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 1 Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Higgins statistical area (Lv2) is around 3,278. This figure reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census population of 3,321 people, indicating a drop of 43 individuals or approximately 1.3%. AreaSearch's estimation is based on the resident population of 3,278 following an examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and validation of three new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,962 persons per square kilometer for Higgins (SA2), which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.0% to overall population gains during recent periods in this area.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are used, also with a base year of 2022. According to these projections, the Higgins (SA2) population is expected to decline by 386 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like those aged 85 and over are projected to grow, with an increase of 65 people anticipated in this group 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 using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Higgins has 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, an average of 1.3 people moved to the area per dwelling built, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, this has eased to 0.2 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting better supply availability. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $339,000, higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

In FY26, $1.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, predominantly for residential projects. 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, favouring compact living and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a significant shift from the current housing mix of 96.0% houses, likely due to reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands. Higgins has an established population density of around 818 people per approval, with expectations for stable or declining population growth, potentially reducing housing pressure and presenting buying opportunities.

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 44thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting the region. Notable projects include Kippax Fair Expansion & Upgrade, The Valley Ponds - Stage 3 & Future Stages, Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara), and New Northside Hospital. Below is a list of 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.

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% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 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 65.4%, compared to the ACT's 69.6%. Key industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Construction is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.6 times higher than the regional level.

Public administration & safety has a limited presence at 27.4% compared to the regional figure of 30.4%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 2.7%, while labour force grew by 1.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.5 percentage points. In comparison, ACT saw employment grow by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2%. State-level data from 25-Nov shows ACT employment growth of 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. Job and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Higgins' employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.4% in five years and 13.0% in ten years, though these are simple extrapolations 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 2023 shows that income in Higgins is above the national average. The median income is $61,796 and the average income stands at $69,852. This contrasts with 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 financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $67,518 (median) and $76,320 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks Higgins between the 80th and 82nd percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. The $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 33.0% of the community in Higgins, similar to the regional figure of 34.3%. Economic strength is evident with 32.9% of households earning high weekly amounts exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 13.4% of income and residents rank within the 82nd percentile for disposable income. 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

The dwelling structure in Higgins, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 95.7% houses and 4.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Higgins was higher at 31.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (45.5%) or rented (23.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, aligning with the Australian Capital Territory average. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,000 and $430 respectively. Nationally, Higgins's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for the remaining 25.0%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is 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 prevalent at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 31.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 21.2%. Educational participation is high, with 29.4% currently enrolled in formal education, including 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

Public transport analysis reveals that Higgins has 29 active transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are serviced by a total of 71 individual routes, collectively providing 5,086 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent in Higgins, with residents typically located 138 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 726 trips per day across all routes, equating 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, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across all age groups but slightly more so among older cohorts. Approximately 55% (~1,796 people) of the total population has private health cover, compared to 57.7% in the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 9.5% and 9.4% of residents respectively. 65.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% in the Australian Capital Territory. As of December 31, 2020, 18.1% (593 people) of residents are aged 65 and over, higher than the 15.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention than 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' cultural diversity was above average, with 23.8% of its population born overseas and 17.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity dominated Higgins' religious landscape, accounting for 45.3%. Hinduism's representation stood out at 2.4%, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's 4.0%.

Ancestry-wise, Australians topped the list at 26.1%, followed by English at 24.4% and Other at 10.7%. Notably, Hungarian (0.4%), Spanish (0.7%), and Vietnamese (1.5%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Higgins compared to regional averages of 0.3%, 0.5%, and 1.2% respectively.

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 (8.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.2%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 7.2% to 8.6%, while the percentage of residents aged 85+ has risen from 1.4% to 2.6%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 65-74 has declined from 8.3% to 6.9%, and the percentage of residents aged 55-64 has dropped from 9.7% to 8.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that Higgins's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 68%, adding 57 residents to reach 143. Residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 65-74 and 55-64 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.