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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Holt's population was around 5980 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 352 people, a growth rate of 6.3%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5628 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5980 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 1812 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Holt's growth rate exceeded that of the SA3 area (2.4%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 37.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopted 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, were adopted. Future population trends projected an above median growth rate for national areas, with the area expected to increase by 1398 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 23.4% over the 17 years.

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 received approximately 21 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 107 homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. On average, each home built between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodates around 8.1 new residents per year, indicating a significant demand exceeding supply. New homes are constructed at an average cost of $128,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $492,000 in commercial approvals, 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 among the 27th percentile nationally, providing fewer choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. Recent construction consists of 60% detached dwellings and 40% townhouses or apartments, offering a mix of housing options across different price points.

With around 618 people per approval, Holt is considered a mature, established area. By 2041, Holt is projected to grow by approximately 1,398 residents (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Holt has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified three projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include 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.

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.

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. Its unemployment rate is 6.0% and it experienced a 2.7% employment growth over the year ending September 2025.

As of that date, 3,098 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 2.4%, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation is lower in Holt at 66.3% compared to ACT's 69.6%. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. Holt shows strong specialization in construction with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, public administration & safety has lower representation at 26.6% compared to the regional average of 30.4%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.7% while labour force grew by 1.2%, reducing unemployment by 1.4 percentage points. In comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.4%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points. As of 25-Nov, ACT's employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year adding 710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth rates of 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 these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for 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 median taxpayer income is $61,092, with an average of $69,056, according to AreaSearch's postcode-level ATO data for the financial year 2022. This is higher than Australia's national averages of $68,678 and $83,634 respectively in the Australian Capital Territory. By September 2025, estimates project median income at approximately $69,401 and average income at around $78,448, based on a 13.6% growth in wages since financial year 2022. Nationally, individual earnings reach $1,041 weekly at the 81st percentile. In Holt SA2, 34.7% of individuals (2,075 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, consistent with broader regional trends showing 34.3% in the same category. Housing costs consume 15.6% of income, leaving disposable income at the 65th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Holt displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Holt, as per the latest Census evaluation, 59.3% of dwellings were houses while 40.7% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This differs from Australian Capital Territory's dwelling structure which was 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Holt stood at 27.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (44.3%) or rented (27.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Holt was $1,950, lower than Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Holt was recorded at $396, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $430. Nationally, Holt's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 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 prevalent, with 31.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (21.1%). Educational participation is high at 28.1%, with 8.7% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 5.1% pursuing 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 good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The analysis of public transport in Holt indicates that there are currently 50 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops offer a variety of bus services, with a total of 9 individual routes providing 1,959 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 182 meters away from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages at approximately 279 trips per day, which equates to around 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Holt is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Holt faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent among its residents, notably mental health issues affecting 10.7% and arthritis impacting 8.8%. Approximately 54% of Holt's total population (~3,211 people) have private health cover, compared to 57.1% in the Australian Capital Territory.

Sixty-four point seven percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across the Australian Capital Territory. Sixteen point two percent of Holt's population are aged 65 and over (966 people), requiring more attention regarding health outcomes than the broader population.

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 diversity than most local areas, with 26.1% born overseas and 20.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Holt, making up 43.1% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 2.1%, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 1.3%.

In ancestry, the top groups were English (25.1%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (12.0%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Polish at 1.0% in Holt compared to 0.8% regionally, Hungarian at 0.4% vs 0.3%, and Welsh at 0.7% vs 0.6%.

Holt's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Holt's median age is nearly 36 years, close to the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but younger than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Holt has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (7.0%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.3%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of Holt's population aged 75-84 has grown from 5.5% to 7.0%, while the 35-44 age group increased from 15.9% to 17.3%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group has declined from 9.2% to 7.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Holt. The 35-44 age cohort is projected to grow by 28%, adding 290 residents to reach a total of 1,327. In contrast, the 25-34 age cohort is expected to grow minimally by just 4% (an increase of 36 people).