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 is around 5,984 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 356 people (6.3%) 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 as of June 2024 and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,813 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Holt's 6.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.7%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 37.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, an above-median population growth compared to national areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 1,398 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 23.3% in total 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 experienced around 21 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 107 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. At an average of 8.1 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 homes are being built at an average value of $128,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $492,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against the Australian Capital Territory, Holt has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 27th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 60.0% detached dwellings and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. At around 618 people per approval, Holt shows a mature, established area.

Looking ahead, Holt is expected to grow by 1,394 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key 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), 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.

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

Holt possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 6.1%, and 2.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,100 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.3% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (68.0% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 26.6% versus the regional average of 30.4%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.0% while the labour force increased by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.9%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Holt. 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 Holt's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised 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 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 FY-23. This is above the national average, contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $70,325 (median) and $77,607 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals individual earnings stand out at the 81st percentile nationally ($1,041 weekly). The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 34.7% of the community (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, 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Holt, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 59.3% houses and 40.7% 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 Holt was in line with that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 27.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (44.3%) or rented (27.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Australian Capital Territory average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $396, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Holt's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 65.2% of all households, comprising 27.5% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (34.8%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 22.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 31.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (21.1%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 50 active transport stops operating within Holt, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 111 individual routes, collectively providing 7,201 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 182 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 6% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. A relatively low 11.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,028 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 reveals substantial challenges facing Holt, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~3,237 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.7 and 8.8% of residents, respectively, while 64.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 16.3% of residents aged 65 and over (976 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 26.1% of its population born overseas and 20.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Holt is Christianity, which makes up 43.1% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Other, which comprises 2.1% of the population, compared to 1.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Holt are English, comprising 25.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 23.7% of the population, and Other, comprising 12.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 1.0% of Holt (vs 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

At 36 years, Holt's median age nearly matches the Australian Capital Territory average of 35, while being somewhat younger than Australia's 38 years. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Holt has a higher concentration of 35 - 44 residents (17.7%) but fewer 15 - 24 year-olds (10.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 15.9% to 17.7% of the 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%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Holt. The 35 to 44 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 25%, adding 269 residents to reach 1,327. In contrast, the 25 to 34 cohort shows minimal growth of just 5% (55 people).