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 Nov 2025, the estimated population of Higgins is around 3,278, reflecting a decrease of 43 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,321. This estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, plus an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 1,962 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. Population projections for Higgins are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia estimates released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and ACT Government's SA2 area projections for areas not covered by this data or years post-2032.

By 2041, the suburb's population is expected to contract by 386 persons according to these projections. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 85 and over age group which is projected to expand by 65 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 averaged approximately 10 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 53 homes. As of FY26 so far, 78 approvals have been recorded. Between FY21 and FY25, an average of 1.9 people moved 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 better supply availability. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $339,000.

This year, there have been $38,000 in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Higgins has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 19th percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 29.0% detached dwellings and 71.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift from the existing housing stock (currently 96.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. With around 818 people per approval, Higgins shows 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure projects. AreaSearch has identified one major project that is expected to impact this particular area. 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. The following list provides details on those projects most likely to be 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 key sectors well-represented. The unemployment rate was 5.5% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.8%.

As of June 2025, 1700 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.0% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation was lower at 65.4%, compared to the ACT's 69.6%. Major employment industries include public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Construction is particularly strong with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety is under-represented at 27.4% compared to the ACT's 30.4%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.8% and labour force by 1.6%, reducing unemployment by 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, the ACT had employment growth of 1.9%, labour force growth of 1.6%, with unemployment falling 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in Sep-22, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Higgins's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simple 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 2022 shows Higgins's median income among taxpayers is $61,796 and the average is $69,852. These figures are higher than national averages. The Australian Capital Territory has a median of $68,678 and an average of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Higgins would be approximately $70,200 (median) and $79,352 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Higgins rank between the 80th and 82nd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 33.0% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (1,081 people), similar to surrounding regions where 34.3% fall within this range. Notably, 32.9% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting areas of prosperity that contribute to robust local economic activity. Housing accounts for 13.4% of income, and residents rank in 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

In Higgins, as assessed in the latest Census, 95.7% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 4.3% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Higgins stood at 31.5%, with mortgaged properties making up 45.5% and rented dwellings accounting for 23.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, aligning with the Australian Capital Territory average, while the median weekly rent was $400 compared to the ACT's $2,000 and $430 respectively. Nationally, Higgins' median monthly mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 account for 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 constitute 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, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5 people.

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 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: 9.5% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 4.9% in tertiary education.

Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access them in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates 31 active stops operating within Higgins. These stops offer a mix of bus services, with 7 routes in total providing 1,513 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 138 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 216 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 48 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 the board, particularly among older age cohorts. Approximately 55% of Higgins' total population (~1796 people) have private health cover, compared to 57.1% 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. About 65.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across the Australian Capital Territory. Higgins has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.1%, with 593 people in this age group, compared to 15.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of the broader population.

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

Higgins had a cultural diversity index 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 in Higgins, comprising 2.4% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 4.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (26.1%), English (24.4%), and Other (10.7%). Notable divergences existed for Hungarian (0.4% vs regional 0.3%), Spanish (0.7% vs regional 0.5%), and Vietnamese (1.5% vs regional 1.2%) ethnic groups.

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 Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Higgins has a higher concentration of residents aged 75-84 (8.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.2%). Between the 2021 Census and the latest data, the percentage of residents aged 75 to 84 has grown from 7.2% to 8.6%, while those aged 85+ increased from 1.4% to 2.6%. Conversely, the percentages of residents aged 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 have declined to 6.9% and 8.3%, respectively, from their previous figures of 8.3% and 9.7%. Demographic modeling indicates 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 cohorts of residents aged 65-74 and 55-64 are expected to experience population declines.