Harrison

Population growth drivers in Harrison are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Harrison's population is estimated at around 8,073 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a decrease of 171 people (2.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,244 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,073, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,764 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Harrison has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 2.2% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to reduce by 1,083 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 55 to 64 age group, which is projected to grow by 107 people.

Residential dwelling approval activity has been practically non-existent in Harrison

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, derived from statistical area data, indicates virtually no dwelling approvals in Harrison recently.

Specifically, an estimated 2 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with another 1 approved so far in FY-26. This low level of new supply likely balances with declining population, providing buyers with good choice. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Harrison's building activity is notably lower, reflecting its mature status and possible planning constraints.

Stable or declining population forecasts suggest less housing pressure, favouring buyers.

Harrison has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 28 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Throsby District Playing Fields, Harrison Town Centre Development, Harrison Local Centre Expansion (Harrison 5 Precinct), and Moncrieff East Residential Estate. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

The labour market strength in Harrison positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Harrison's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 2.0%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.5%, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In June 2025, 5,272 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation in Harrison was 79.9%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. Major employment sectors for residents included public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance.

The area had a strong specialization in accommodation & food services, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance was under-represented, with only 9.5% of Harrison's workforce compared to 11.7% in the Australian Capital Territory. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.5% while labour force increased by 1.6%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory saw employment growth of 1.9%, labour force expansion of 1.6%, and a fall in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insights into potential future demand within Harrison. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Harrison's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Harrison has a median taxpayer income of $67,228 and an average income of $76,926 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022. This is among the highest in Australia, with the Australian Capital Territory having a median income of $68,678 and an average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since the financial year 2022, current estimates suggest approximately $76,371 for the median and $87,388 for the average as of September 2025. Census data indicates that Harrison's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 91st and 93rd percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 35.8% of residents (2,890 people), similar to the metropolitan region where 34.3% fall within this range. A substantial proportion of high earners, at 42.9%, indicates strong economic capacity throughout the suburb. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 92nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Harrison displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Harrison's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 55.4% houses and 44.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Australian Capital Territory's 66.3% houses and 33.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Harrison stood at 10.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.8% and rented ones at 46.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,123, while the median weekly rent was $450, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of $462. Nationally, Harrison's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Harrison features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 74.7% of all households, including 41.7% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up 25.3%, consisting of 18.8% lone person households and 6.2% group households. The median household size is 2.9 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

Educational achievement in Harrison places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Harrison's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 51.7% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 46.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 27.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational pathways account for 22.7%, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 11.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 37.2% currently enrolled in formal education: 12.5% in primary, 8.6% in tertiary, and 7.9% in secondary education. Harrison School and Mother Teresa School serve a total of 2,114 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA score: 1080). It functions as an education hub with 26.2 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 14.7, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Harrison has 21 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are a mix of lightrail and bus services. There are 8 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 1,157 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 236 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 165 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 55 weekly trips per individual stop.

Harrison's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Harrison's health outcomes data shows excellent results across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 4648 people, or about 58%, have private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 7.2% and 6.6% of residents respectively. A total of 80.5% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figure of 76.4%. Only 4.9%, or 395 people, are aged 65 and over, lower than the ACT's 8.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Harrison align closely with those of the general population.

Harrison is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Harrison has a high level of cultural diversity, with 42.6% of its population born overseas and 44.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Harrison, accounting for 34.2% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented in Harrison compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, comprising 11.3% versus 9.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (20.0%), English (18.4%), and Other (17.6%). There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Korean is overrepresented at 2.0% compared to the regional average of 1.2%, Indian is similarly represented at 6.5% versus 6.4%, and Croatian is slightly overrepresented at 1.1% compared to 1.3%.

Harrison hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Harrison has a median age of 32 years, which is slightly lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 years and significantly under the national median of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Harrison has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (19.5%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (3.1%). This concentration of residents aged 35-44 is notably higher than the national average of 14.2%. According to data from the 2021 Census, Harrison's population aged 45 to 54 has increased from 13.0% to 14.0%, while the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 21.1% to 19.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Harrison's age profile will change significantly. The number of residents aged 65 to 74 is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 72 people (29%) from 250 to 323. Notably, the combined total population growth for all ages 65 and above will account for 61%, reflecting Harrison's aging demographic trend. In contrast, both age groups of residents aged 45 to 54 and those aged 0 to 4 are expected to decrease in number.