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 was approximately 8,073 as of August 2025. This reflected a decrease of 171 people from the 2021 Census figure of 8,244. The change was inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 8,073 in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population resulted in a 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 experienced 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 adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections were used, with 2022 as a base. By 2041, Harrison's population is projected to decline by 1,083 persons according to these projections. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 55 to 64 age group which is projected to increase by 108 people.

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

Harrison has averaged approximately one new dwelling approval per year. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with nine dwellings approved over the past five financial years from FY 2020 to FY 2025 inclusive.

No approvals have been recorded so far in FY 2026. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced housing market with good buyer choice. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory and nationally, Harrison has significantly less development activity, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties due to scarcity of new homes.

This lower level reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. Stable or declining population forecasts may reduce housing pressure in Harrison, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 24 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects are Throsby District Playing Fields, Harrison Town Centre Development, Franklin Residential Development, and Franklin District Park. The following details those most relevant.

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

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

Harrison has an educated workforce with key sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.0% and it saw a 1.5% increase in employment over the past year.

As of June 2025, 5,272 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.4% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation is high at 79.9%, compared to the ACT's 69.6%. Major employment industries include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. Notably, accommodation & food services have an employment level 1.4 times higher than the regional average, while health care & social assistance has a lower presence at 9.5% compared to the region's 11.7%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the past year, employment increased by 1.5%, labour force grew by 1.6%, leaving unemployment relatively stable. In contrast, the ACT saw employment growth of 1.9% and a drop in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows ACT employment contracted by 0.33% with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national average of 4.5%. National employment forecasts project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local growth patterns may differ due to varying industry-specific projections. Applying these projections to Harrison's employment mix suggests potential 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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Harrison's median income among taxpayers is $67,228. The average income is $76,926. Nationally, this is extremely high. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory has a median income of $68,678 and an average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Harrison would be approximately $74,475 (median) and $85,219 (average) as of March 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Harrison rank highly nationally, between the 91st and 93rd percentiles. The data shows that 35.8% of Harrison's population (2,890 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 34.3%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence in Harrison, with 42.9% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, though strong earnings still 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

Harrison's housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 55.4% houses and 44.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 66.3% houses and 33.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Harrison was at 10.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.8% and rented ones at 46.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Harrison was $2,000, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,123. The median weekly rent figure in Harrison was $450, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $462. Nationally, Harrison's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus 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 comprise the remaining 25.3%, with lone person households at 18.8% and group households making up 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; 51.7% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4%. Locally, 46.3% have such qualifications. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 27.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational pathways account for 22.7%; advanced diplomas comprise 10.8%, certificates 11.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 37.2% currently enrolled; 12.5% in primary, 8.6% in tertiary, and 7.9% pursuing secondary education. Harrison offers educational provision through Harrison School and Mother Teresa School, serving a total of 2,114 students. The area's socio-educational conditions are above average (ICSEA: 1080). It functions as an education hub with 26.2 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 14.9, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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 light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 8 different routes, collectively facilitating 1,157 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average being located 236 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 165 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 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 demonstrates excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 58% (4,666 people) have private health cover, which is exceptionally high. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.2% and 6.6% of residents respectively. Around 80.5% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.4% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 5.0% (403 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 8.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Seniors' health outcomes are particularly strong, closely aligning with the general population's health profile.

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 main religion in Harrison, comprising 34.2% of people. Hinduism is overrepresented in Harrison compared to Australian Capital Territory, making up 11.3% of the population versus 9.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (20.0%), English (18.4%), and Other (17.6%). Notably, Korean, Indian, and Croatian ethnicities have different representations in Harrison compared to regional averages: Korean is overrepresented at 2.0% versus 1.2%, Indian stands at 6.5% versus 6.4%, and Croatian is slightly lower at 1.1% versus 1.3%.

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

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