Holt

Population growth drivers in Holt are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Holt's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 5,984 by February 2026. This figure indicates a growth of 356 individuals (6.3%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,628 people. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,980 in June 2024 and an additional 19 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 1,813 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Holt's growth rate since the 2021 Census (6.3%) surpassed that of the SA3 area (2.7%), positioning it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 37.8% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections (base year: 2022) are adopted. Future trends project an above-median population growth for national areas, with Holt expected to increase by 1,398 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 23.3% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Holt recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Holt has seen approximately 21 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 107 homes. As of FY26, there is 1 recorded approval. On average, each home built between FY21 and FY25 accommodated about 8.1 new residents per year, indicating significant demand outstripping supply. New homes are constructed at an average cost of $128,000, lower than regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

In FY26, $492,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Holt has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks at the 27th percentile nationally, implying limited housing choices for buyers. Recent construction comprises 60% detached dwellings and 40% townhouses or apartments, providing options across various price points.

With around 618 people per approval, Holt exhibits characteristics of a mature, established area. By 2041, Holt is projected to grow by approximately 1,394 residents. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Holt has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified three projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Kippax Fair Expansion & Upgrade, The Valley Ponds - Stage 3 & Future Stages, Macgregor Primary School Expansion & Modernisation, and Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara).

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Holt recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Holt has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.0% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth at 2.7%. As of September 2025, 3,098 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 2.4% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation in Holt was lower at 67.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. According to Census responses, only 11.0% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Holt has a strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 26.6%, compared to the regional average of 30.4%. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.7% while labour force grew by 1.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 1.4%, labour force growth of 1.2%, and a decrease in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Holt's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localized population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The Holt SA2 has a median taxpayer income of $64,365 and an average income of $71,030, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981 in the Australian Capital Territory. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, estimated median income for September 2025 would be approximately $70,325, with an average income of around $77,607. Census data indicates individual earnings at the 81st percentile nationally are $1,041 weekly. The income band of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 34.7% of the community in Holt SA2 (2,076 individuals), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 34.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income, placing disposable income at the 65th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Holt displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Holt, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 59.3% houses and 40.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Holt was 27.9%, similar to Australian Capital Territory's figure. Mortgaged dwellings were 44.3% and rented ones were 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Holt was $396, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Holt's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $396 compared to the national figure of $375.

Holt features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.2% of all households, including 27.5% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households making up 3.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Holt performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 34.8%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 31.7% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 21.1%. Educational participation is high, with 28.1% currently enrolled in formal education: 8.7% in primary, 6.3% in secondary, and 5.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 5.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Holt has 50 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 111 different routes that together facilitate 7,201 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 182 meters from the nearest stop. Most Holt residents commute outwards daily, primarily by car (91%), with only 6% using public buses. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per household in the area. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 11.0% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, an average of 1,028 trips are made daily, translating to approximately 144 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Holt is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Holt, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably high prevalence of common health conditions is observed across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 54% (~3,237 people) of the total population has private health cover, compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.7 and 8.8% of residents respectively. About 64.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in Australian Capital Territory. Working-age population faces significant health challenges with high chronic condition rates. Holt has 16.3% (976 people) of its residents aged 65 and over, higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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

Holt's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 26.1% born overseas and 20.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Holt, accounting for 43.1% of its residents. The population had an overrepresentation of 'Other' religions, at 2.1%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 1.4%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (25.1%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (12.0%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Polish residents made up 1.0% in Holt versus 0.8% regionally, Hungarian residents were at 0.4% compared to 0.3%, and Welsh residents stood at 0.7% against a regional average of 0.6%.

Holt's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Holt's median age is 36 years, nearly matching the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Holt has a higher concentration of residents aged 35-44 at 17.7%, but fewer residents aged 15-24 at 10.1%. Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 15.9% to 17.7% of Holt's population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 5.5% to 7.0%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 9.2% to 7.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Holt. The 35 to 44 age group is projected to grow by 25%, adding 269 residents to reach a total of 1,327. In contrast, the 25 to 34 age group shows minimal growth of just 5%, with an increase of 55 people.