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 was around 6,049 as of May 2026. This showed an increase of 421 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,628 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,047 in June 2025 and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 1,833 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Holt's growth of 7.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.2%, indicating it was a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 44.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopted 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 were used, also based on 2022. Future population trends projected an above median growth for national areas, with Holt expected to increase by 1,234 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 20.4% over the 16 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. This totals 107 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, one approval has been recorded. On average, each home built has resulted in 8.1 new residents per year during this period.

The demand for housing significantly exceeds supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $128,000, below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options. This financial year has seen $492,000 in commercial approvals registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Holt has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 27th percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. Recent construction consists of 60% detached dwellings and 40% townhouses or apartments, providing options across different price points from family homes to compact living. Holt has approximately 618 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Holt is projected to grow by 1,232 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, 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

Three projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area: Kippax Fair Expansion and Redevelopment, The Valley Ponds Stage 3 and Future Stages, Macgregor Primary School Expansion and Modernisation, Ginninderry Estate - Strathnairn & Macnamara (Stages 1-7+).

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 well-educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.1% as of an unspecified date, with estimated employment growth of 2.0% over the preceding year. As of December 2025, Holt had 3,100 residents employed, an unemployment rate of 2.3%, and workforce participation at 67.4%.

This was below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rates of 3.8% unemployment and 70.5% participation. According to Census responses, only 11.0% of Holt residents worked from home. 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, but lower representation in public administration & safety at 26.6% compared to the regional average of 30.4%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Holt's employment increased by 2.0% while labour force grew by 1.1%, decreasing the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, ACT recorded employment growth of 0.9%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. 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.

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

The Holt SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $64,365 and an average of $71,030 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is above the national average, which was $72,206 median and $85,981 average in Australian Capital Territory during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% from financial year 2023 to March 2026, current estimates would be approximately $71,085 (median) and $78,446 (average). Census data reveals individual earnings stand out at the 81st percentile nationally with a weekly income of $1,041. The data shows that 34.7% of the community in Holt falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band, which consists of 2,099 individuals. This is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 34.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income. Despite this, strong earnings place 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Holt, as per the latest Census evaluation, 59.3% of dwellings were houses, with 40.7% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Holt stood at 27.9%, similar to ACT's level, with mortgaged properties making up 44.3% and rented ones 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Holt was $1,950, lower than the ACT average of $2,080 but higher than the national average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Holt was $396, compared to ACT's $450 and 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 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%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 31.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 21.1%. Educational participation is 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

Public transport analysis shows 50 active stops operating in Holt, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 111 routes, providing a total of 7,201 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 182 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward; car remains dominant at 91%, with 6% using buses. Average vehicle ownership is 1.2 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 11.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 1,028 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 144 weekly trips per stop.

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

Holt faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence data. Both younger and older age groups show high prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 54% (~3,272 people) have private health cover, compared to ACT's 62.4%. Mental health issues affect 10.7%, while arthritis impacts 8.8%. Around 64.7% report no medical ailments, compared to ACT's 70.2%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges with high chronic condition rates. Holt has 16.0% (969 people) aged 65 and over, higher than ACT's 14.3%. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, broadly in line with general population rankings nationally.

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 was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 26.1% born overseas and 20.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Holt, making up 43.1%. However, Other religions are overrepresented, comprising 2.1% compared to 1.4% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (25.1%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (12.0%). Notably, Polish (1.0%) is more prevalent than the regional average (0.8%), as are Hungarian (0.4%) and Welsh (0.7%).

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 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Holt has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (17.7%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.6%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 15.9% to 17.7%, while the 75-84 cohort has risen from 5.5% to 7.1%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 9.2% to 6.8%, and the 25-34 group has dropped from 17.8% to 16.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Holt. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 23%, adding 241 residents to reach 1,313. In contrast, the 25-34 cohort shows minimal growth of just 3% (31 people).