Higgins

An assessment of population growth drivers in Higgins reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Higgins's population is around 3,278 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 43 people (1.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,321 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,278 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,962 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 54.0% 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 contract by 386 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to expand by 64 people. See the age section for more details.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Higgins, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Higgins has averaged around 14 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 74 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 78 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 1.3 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, with recent figures indicating this has eased to 0.2 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, reflecting better supply availability. New properties are constructed at an average value of $274,000. There have also been $1.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against the Australian Capital Territory, Higgins has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places within the 18th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. New development consists of 21.0% detached dwellings and 79.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 96.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. At around 818 people per approval, Higgins shows a mature, established area.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Higgins should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Higgins has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total, 1 single project has been identified by AreaSearch that is likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Kippax Fair Expansion & Upgrade, The Valley Ponds - Stage 3 & Future Stages, Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara), and New Northside Hospital, with the below list 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.

Employment performance in Higgins has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Higgins has a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.4%, and 2.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,694 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.5% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (67.9% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.3% 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, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. On the other hand, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 27.4% of Higgins's workforce compared to 30.4% 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, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 2.5% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.3 percentage points. 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 Higgins. 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 Higgins's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Higgins SA2 is above the national average, with the median assessed at $65,107 while the average income stands at $71,849. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $71,136 (median) and $78,502 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Higgins, between the 80th and 82nd percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.0% of the community (1,081 individuals), mirroring the surrounding region where 34.3% occupy this bracket. A significant 32.9% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. Housing accounts for 13.4% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 82nd percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Higgins is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Higgins, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.7% houses and 4.3% 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 Higgins was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 31.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (45.5%) or rented (23.0%). 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 $400, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Higgins's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Higgins has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 75.0% of all households, comprising 34.0% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.0%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households comprising 3.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Higgins exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (34.2%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 31.8% of the residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (21.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 29 active transport stops operating within Higgins comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 71 individual routes, collectively providing 5,086 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 138 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 6% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, above the regional average. A relatively low 12.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 726 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 175 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Higgins is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Higgins faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population (~1,799 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 9.5% and 9.4% of residents, respectively, while 65.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.5% of residents aged 65 and over (606 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Higgins was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Higgins was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 23.8% of its population born overseas and 17.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Higgins is Christianity, which makes up 45.3% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Hinduism, which comprises 2.4% of the population, compared to 4.8% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Higgins are Australian, comprising 26.1% of the population, English, comprising 24.4% of the population, and Other, comprising 10.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Spanish is notably overrepresented at 0.7% of Higgins (vs 0.5% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.3%) and Vietnamese at 1.5% (vs 1.0%).

Higgins's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 38 years, Higgins's median age is somewhat higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 while equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Higgins has a higher concentration of 75 - 84 residents (8.5%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (13.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 85+ age group has grown from 1.4% to 2.9% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 7.2% to 8.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 9.7% to 8.3% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 8.3% to 7.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Higgins's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 53%, adding 49 residents to reach 143. Senior residents (65+) will drive 100% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.