Higgins

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

Higgins' population is approximately 3,278 as of November 2025. This figure reflects a decrease of 43 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,321. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,278 in June 2024 and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,962 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 used, also with a base year of 2022. Projections indicate an overall population decline by 386 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, projected to expand by 64 people.

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 so far, 78 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.3 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. This figure has eased to 0.2 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting improved supply availability. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $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, providing accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This trend shows a significant shift from the current housing mix of 96.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Higgins has around 818 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area with an expected 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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to affect the region: Kippax Fair Expansion & Upgrade, The Valley Ponds - Stage 3 & Future Stages, Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara), and New Northside Hospital are key projects. Relevant details follow.

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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 prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.3% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth at 2.7%.

As of September 2025, 1,692 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 5.3%, which is 1.7% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation was lower at 65.4% compared to the ACT's 69.6%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Construction showed strong specialization with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety was under-represented at 27.4% compared to the ACT's 30.4%. Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by Census data on working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 2.7%, labour force grew by 1.1%, and unemployment fell by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, the ACT saw employment rise by 1.4%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between sectors. 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.

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 2022 shows income in Higgins SA2 is above national average. Median income is $61,796 and average income is $69,852. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $70,200 (median) and $79,352 (average). Census data reveals household, family, and personal incomes rank highly in Higgins, between the 80th and 82nd percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows 33.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, mirroring surrounding region's 34.3%. Notably, 32.9% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 13.4% of income and residents rank within the 82nd percentile for disposable income. 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 evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 95.7% houses and 4.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's figures of 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Higgins was at 31.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (45.5%) or rented (23.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, aligning with Australian Capital Territory's average, while the median weekly rent figure was $400, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $2,000 and $430 respectively. Nationally, Higgins's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375 at $400.

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 account for 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, which 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's university qualification rate is 34.2%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 31.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (21.2%). Educational participation is high, with 29.4% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 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

Transport analysis in Higgins shows 31 operational transit stops, offering a blend of bus services. These stops are served by seven distinct routes, facilitating 1,513 weekly passenger journeys collectively. Transport access is deemed excellent, with residents situated on average 138 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 216 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 48 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 slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Higgins faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across all age groups but slightly more so among older cohorts. Approximately 54% of Higgins' total population (~1783 people) has private health cover, compared to 57.1% in the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 9.5% and 9.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 65.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% in the Australian Capital Territory. Higgins has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.2%, with 595 people falling into this category, compared to 15.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of 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' cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 23.8% of its population born overseas and 17.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Higgins, comprising 45.3% of people. Hinduism was notably overrepresented in Higgins, making up 2.4% of the population compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 4.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (26.1%), English (24.4%), and Other (10.7%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Spanish was overrepresented at 0.7% in Higgins versus 0.5% regionally, Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Vietnamese at 1.5% versus 1.2%.

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 (8.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.2%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 7.2% to 8.6%, while the percentage of those aged 85+ has risen from 1.4% to 2.6%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 55-64 has declined from 9.7% to 8.3%, and the percentage of those aged 65-74 has dropped from 8.3% to 6.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Higgins's age profile. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 65%, adding 56 residents to reach 143. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 65-74 and 55-64 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.