Holder

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Holder's population is around 2,870 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 54 people (1.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,816 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,870 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,534 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Holder's 1.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (0.6%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 52.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 19 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 45 to 54 age group, which is projected to increase by 72 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Holder has averaged around 4 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 22 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 5.8 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $241,000. Additionally, $622,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Holder has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 11th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. This level is likewise lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, showing an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives.

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

Holder has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Fetherston Weston, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and Deakin Private Hospital, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 possesses a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,551 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.0% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (66.7% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 13.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. Meanwhile, accommodation & food has a limited presence with 5.1% employment compared to 6.5% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population vs the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.3% and the labour force increased by 1.1%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory, where employment rose by 0.9%, the labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Holder. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Holder's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23 reveals that income in the Holder SA2 is among the highest in Australia, with the median assessed at $74,517 while the average income stands at $86,762. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $81,417 (median) and $94,796 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Holder, between the 85th and 94th percentiles nationally. The data shows the predominant cohort spans 33.1% of locals (949 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 34.3%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 37.9% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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 within Holder, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 74.6% houses and 25.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Holder was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 39.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.1%) or rented (18.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $465, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Holder's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Holder has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 72.3% of all households, comprising 31.5% couples with children, 29.0% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 24.9% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches 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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 48.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 27.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.7%) and graduate diplomas (6.6%). Vocational pathways account for 23.9% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (12.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.3% of residents 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 reveals 24 active transport stops operating within Holder, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 45 individual routes, collectively providing 3,204 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 198 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 9% by bus and 2% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. Some 13.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 457 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 133 weekly trips per individual 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 see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (1,816 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, while 66.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 17.7% of residents aged 65 and over (508 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the 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 was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 23.6% of its population born overseas and 16.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Holder is Christianity, which makes up 46.0% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Hinduism, which comprises 2.5% of the population, compared to 4.8% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Holder are English, comprising 25.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 22.8% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Holder (vs 0.8% regionally), Serbian at 0.5% (vs 0.4%) and Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.3%).

Holder's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The 41-year median age in Holder is considerably higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35, similarly modestly exceeding the 38-year national average. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 45 - 54 cohort is notably over-represented (15.0% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (11.5%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.9% to 16.9% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.3% to 11.7%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 10.1% to 8.5% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.6% to 11.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Holder. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 13% (56 people), reaching 486 from 429. On the other hand, both 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups will see reduced numbers.