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 was around 8,073 as of Nov 2025. This reflected a decrease of 171 people (2.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,244 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,073 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equated 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 had 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 that contributed approximately 65.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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, were adopted. Moving forward with demographic trends, projections indicated 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 was anticipated, led by the 55 to 64 age group, which was projected to grow by 108 people.

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 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 limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 10thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 28 projects likely to impact 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. The following list details those most relevant:.

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.

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

Harrison has an educated workforce with key sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, lower than the national average, with estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year.

As of September 2025, 5129 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.5% below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation in Harrison is high at 79.9%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. Notably, accommodation & food services have an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 9.5% of Harrison's workforce compared to ACT's 11.7%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8%, labour force grew by 0.7%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, ACT saw employment rise by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Harrison's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The median taxpayer income in Harrison SA2 was $67,228 while the average was $76,926 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode-level ATO data for financial year 2022. This is notably high compared to Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $76,371 and the average around $87,388, factoring in a 13.6% growth since financial year 2022. Census data indicates that Harrison's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 91st and 93rd percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 35.8% of locals (2,890 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly income bracket, closely mirroring regional levels at 34.3%. Notably, 42.9% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting areas of prosperity that contribute to robust local economic activity. Despite high housing costs consuming 15.4% of income, 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 structures, 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 Australian Capital Territory's 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 residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion with university qualifications (51.7%) compared to Australia (30.4%) and the SA3 area (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.

This includes 12.5% in primary, 8.6% in tertiary, and 7.9% in 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. These include lightrail and bus services. There are 8 different routes serving these stops, offering a total of 1,157 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have good access to transport, with an average distance of 236 meters to the nearest stop. Daily service frequency is 165 trips across all routes, equating to about 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 very low prevalence of common conditions across all ages.

Approximately 58% (~4,666 people) have private health cover. Mental health issues and asthma are most prevalent, affecting 7.2 and 6.6% respectively. 80.5% report no medical ailments compared to the ACT's 76.4%. Only 5.0% (403 people) of residents are aged 65+, lower than the ACT's 8.3%. Senior health outcomes align with those of 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 its people. Hinduism stands out as overrepresented, making up 11.3% of Harrison's population compared to 9.5% across Australian Capital Territory.

Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (20.0%), English (18.4%), and Other (17.6%). Korean ethnicity is notably overrepresented in Harrison at 2.0%, compared to 1.2% regionally; Indian ethnicity is similarly overrepresented at 6.5% versus 6.4%; Croatian ethnicity, however, is slightly underrepresented at 1.1% compared to the regional figure of 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 residents aged 35-44 (19.5%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (3.1%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds 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 Harrison's 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 group is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 74 people (15%) from 514 to 589. Notably, the combined age groups of 65+ are expected 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 projected to see reduced numbers.