Higgins

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

Higgins's population was approximately 3,365 as of May 2026, reflecting a growth of 44 people since the 2021 Census which reported 3,321 inhabitants. This increase is inferred from ABS estimates: 3,363 in June 2025 plus three validated new addresses post-census. The population density was around 2,015 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages. Higgins's growth rate of 1.3% since the census was within 2.9 percentage points of its SA3 area average (4.2%), indicating strong fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 55.8% to recent population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered or years post-2032, ACT Government's SA2 area projections with a 2022 base are adopted. Future demographic trends suggest overall population decline: the area is projected to lose 375 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like those aged 85 and over are expected to grow, with an increase of 59 people anticipated.

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 approximately 14 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 74 homes. As of FY26, 79 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY21 to FY25), an average of 1.3 people moved to the area per dwelling built. However, this figure has eased to 0.2 people per dwelling over the past two financial years. The average construction cost value for new properties is $274,000.

In FY26, there have been $1.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Higgins has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 18th percentile nationally, offering 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, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements, differing from the current housing mix of 96.0% houses. With approximately 818 people per approval, Higgins shows a mature, established area with a stable or declining population, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

With 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 15thth percentile nationally

One project is identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Kippax Fair Expansion and Redevelopment. Other key projects include The Valley Ponds - Stage 3 & Future Stages, Ginninderry Estate - Strathnairn & Macnamara (Stages 1-7+), and Ginninderry Masterplanned Community - Strathnairn & Macnamara.

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

Higgins has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.4% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.5%. As of December 2025, 1,694 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 7.3%, which is 3.5 percentage points above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Higgins lagged at 65.4% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, only 12.3% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Construction was particularly prominent with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety was under-represented at 27.4% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 30.4%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 2.5% while the labour force grew by 1.1%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 0.9%, with an increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Higgins's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 financial year 2023 shows that income in Higgins SA2 is above the national average. The median assessed income is $65,107 and the average income stands at $71,849. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory has a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Higgins SA2 would be approximately $71,904 (median) and $79,350 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Higgins all rank highly nationally, between the 80th and 82nd percentiles. Distribution data shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 33.0% of the community (1,110 individuals), mirroring the surrounding region where 34.3% occupy this bracket. A significant 32.9% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 13.4% of income and strong earnings rank residents within the 82nd percentile for disposable income. 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

The dwelling structure in Higgins, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 95.7% houses and 4.3% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Higgins stood at 31.5%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 45.5% and rented dwellings comprising 23.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Higgins was recorded at $400, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Higgins' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 75.0% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.6 people, 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's university qualification rate is 34.2%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 31.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 21.2%. Educational participation is high, with 29.4% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.5% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 4.9% in tertiary education.

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 shows 29 active transport stops operating within Higgins. These stops are serviced by 71 individual routes, providing a total of 5086 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 138 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with bus use at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 12.3% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 726 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 175 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Higgins are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Higgins. AreaSearch's assessment shows mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat typical of the general population but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Approximately 55% (~1,847 people) have private health cover, compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions in Higgins are asthma (9.5%) and mental health issues (9.4%). Conversely, 65.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.7% of residents aged 65 and over (628 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking 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' population showed above-average cultural diversity, with 23.8% born overseas and 17.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 45.3%. Hinduism, at 2.4%, was overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 4.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (26.1%), English (24.4%), and Other (10.7%). Notably, Spanish (0.7% vs regional 0.5%), Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%), and Vietnamese (1.5% vs 1.0%) were overrepresented among ethnic groups in Higgins.

Higgins's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Higgins's median age is 38 years, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Higgins has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (8.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.5%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of residents aged 75 to 84 has grown from 7.2% to 8.7%, while the percentage of residents aged 85+ has increased from 1.4% to 2.8%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 55 to 64 has declined from 9.7% to 8.6%, and the percentage of residents aged 65 to 74 has dropped from 8.3% to 7.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Higgins's age profile will evolve significantly. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 54%, adding 51 residents to reach 147. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the cohorts aged 65 to 74 and 45 to 54 are expected to experience population declines.