Holder
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Holder's population, according to AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 2,870 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 54 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,816. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,870 in June 2024 and an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,534 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Holder's growth rate of 1.9% since the 2021 census is higher than the SA3 area's growth rate of 0.5%, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. Future population trends indicate a decline in overall population, with a projected reduction of 19 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 45 to 54 age group, which is projected to increase by 72 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Holder according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Holder averaged approximately 11 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data from the ABS is on a financial year basis, totaling 59 approvals over the past five financial years (FY20 to FY25), with no recorded approvals so far in FY26. The average new residents per year for every home built during these years was 5.8, indicating demand significantly exceeds supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. This financial year has seen $622,000 in commercial development approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Holder's new dwelling approval rate per person is around two-thirds lower, placing it at the 11th percentile nationally, implying limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established homes. This reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. New developments consist of 67% standalone homes and 33% medium to high-density housing, offering a mix of price brackets from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. Holder's population density is low, with around 0 people per dwelling approval.

With stable or declining population expected, pressure on housing should reduce, potentially creating buying opportunities.

Holder has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Fetherston Weston, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and Deakin Private Hospital, with the following list outlining those most likely to be relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Holder performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Holder has an educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 1.8%, and estimated employment growth of 3.5% over the past year as of June 2025. There are 1,583 residents in work with an unemployment rate of 1.6% below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%.

Workforce participation is 65.5%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Leading employment industries include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. However, accommodation & food services are under-represented at 5.1% compared to ACT's 6.5%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the Census working population count vs resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.5%, labour force increased by 1.6%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 1.8 percentage points. In comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9% with unemployment falling by 0.3 percentage points. As of Sep-25, ACT's employment contracted by 0.33% (losing 1,480 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Holder's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Holder's median income among taxpayers was $72,053 in the financial year 2022. The average income stood at $85,718 during this period. For comparison, the median and average incomes for the Australian Capital Territory were $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. As of March 2025, estimates suggest Holder's median income would be approximately $79,820 and the average income around $94,958, based on a 10.78% growth in wages since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Holder rank highly nationally, between the 85th and 94th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. The largest income bracket comprises 33.1% of residents earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, consistent with surrounding regional trends at 34.3%. Notably, 37.9% of households achieve high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, indicating strong consumer spending potential. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Holder, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 74.6% houses and 25.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 81.7% houses and 18.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Holder was 39.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.1% and rented dwellings at 18.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Holder was $2,167, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,251. The median weekly rent figure was $465, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $420. Nationally, Holder's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Holder has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 72.3% of all households, including 31.5% couples with children, 29.0% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 24.9% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.6.

Holder demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Holder exceeds national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 48.1% hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 27.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.7%) and graduate diplomas (6.6%). Vocational pathways account for 23.9% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 12.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (9.4%), secondary (8.1%), and tertiary (6.4%). Holder's three schools have a combined enrollment of 494 students. The area shows significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1136. Education provision is balanced, with two primary schools and one secondary school serving different age groups.

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

Holder has 25 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that collectively provide 1,038 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 198 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 148 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 41 weekly trips per individual stop.

Holder's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Holder's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, showing a typical range of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 63% (1,816 people) have private health cover, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 60.9% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 9.1% and 9.0% of residents respectively.

Around 66.8% report having no medical ailments, similar to the Australian Capital Territory's 66.3%. The area has 17.8% (511 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 20.6%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Holder's cultural diversity was above average, with 23.6% of its population born overseas and 16.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Holder, comprising 46.0% of people. Hinduism, however, was overrepresented at 2.5%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 2.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (25.8%), Australian (22.8%), and Irish (11.0%). Notable divergences included Polish (Holder: 1.1% vs region: 0.9%), Hungarian (Holder: 0.4% vs region: 0.6%), and French (Holder: 0.7% vs region: 0.7%).

Holder's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Holder is 41 years, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and slightly exceeds the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 45-54 age cohort is notably over-represented at 14.6% in Holder, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 11.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.9% to 16.8%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 10.3% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age group has declined from 10.1% to 8.4%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 12.6% to 11.3%. Population forecasts for Holder indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. Leading this shift, the 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 16 people, reaching 486 from 419. However, both the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.