Higgins

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area around Higgins, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Higgins as of May 2026 is approximately 3,365. This reflects an increase of 44 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,321 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,363 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,015 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Higgins' 1.3% growth since census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.2%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 54.0% 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with the suburb's population expected to contract by 377 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to expand by 58 people.

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 has averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 74 homes. So far in FY-26, 79 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.4 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand, with recent figures showing this has eased to 0.4 people per dwelling over the past two financial years. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $339,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, $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 places among the 19th percentile of areas assessed nationally, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. New building activity shows 22.0% detached dwellings and 78.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 96.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Higgins has an average population density of around 818 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Higgins should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

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 45thth percentile nationally

One project is identified by AreaSearch as likely influencing the area's performance: Kippax Fair Expansion and Redevelopment. Other key projects include The Valley Ponds - Stage 3 & Future Stages, Ginninderry Estate - Strathnairn & Macnamara (Stages 1-7+), and Ginninderry Masterplanned Community - Strathnairn & Macnamara.

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

Higgins has an educated workforce with key sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 5.4% in the past year, showing a 2.5% employment growth. As of December 2025, 1,694 residents were employed, but the unemployment rate was higher at 7.3%, and participation was lower at 65.2%.

Only 12.3% worked from home. Major industries include public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Construction is particularly strong with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. However, public administration & safety has a limited presence at 27.4%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities. In the 12 months to May-25, employment grew by 2.5% and labour force by 1.1%, reducing unemployment by 1.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.0% over ten years for Higgins, based on its industry mix.

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 figures of a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $68,248 (median) and $77,145 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows that Higgins ranks highly nationally for household, family, and personal incomes, between the 80th and 82nd percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.0% of the community (1,110 individuals), similar to the region where 34.3% occupy this bracket. Economic strength is evident through 32.9% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 13.4% of income while strong earnings rank residents 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 assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 95.7% houses and 4.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to the 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, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Higgins was $400, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Higgins' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 common at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (21.2%). Educational participation is 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 shows 29 active transport stops operating within Higgins. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 71 individual routes that provide 5,086 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 138 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 6% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 12.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across the board, with a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts.

Private health cover is found to be fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population (~1,843 people), compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 9.5 and 9.4% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 65.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.7% of residents aged 65 and over (629 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally 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 was the predominant religion in Higgins, comprising 45.3%. Hinduism was overrepresented compared to Australian Capital Territory figures, making up 2.4% versus 4.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (26.1%), English (24.4%), and Other (10.7%). Hungarian, Spanish, and Vietnamese ethnicities showed notable divergences in representation: Hungarian was at 0.4% compared to the regional average of 0.3%, Spanish at 0.7% versus 0.5%, and Vietnamese at 1.5% against a regional figure of 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 (8.7%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.5%). Between the 2021 Census and the current time, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 7.2% to 8.7%, while the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 11.1% to 12.5%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has declined from 8.3% to 7.2%, and the proportion of residents aged 55-64 has dropped from 9.7% to 8.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Higgins's age profile will change significantly. The cohort aged 85 and above is projected to have the strongest growth, increasing by 55% to reach 146 residents. Senior residents (aged 65 and above) will drive all population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, the cohorts aged 65-74 and 45-54 are expected to experience population declines.