. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Harrison may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Harrison has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 28 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Throsby District Playing Fields, Harrison Town Centre Development, Harrison Local Centre Expansion (Harrison 5 Precinct), and Moncrieff East Residential Estate, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Harrison has a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and 1.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,131 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.6% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (82.7% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. The area has a particular employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. On the other hand, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 9.5% of Harrison's workforce compared to 11.7% in the Australian Capital Territory. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.0% and the labour force increased by 0.9%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory, where employment rose by 0.9%, the labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Harrison. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Harrison's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 12.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Harrison SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $70,461 and an average of $79,908 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $76,986 (median) and $87,307 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Harrison, between the 91st and 93rd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 35.8% of locals (2,890 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring regional levels where 34.3% occupy this bracket. A significant 42.9% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 92nd percentile and 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 within Harrison, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 55.4% houses and 44.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Harrison was lagging that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 10.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.8%) or rented (46.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Harrison's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Harrison features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 74.7% of all households, comprising 41.7% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.3%, with lone person households at 18.8% and group households comprising 6.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Harrison significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 51.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 46.3% in the SA3 area. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 27.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational pathways account for 22.7% of qualifications among those aged 15+; advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (11.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 37.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.5% in primary education, 8.6% in tertiary education, and 7.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 21 active transport stops operating within Harrison, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 25 individual routes, collectively providing 2,074 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 236 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 79%, with 7% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 11.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 296 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 98 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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Harrison, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (4,803 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.2% and 6.6% of residents, respectively, while 80.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The area has 5.3% of residents aged 65 and over (431 people), which is lower than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line 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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 42.6% of its population born overseas and 44.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Harrison is Christianity, which makes up 34.2% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 11.3% of the population, substantially higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Harrison are Australian, comprising 20.0% of the population, English, comprising 18.4% of the population, and Other, comprising 17.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 12.2%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 2.0% of Harrison (vs 0.6% regionally), Indian at 6.5% (vs 3.3%) and Croatian at 1.1% (vs 0.9%).

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

At 32 years, Harrison's median age is slightly younger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and is substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Harrison has a higher concentration of 35 - 44 residents (19.3%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (3.3%). This 35 - 44 concentration is well above the national 14.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 45 to 54 age group has grown from 13.0% to 14.2% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 5.8% to 7.0%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 21.1% to 19.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Harrison's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 54 people (21%) from 268 to 323. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 74% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 age groups will see reduced numbers.