Holder

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 was approximately 2,895 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 79 people from the 2021 Census total of 2,816, indicating a growth rate of 2.8%. This change is inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses between June 2025 and the Census date. Holder's population density was around 1,548 persons per square kilometer in May 2026, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Holder's growth rate of 2.8% since the 2021 census surpassed the SA3 area's 1.9%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 58.7% of Holder's population gains during recent periods.

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 suggest a decline in Holder's overall population by 27 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 45 to 54 age group, projected to increase by 65 people over this period.

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

Holder averaged approximately four new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 22 homes. In FY-26 so far, two approvals have been recorded. On average, each home built between FY-21 and FY-25 attracted about 5.8 new residents per year, indicating significant demand outstripping supply, which typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost value of new dwellings was $241,000.

This financial year has seen $622,000 in commercial development approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Holder's rate of new dwelling approvals per person is roughly two-thirds lower, placing it in the 11th percentile nationally, implying limited buyer options while enhancing demand for established homes. This reflects market maturity and potential development constraints.

New developments consist of 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% medium to high-density housing, offering a mix of opportunities across price brackets. With population stability or decline expected, Holder may experience reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating buying opportunities.

Holder has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Fetherston Weston, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and Deakin Private Hospital. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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 Holder exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Holder has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.8%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.8%. Over the past year, Holder has maintained relative employment stability.

As of December 2025, 1,551 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below the ACT's rate. Workforce participation in Holder is 66.5%, slightly lower than the ACT's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 13.9% of Holder residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns.

Key industries for employment among Holder residents are public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. However, accommodation & food services have limited presence with 5.1% employment compared to the regional average of 6.5%. The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels in Holder increased by 0.3%, while the labour force grew by 1.1%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, ACT saw an increase in employment by 0.9% and a growth in labour force by 1.2%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Holder's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Holder's employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Holder SA2 was $74,517 and average income was $86,762. This compares to Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated median income as of March 2026 would be approximately $82,297 and average income would be around $95,820. Census data from 2021 shows household, family, and personal incomes in Holder rank between the 85th and 94th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 33.1% of locals (958 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to the metropolitan region at 34.3%. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 37.9% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of income. 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

Holder's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.6% houses and 25.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Holder stood at 39.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.1% and rented ones at 18.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure was $465, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Holder's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Holder has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical 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 accounting for 2.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

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 significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 48.1% hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4%. This includes Bachelor degrees at 27.8%, postgraduate qualifications at 13.7%, and graduate diplomas at 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. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 6.4% 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 24 active stops operating within Holder. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 45 individual routes that provide 3,204 weekly passenger trips. Holder's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 198 metres from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 85%, while bus accounts for 9% and cycling 2%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 457 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 133 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Holder is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Holder demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (1,832 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 9.1 and 9.0% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point eight percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (545 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Holder was found to be slightly 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 its population. However, Hinduism was notably overrepresented at 2.5%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 4.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (25.8%), Australian (22.8%), and Irish (11.0%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences included Polish (Holder: 1.1% vs regional: 0.8%), Serbian (Holder: 0.5% vs regional: 0.4%), and Hungarian (Holder: 0.4% vs regional: 0.3%).

Holder's population is slightly older than 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 modestly exceeds the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented at 7.5% in Holder, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 12.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.9% to 16.4% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age cohort has declined from 10.1% to 8.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Holder. Leading this shift, the 45 to 54 group is projected to grow by 13 people, reaching 466 from 411. However, both the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.