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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Harrison has an estimated 8,023 residents, down from 8,244 at the 2021 Census — a change of 221 people, or 2.7%. The population has thinned by an average 1.2% a year over five years, slower than 98% of areas nationally. That puts 2,748 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to ABS population updates for the wider region and new address checks by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Harrison has an estimated population of 8,023 as of May 2026. This indicates a decline of 221 individuals (2.7%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 8,244 residents. The shift is calculated from the resident population of 8,023, calculated by AreaSearch using the most recent ABS ERP figures (June 2025) and validated addresses since the Census. With this population level, the density ratio stands at 2,747 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Harrison in the top quartile of countrywide areas evaluated by AreaSearch.
Overseas migration drove the majority of the demographic growth in recent times, accounting for roughly 66.0% of total gains. AreaSearch utilizes the 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, which use 2022 as the baseline year. For SA2 regions lacking this information and for years past 2032, age bracket growth rates are drawn from the ACT Government's SA2 projections, also using 2022 as a baseline. Projections for future demographic shifts indicate a downward trend, with the population of the suburb of Harrison expected to drop by 1,017 individuals by 2041 under this approach. Conversely, expansion is projected in particular age groups, led by residents aged 55 to 64, whose numbers are forecast to rise by 81 people. See the age section for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Property development in Harrison has been extremely quiet, with a mere 2 building approvals recorded over a five-year period. This indicates that the suburb is mostly built out, with very little raw land left for construction. Such established neighborhoods typically experience consistent demand for existing properties since buyers have few opportunities to purchase new builds. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Harrison shows a much lower level of residential construction activity. A shortage of new housing supply generally boosts the demand and market value of established properties. This rate of development also falls below the national average, highlighting the maturity of the suburb and pointing to potential restrictions in local planning schemes.
Faced with stable or shrinking demographic projections, Harrison could see less pressure on its housing market, which would create advantageous purchasing conditions for property buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Harrison
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 15 current infrastructure and development projects inside Harrison, worth an estimated $613 million. A further 67 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $4.95 billion. 13 are already under construction and 30 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and education & training. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Changes to local infrastructure, major developments, and urban planning policies are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has highlighted 27 projects that are likely to influence the local area. Principal developments include the Throsby District Playing Fields, Harrison Group Centre (Town Centre), Harrison Local Centre Expansion (Harrison 5 Precinct), and Moncrieff East Residential Estate, with the list below highlighting the most significant undertakings.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Harrison Group Centre (Town Centre)
Proposed mixed-use Group Centre development at Harrison, part of the broader Gungahlin district expansion plan. The town centre will feature retail, commercial, and residential components including neighbourhood shops, cafes, service businesses, and community amenities to serve Harrison residents and the broader Gungahlin region.
Harrison Local Centre Expansion (Harrison 5 Precinct)
Proposed mixed-use local centre expansion within the Harrison 5 Precinct as identified in the Gungahlin District Strategy. The precinct envisions ground-floor retail and commercial uses, up to approximately 150 apartments, and a new community facility adjacent to the existing Harrison local shops on Katherine Avenue and Moonlight Avenue. The project is subject to ACT Suburban Land Agency land release before a private developer can be engaged and a development application lodged.
Throsby District Playing Fields
ACT Government project to deliver multi-sport district playing fields on the former Home of Football site in Throsby, serving the wider Gungahlin region. Following Capital Football's withdrawal from the original Home of Football partnership in 2024, the project was redesigned as a shared multi-code facility accommodating rugby league, rugby union, football, and cricket, plus at least one pavilion and floodlit fields covering a minimum of eight hectares. A revised detailed design costing $1.5 million is underway with a contractor to be engaged once design is finalised.Construction is scheduled to commence in 2026 as a staged project, with part of the site reserved for future sporting infrastructure.
Franklin Residential Development
New residential development in Franklin offering mixed housing typologies including apartments, townhouses and detached homes. Planned community with parks, walking trails and local retail amenities.
Moncrieff East Residential Estate
Large greenfield residential release delivering over 850 dwellings, new local parks, and community facilities. The Moncrieff East Estate development plan aims for approximately 1250 dwellings, public open space, and includes master planning and detailed design for a subdivision in the eastern part of Moncrieff. Civil works contracts have been awarded to Group 1 and Canberra Contractors.
Franklin Aged Care Facility
New 120-bed aged care facility with specialized dementia care units, rehabilitation services and community health programs.
Olea Gungahlin Townhouses
Approved medium-density project branded Olea by Dish Developments. Original DA 202038102 approved on 5 Jul 2021 for 99 dwellings (70 townhouses, 29 units), later amended in Dec 2021 to a total of 109 dwellings with a single level basement (approx. 189 car spaces). Site fronts Camilleri Way and Kate Crace Street near Gungahlin Marketplace and the light rail, with outlook to Mulanggari Grasslands Nature Reserve.
Franklin Community Centre
Multi-purpose community centre with meeting rooms, library branch, childcare facilities and programs for seniors and youth.
5,139 residents of Harrison are employed, from a labour force of 5,266. Unemployment sits at 2.4%, with participation at 83.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 5,761, about 72% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is characterized by high levels of education and a strong representation in essential service industries, with an unemployment rate of only 2.4% and an estimated employment expansion of 0.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregated statistics. In March 2026, working residents numbered 5,139, representing an unemployment rate 1.6% below the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, while workforce participation was exceptionally high at 83.1% compared to 70.8% across the broader territory. Census figures show that a modest 11.8% of the workforce worked from home, though this data may have been affected by pandemic-era lockdowns.
The primary sectors employing local residents are public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. The community displays a notable concentration in the accommodation & food services sector, where the employment proportion is 1.4 times the territory average. Conversely, health care & social assistance is less common, making up 9.5% of the local workforce compared to 11.7% across the Australian Capital Territory. Comparison between the local jobs count and the resident population suggests this largely residential suburb offers few local employment options. Based on AreaSearch's compilation of SALM and ABS statistics for the broader region, the year ending March 2026 saw local employment grow by 0.7% and the labour force expand by 1.1%, resulting in a 0.3 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe in the Australian Capital Territory, employment rose by 0.3%, the labour force grew by 1.1%, and unemployment increased by 0.7 percentage points. Long-term occupational projections from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25 offer additional context on future demand. These projections, spanning five and ten-year horizons, are mapped to the local industry mix to model growth. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though trends vary widely by sector. Applying these national projections to the local workforce structure indicates local employment is poised to expand by 6.3% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, assuming a basic weighted calculation that does not factor in local demographic projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Harrison is $2,636 a week (about $137,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,207 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $67,228 a year against an average of $76,926. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The most recent postcode-level ATO statistics from financial year 2023 show that local incomes are significantly higher than the national average, with a median of $67,228 and an average of $76,926. This compares to an Australian Capital Territory median of $72,206 and an average of $85,981. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimated figures would be roughly $74,247 for the median and $84,957 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes all rank in the upper tier nationally, placing between the 91st and 93rd percentiles.
Income distribution is dominated by the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket, which accounts for 35.8% of residents (2,872 people), matching the wider region where this bracket accounts for 34.3%. High earners are highly visible, with 42.9% of residents receiving more than $3,000 per week, reflecting significant local spending power. Residential costs absorb 15.4% of income, yet strong earnings keep disposable income in the 92nd percentile nationally, and the local SEIFA income score falls into the 9th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Harrison had 2,768 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 55% detached houses and 30% apartments. 43% are owned with a mortgage, 46% rented and 11% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $450 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month, a total housing cost higher than 92% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 17.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 17.5%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, residential properties in Harrison consisted of 55.4% separate houses and 44.7% alternative housing options like townhouses, flats, and other dwellings, compared to 63.3% houses and 36.7% alternative dwellings across the Australian Capital Territory. The rate of full home ownership was below the territory average at 10.7%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (42.8%) or rented (46.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment was lower than the territory average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent was equal at $450, compared to Australian Capital Territory figures of $2,080 and $450.
By comparison, local mortgage payments exceed the national average of $1,863, and weekly rents are considerably higher than the Australian median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Harrison counted 2,768 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.9 people each. 42% are couples with children, more than in 82% of areas nationally, against 23% couples without children. 19% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.2 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of local households at 74.7%, which includes couples with children at 41.7%, couples without children at 23.0%, and single-parent households at 9.0%. Non-family households represent the remaining 25.3%, with single-person homes accounting for 18.8% and share houses making up 6.2%. The median household occupancy of 2.9 individuals is higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
51.7% of adults in Harrison hold a university qualification, including 27.3% with a bachelor degree and 20.9% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 93% of areas nationally. A further 11.9% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 2,114 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,080 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Academic credentials in Harrison are much higher than national and regional figures, with 51.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a tertiary degree, compared to 30.4% across Australia and 46.3% in the SA3 region. This high concentration of degrees positions the area well for professional and technical roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 27.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 20.9% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Vocational training is held by 22.7% of the population aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 11.9%. Enrolment in education is very strong, with 37.2% of the local population currently undertaking formal studies.
This total is composed of 12.5% in primary schools, 8.6% in tertiary institutions, and 7.9% attending high schools.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Harrison reaches 21 stops on 25 routes, timetabled for about 2,100 services a week. The typical home sits about 240 m from its nearest stop. Trams carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of the local transit network shows 21 active public transport stops in Harrison, combining light rail services and bus routes. These stops are served by 25 different routes, which support 2,074 passenger journeys every week. Transit access is good, with residents living an average of 236 meters from the nearest stop. Because Harrison is mostly residential, many workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary transport method at 79%, followed by buses at 7%. Households own an average of 1.4 vehicles. A low 11.8% of the population worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which was potentially influenced by pandemic conditions.
Transit service frequency stands at an average of 296 trips per day across all routes, which translates to roughly 98 weekly trips for each transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
80.5% of residents in Harrison report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 83% of areas nationally. 2.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 57.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.7 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Local health data shows excellent results, based on mortality figures and the occurrence of chronic illnesses, with very low rates of common medical issues across all demographic brackets, and a high rate of private health insurance coverage representing approximately 58% of the population (~4,619 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. The most frequent health issues reported were mental health conditions and asthma, affecting 7.2% and 6.6% of the population, respectively, while 80.5% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 70.2% in the Australian Capital Territory.
Seniors aged 65 and over represent 5.3% of the community (425 people), which is lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of 14.3%. Health outcomes among these older residents are exceptionally strong, ranking higher nationally than the general local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
42.6% of Harrison residents were born overseas and 44.1% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 85% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (20.0%) and English (18.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Harrison exhibits high cultural diversity, with 42.6% of residents born outside Australia and 44.1% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religion, representing 34.2% of the population. However, Hinduism shows the most significant variation from regional norms, accounting for 11.3% of local residents, which is well above the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%. Regarding family heritage, the three largest ancestry groups are Australian at 20.0%, English at 18.4%, and Other ancestries at 17.6%, which is higher than the regional average of 12.2%. Certain ethnic groups show high local concentrations compared to regional averages: Korean ancestry accounts for 2.0% of the local population (compared to 0.6% regionally), Indian ancestry is at 6.5% (compared to 3.3%), and Croatian ancestry is at 1.1% (compared to 0.9%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Harrison is 32, younger than 93% of areas nationally. That is 1 year older than at the 2021 Census. 32.9% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 32 years makes Harrison slightly younger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and significantly younger than the national median of 38. Compared to the territory, Harrison has a higher proportion of residents aged 35 - 44 (19.3%) but fewer residents aged 65 - 74 (3.2%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 55 to 64 cohort grew from 5.8% to 7.2% of the population, and the 45 to 54 group rose from 13.0% to 14.3%. In contrast, the 25 to 34 age bracket fell from 21.1% to 19.3%, and the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 16.1% to 15.0%.
Projections indicate the local age profile will change by 2041. The 65 to 74 age bracket is expected to rise by 59 individuals (23%), moving from 256 to 316. Combined cohorts aged 65+ are projected to represent 73% of total population growth, showing an aging trend. Conversely, the cohorts aged 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 are expected to decline in number.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Harrison
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jun 2026 2 months ago all 15 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jun 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (8,244 at the 2021 Census → 8,023 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL80071). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.