Higgins
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Higgins' population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 3,278 as of August 2025. This figure reflects a decrease of 43 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,321. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 3,278 in June 2024 and an additional 3 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,962 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed roughly 54% to overall population gains recently.

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 ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted. Future demographic trends indicate an overall population decline by 386 persons to 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are 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 23 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data from the ABS is on a financial year basis, totalling 118 approvals over the past five financial years (from FY-20 to FY-25), with 78 approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 1.3 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand until recently, when it moderated to 0.2 people per dwelling over the past two financial years. Development projects have an average construction value of $339,000. This year has seen $1.6 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting a residential focus.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Higgins has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 19th percentile nationally, implying limited housing choices for buyers. New building activity shows 21.0% detached dwellings and 79.0% attached dwellings, reflecting affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift is notable compared to the current housing mix of 96.0% houses, due to reduced development sites and changing lifestyle demands. Higgins has around 818 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area with stable or declining population expected, potentially reducing housing pressure for buyers.

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

Higgins has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly influence a region's performance like alterations to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are likely to impact this area. Notable projects include New Northside Hospital, Parkwood Urban Release, Deakin Private Hospital, and Ngurra Cultural Precinct, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Higgins has an educated workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.5%, and there was a 2.8% increase in employment over the past year.

As of June 2025, 1,700 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 5.5%, which is 2.0% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation is lower than the ACT average, at 65.4% compared to the ACT's 69.6%. The primary industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Construction is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.6 times higher than the regional level.

However, public administration & safety has a lower presence at 27.4% compared to the regional average of 30.4%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the difference between the Census working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, while labour force grew by 1.6%, leading to a 1.2 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. In comparison, ACT saw employment grow by 1.9% and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points over the same period. State-level data from Sep-25 shows ACT employment contracted by 0.33%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Higgins's employment mix indicates potential local growth of approximately 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 ending June 2022 indicates that income in Higgins is above the national average. The median assessed income was $61,796 and the average income stood at $69,852. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $68,678 and an average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year ending June 2022, current estimates would be approximately $68,458 (median) and $77,382 (average) as of March 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Higgins, between the 81st and 83rd percentiles nationally. The data indicates that 33.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the region where 34.3% occupy this bracket. Economic strength is evident through 32.9% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 13.4% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 83rd 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

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 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 the Australian Capital Territory average, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $2,000 and $430 respectively. Nationally, Higgins's 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 comprise 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 also prevalent, with 31.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (21.2%). Educational participation is 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. Educational facilities appear to be situated outside the immediate catchment boundaries, necessitating families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

The public transport analysis indicates that as of October 2021, there are 31 active transport stops operating within Higgins. These stops service a mix of buses, with 7 individual routes providing a total of 1,513 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 138 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 216 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Higgins faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent among its residents. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 54% (~1,783 people), compared to 57.1% across Australian Capital Territory.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in Higgins, impacting 9.5 and 9.4% of residents respectively. A total of 65.2% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.2% (595 people), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 15.3%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for the broader population.

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

Higgins' population showed cultural diversity, with 23.8% born overseas and 17.6% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity dominated Higgins' religious scene at 45.3%. Hinduism stood out as overrepresented at 2.4%, 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%). Notably, Spanish (0.7% vs regional 0.5%), Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%), and Vietnamese (1.5% vs 1.2%) were overrepresented among ethnic groups.

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 it is equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Higgins has a higher concentration 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 to 84 has grown from 7.2% to 8.6%, while the percentage of residents aged 85+ has increased from 1.4% to 2.6%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 55 to 64 has declined from 9.7% to 8.3%, and the percentage of residents aged 65 to 74 has dropped from 8.3% to 6.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Higgins's age profile will evolve significantly. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 65%, adding 56 residents to reach 143. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 100% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, the cohorts aged 65-74 and 55-64 are expected to experience population declines.