Higgins

An assessment of population growth drivers in Higgins reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Higgins is around 3,278, a decrease of 43 people compared to the 2021 Census figure of 3,321. This estimation is based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and validation of new addresses since the Census date. The latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 was also considered for this estimation. The current population density is approximately 1,962 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed to around 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Higgins.

For demographic projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia's methodology released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to decrease by 386 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 85 and over age group which is projected to expand by 65 people during this period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Higgins, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Higgins averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 74 homes. As of FY26, 78 approvals have been recorded. Between FY21 and FY25, there was an average of 1.3 people moving to the area per dwelling built, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, this figure has eased to 0.2 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting improved supply availability. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $339,000, which is higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development.

In FY26, $1.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Higgins has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 19th percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. Building activity shows 22.0% detached dwellings and 78.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 96.0% houses due to reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands. Higgins has an average of around 818 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area with a stable or declining population expected in the future, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Higgins should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Higgins has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to affect the region: Kippax Fair Expansion & Upgrade, The Valley Ponds - Stage 3 & Future Stages, Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara), and New Northside Hospital are key projects.

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Higgins has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Higgins has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.3% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth at 2.7%. As of September 2025, 1,692 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.7% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation was lower at 67.9%, compared to the ACT's 72.5%. According to Census responses, only 12.3% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment among residents were public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Construction had a particularly high share at 1.6 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety had limited presence with 27.4% employment compared to the regional average of 30.4%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.7% while labour force grew by 1.1%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 1.5 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory saw employment grow by 1.4%, labour force expand by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Higgins' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 indicates that income in Higgins suburb is above national average. The median assessed income is $61,796 and the average income stands at $69,852. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.26% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $67,518 (median) and $76,320 (average). Census data from 2021 shows that Higgins' household, family and personal incomes rank between the 80th and 82nd percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 33.0% of the community (1,081 individuals), similar to the region where 34.3% fall within this band. Economic strength is evident with 32.9% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing expenses account for 13.4% of income. Strong earnings place residents in the 82nd percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Higgins is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Housing in Higgins, as recorded at the latest Census, consisted of 95.7% houses and 4.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Higgins stood at 31.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.5% and rented ones at 23.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080, while the median weekly rent figure was $400, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Higgins' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Higgins has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 75.0% of all households, including 34.0% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.0%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households at 3.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Higgins demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 34.2%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 31.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (21.2%). Educational participation is high, with 29.4% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.5% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 4.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis indicates that Higgins has 29 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 71 unique routes, facilitating a total of 5,086 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 138 meters from the nearest one. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 89%, while buses account for 6%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 726 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 175 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Higgins is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Higgins faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Approximately 55% of Higgins' total population (~1,796 people) has private health cover, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 62.4%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 9.5% and 9.4% of residents respectively. However, 65.2% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 18.4% of residents aged 65 and over (603 people), which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's 14.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Higgins was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Higgins had a cultural diversity level above average, with 23.8% of its population born overseas and 17.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Higgins, accounting for 45.3% of the population. However, Hinduism showed an overrepresentation, comprising 2.4% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 4.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (26.1%), English (24.4%), and Other (10.7%). Notable divergences existed in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Hungarian was overrepresented at 0.4% compared to the regional 0.3%, Spanish at 0.7% versus 0.5%, and Vietnamese at 1.5% against the regional 1.0%.

Higgins's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Higgins's median age is 38 years, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Higgins has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (8.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.5%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 85+ has grown from 1.4% to 2.8%, while the 75-84 age group increased from 7.2% to 8.5%. Meanwhile, the 55-64 age group has declined from 9.7% to 8.3%, and the 65-74 age group dropped from 8.3% to 7.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Higgins's age profile will significantly evolve. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 56%, adding 51 residents to reach a total of 143. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 65-74 and 55-64 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.