Harrison

Population growth drivers in Harrison are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Harrison's estimated population is around 8073 as of November 2025. This reflects a decrease of 171 people (2.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8244 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 8073, 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 2764 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 compound annual growth rate of 2.2%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing 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 Harrison statistical area (Lv2)'s population expected to reduce by 1083 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

Harrison has seen only 2 residential development approvals in the past five years. This indicates that the area is largely built out with minimal vacant land for new developments. Such established areas typically experience steady demand for existing properties due to limited new-build alternatives.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Harrison has significantly less development activity, which can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties due to scarcity of new dwellings. This level of development activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and suggesting possible planning constraints. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Harrison may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Harrison may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Harrison has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 28 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable 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 projects likely to be 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 exceptional employment performance in Harrison places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Harrison has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 2.0%, with estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year.

As of September 2025, there are 5,129 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation is high at 79.9%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Key industries for Harrison residents include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. The area specializes in accommodation & food services with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 9.5% compared to ACT's 11.7%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8%, while labour force grew by 0.7%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. In contrast, ACT saw employment growth of 1.4% and a slight decrease in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Harrison's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% in five years and 12.9% in ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Harrison suburb is $67,228 and average income is $76,926. This compares to Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $73,453 (median) and $84,049 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year ending June 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Harrison's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between 91st and 93rd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 35.8% of residents (2,890 people) earn $1,500-$2,999 weekly, aligning with the broader area's 34.3%. Notably, 42.9% exceed $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 92nd percentile nationally. The suburb'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

In Harrison, as per the latest Census evaluation, 55.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 44.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 66.3% houses and 33.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Harrison stood at 10.7%, with mortgaged properties at 42.8% and rented ones at 46.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,123. The median weekly rent figure in Harrison was $450, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $462. Nationally, Harrison's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for the remaining 25.3%, with lone person households at 18.8% and group households comprising 6.2%. The median household size is 2.9 people, aligning 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 exceeds broader standards significantly, with 51.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 46.3% in the SA3 area. This notable educational advantage positions Harrison favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 27.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational pathways account for 22.7% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas comprising 10.8% and certificates making up 11.9%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 37.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.5% in primary education, 8.6% in tertiary education, and 7.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Harrison has 21 operational public transport stops. These include lightrail and bus services. There are 25 different routes serving these stops, which together facilitate 2,074 weekly passenger trips.

Residents' access to transport is considered good, with an average distance of 236 meters to the nearest stop. Daily service frequency across all routes averages 296 trips, equating to about 98 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 demonstrates excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 4648 residents (58%) have private health cover. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 7.2% and 6.6% of residents respectively. A total of 80.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.4% in Australian Capital Territory. As of August 2021395 residents (4.9%) are aged 65 and over, lower than the 8.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Senior health outcomes align 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's population shows high cultural diversity, with 42.6% born overseas and 44.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 34.2%. Hinduism stands out with 11.3%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 9.5%.

The top three ancestral groups are Australian (20%), English (18.4%), and Other (17.6%). Korean (2%) is notably overrepresented in Harrison, along with Indian (6.5%) and Croatian (1.1%).

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

Harrison's median age is 32 years, which is slightly younger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 years and substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Harrison has a higher concentration of 35-44 year-olds at 19.5%, but fewer 65-74 year-olds at 3.1%. This 35-44 age group concentration is well above the national average of 14.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 45 to 54 age group has grown from 13.0% to 14.0% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 21.1% to 19.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Harrison's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 72 people (29%) from 250 to 323. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.