Harrison

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

Harrison's population was 8,244 as of May 2021, according to the Census. By June 2025, it had decreased to an estimated resident population of 8,023, a drop of 221 people (2.7%). This decrease is inferred from address validation since the Census date. The population density as of May 2026 is approximately 2,747 persons per square kilometer, placing Harrison in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed around 70.4% 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 and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also using 2022 as the base year. According to these projections, Harrison's population is expected to decline by 1,019 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 55 to 64 group are projected to grow, with an increase of 81 people anticipated over this period.

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

Harrison has recorded only 2 dwelling approvals in the past five years. This indicates a fully developed suburb with limited new construction opportunities. The lack of new supply generally supports demand for established properties, potentially contributing to price stability.

Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Harrison has significantly less development activity, which typically supports stronger demand and higher values for established dwellings. Nationally, this level is below average, suggesting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. With stable or declining population forecasts, Harrison may experience reduced housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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 19thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 27 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Throsby District Playing Fields, Harrison Group Centre (Town Centre), 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.

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

Harrison has an educated workforce with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.2% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.0%. As of December 2025, 5,131 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.6%, below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was 82.7%, higher than ACT's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 11.8% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors were public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. The area had a specialization in accommodation & food services with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance was under-represented at 9.5% compared to ACT's 11.7%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data comparison of working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.0%, labour force grew by 0.9%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, ACT saw employment rise by 0.9%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Harrison's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 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

The median taxpayer income in Harrison SA2 was $70,461 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The average income was $79,908. This is among the highest in Australia, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $77,817 (median) and $88,250 (average). Census data shows Harrison's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 91st and 93rd percentiles. The earnings profile reveals that 35.8% of locals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, mirroring regional levels where 34.3% fall into this bracket. 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. 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). In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% 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, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080 but higher than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Harrison was $450, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure and substantially above the national average of $375.

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 exceeds national and regional averages. 51.7% of residents aged 15+ 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. 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 active public transport stops, offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 25 routes, collectively providing 2,074 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 236 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward. Car remains dominant at 79%, with 7% using buses. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 11.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 296 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 98 weekly trips per stop.

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

Harrison's health outcomes data shows remarkable results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Approximately 60% of Harrison's total population (4773 people) have private health cover, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 62.4%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in Harrison, affecting 7.2 and 6.6% of residents respectively. 80.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Harrison has 5.3% of residents aged 65 and over (428 people), which is lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 14.3%. Health outcomes among seniors in Harrison are particularly strong, aligning with national rankings similar to 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, 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, making up 34.2% of people. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, comprising 11.3% of the population compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (20.0%), English (18.4%), and Other (17.6%), which is higher than the regional average of 12.2%. Some ethnic groups have notable representation in Harrison: Korean at 2.0% compared to the regional average of 0.6%, Indian at 6.5% compared to 3.3%, and Croatian at 1.1% compared to 0.9%.

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 (19.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (3.2%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the age group of 55 to 64 has grown from 5.8% to 7.1% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort increased from 13.0% to 14.3%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 21.1% to 19.4%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 16.1% to 15.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that Harrison's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 56 people (22%) from 260 to 317. Notably, the combined age groups of 65+ will account for 71% 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.