Holt
Statistical Area - sa2

Holt lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Holt's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 5,980 by November 2025. This figure indicates a rise of 352 individuals, representing a 6.3% increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,628 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,980 from the ABS by June 2024 and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,812 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Holt's growth rate of 6.3% since the 2021 census surpassed that of the SA3 area (2.4%) and the state, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 37.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all factors including natural growth and overseas migration being positive influences.

AreaSearch employs 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 the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as a base. Future population trends project an above median growth for national areas, with Holt expected to increase by 1,398 persons to reach 7,378 by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 23.4% 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 received approximately 21 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 107 homes. As of FY-26, no approvals have been recorded yet. On average, each home built between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodates around 8.1 new residents per year. This has led to a significant demand exceeding supply, resulting in price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost of new homes is $128,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options for purchasers. In FY-26, commercial approvals valued at $492,000 have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity in Holt compared to other areas. When compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Holt has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 28th percentile nationally, indicating limited housing choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties.

Recent construction consists of 60% detached dwellings and 40% townhouses or apartments, offering options across different price points. Holt has around 618 people per approval, showing a mature, established area. By 2041, Holt is projected to grow by approximately 1,398 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth in the future.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure projects and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified three such projects expected to impact the area: 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's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.8% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.4%.

As of June 2025, 3,113 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 6.0%, above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation was lower than standard, at 66.3% compared to the ACT's 69.6%. Employment was concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. Holt showed strong specialization in construction with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety had lower representation at 26.6% versus the regional average of 30.4%. The area offered limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 3.4% while labour force grew by 1.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.6 percentage points. In comparison, the ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9%, labour force growth of 1.6%, and a decrease in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Holt. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, with local growth estimated at approximately 6.5%. Over ten years, national employment is projected to grow by 13.7%, with Holt's growth estimated at around 13.3% (note: these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes).

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

Holt shows a median taxpayer income of $61,092 and an average of $69,056 according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is above the national average, contrasting with Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $69,401 (median) and $78,448 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals individual earnings stand out at the 82nd percentile nationally ($1,041 weekly). The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 34.7% of the community (2,075 individuals), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 34.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 65th percentile and 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

The dwelling structure in Holt, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 59.3% houses and 40.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) figures of 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. In Holt, home ownership stood at 27.9%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 44.3% and rented dwellings accounting for 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, lower than the ACT average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Holt was recorded at $396, compared to the ACT'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 account for 65.2% of all households, consisting of 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 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 21.1%. Current educational participation is high at 28.1%, including 8.7% in primary, 6.3% in secondary, and 5.1% in tertiary education.

Kingsford Smith School and Cranleigh School serve a total of 887 students in the area, which has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1015) and balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary school and one K-12 school.

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

Transport analysis shows 50 active stops operating in Holt. These are mixed bus services. They are served by 9 routes providing 1,959 weekly passenger trips combined.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 182 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 279 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 across all age groups, but slightly more so among older adults. Approximately 54% (~3,211 people) of Holt's total population has private health cover, compared to 57.1% in the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 10.7% and 8.8% of residents respectively. 64.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across the Australian Capital Territory. Holt has 16.2% (966 people) of its population aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors requiring more attention than those in the broader population.

Holt was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range 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 predominant religion in Holt, making up 43.1% of its population. Notably, the category 'Other' comprised 2.1%, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 1.3%.

Regarding ancestry, the top groups were English (25.1%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (12.0%). Some ethnic groups had notable differences in representation: Polish at 1.0% compared to the regional average of 0.8%, Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Welsh at 0.7% against 0.6%.

Holt's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Holt's median age is nearly matching the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 years while being somewhat younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Holt has a higher concentration of residents aged 75-84 (7.0%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.3%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the proportion of Holt's population in the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.5% to 7.0%, while the proportion in the 35 to 44 cohort has increased from 15.9% to 17.3%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 65 to 74 has declined from 9.2% to 7.1%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Holt. The 35 to 44 age cohort is projected to show the strongest growth at 28%, adding 290 residents to reach a total of 1,327. In contrast, the 25 to 34 age cohort shows minimal growth of just 4%, with an increase of only 36 people.