Harrison

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

Harrison's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 8,073 by February 2026. This figure represents a decrease of 171 individuals, a decline of 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 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 exhibited resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%, surpassing the SA4 region's growth rate. Overseas migration drove population growth, contributing 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 demographic trends indicate an overall population decline in Harrison, with a projected decrease of 1,083 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow; notably, the 55 to 64 age group is projected to increase by 108 people.

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

Harrison recorded 2 dwelling approvals between January 1st 2017 and December 31st 2021. This reflects a largely developed suburb with limited potential for new construction. The scarcity of new supply typically supports demand for established properties, potentially contributing to price stability.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Harrison has notably less development activity during this period. This limited new supply generally indicates stronger demand and higher values for established dwellings in Harrison. Nationally, this level of development activity is below average, suggesting maturity in the area and possible planning constraints.

Given stable or declining population forecasts projected for Harrison, housing pressure may be relatively low, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 28 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include 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 most relevant.

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

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The labour market strength in Harrison positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Harrison has an educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, having seen estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year as of September 2025. At this time, 5,129 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.5% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation in Harrison stands at 82.6%, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. According to Census responses, 11.8% of residents work from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. Harrison specializes in accommodation & food services, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 9.5% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 11.7%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by its Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Harrison's employment levels increased by 0.8%, with labour force growth of 0.7% and unemployment remaining broadly flat. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 1.4%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Harrison's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

The Harrison SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $70,461 and an average income of $79,908 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This was among the highest in Australia, compared to 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 financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $76,986 (median) and $87,307 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Harrison rank highly nationally, between the 91st and 93rd percentiles. The earnings profile indicates that 35.8% of locals (2,890 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income category, similar to regional levels at 34.3%. Notably, 42.9% earn above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 92nd 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

Harrison's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 55.4% houses and 44.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Harrison stood at 10.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.8% and rented ones at 46.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in Harrison was $450, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure but higher than the national average of $375. Nationally, Harrison's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, 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

Harrison's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 51.7% possess university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 46.3%. This high level of educational attainment positions Harrison favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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 in Harrison, 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

Harrison has 21 operational public transport stops, offering a mix of lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 25 unique routes, collectively facilitating 2,074 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically situated 236 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Harrison residents commute outward. Car remains the prevalent mode at 79%, while bus accounts for 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.8% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 296 trips daily, equating to roughly 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

AreaSearch's assessment shows excellent health outcomes across Harrison. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups.

Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (4,803 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues and asthma were the most common conditions, affecting 7.2% and 6.6% of residents respectively. 80.5% of residents reported being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 5.3% of residents aged 65 and over (431 people), lower than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, aligning with national rankings for 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's cultural diversity is notable, with 42.6% of its population born overseas and 44.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Harrison, comprising 34.2% of people. Hinduism is significantly overrepresented, making up 11.3%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (20.0%), English (18.4%), and Other (17.6%), which is higher than the regional average of 12.2%. Korean, Indian, and Croatian ethnicities are also notably overrepresented in Harrison: Korean at 2.0% (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

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 Australian Capital Territory, Harrison has a higher concentration of residents aged 35-44 (19.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (3.3%). This concentration of residents aged 35-44 is well above the national average of 14.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the age group of 45 to 54 has grown from 13.0% to 14.2% of the population, while the age group of 55 to 64 increased from 5.8% to 7.0%. Conversely, the age group of 25 to 34 has declined from 21.1% to 19.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Harrison's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The age cohort of 65 to 74 is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 54 people (21%) from 268 to 323. Notably, the combined age groups of 65+ will account for 74% 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 projected to see reduced numbers.