Holder (ACT)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the suburb of Holder (ACT), and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026 the estimated population is around 2,870. This reflects an increase of 54 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,816. The change was inferred from the resident population of 2,870, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,534 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Holder's growth of 1.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 0.6%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, also based on a 2022 base year, are adopted. Future population trends indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with the suburb's population expected to reduce by 19 persons by 2041 according to these projections. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 45 to 54 age group, which is projected to grow by 73 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Holder according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Holder has averaged around 4 new dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years from FY21 to FY25, totalling an estimated 22 homes. In FY26 so far, 2 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 5.8 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed on average during this period. Demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

Additionally, $622,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Holder records about 66% of building activity per person while it ranks among the 11th percentile nationally, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This activity is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, offering options across different price points from family homes to more affordable compact living.

With around 1431 people per dwelling approval, Holder reflects a highly mature market. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Holder may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Holder has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No infrastructure projects were identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact the area. Key projects include Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Fetherston Weston, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and Deakin Private Hospital.

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Employment conditions in Holder demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Holder has a highly educated workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5%. As of September 2025, 1,556 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation was at 66.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. According to Census responses, 13.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries were public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance.

However, accommodation & food services were under-represented at 5.1%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 6.5%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.5% while labour force grew by 1.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 1.4%, with a labour force growth of 1.2% and a reduction in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Holder's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 income in Holder suburb is among Australia's highest. The median income is $72,053 and the average is $85,718. This compares to 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 June 2023, current estimates for Holder would be approximately $78,725 (median) and $93,655 (average) by September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows Holder's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 85th and 94th percentiles. The earnings profile indicates that 33.1% of locals (949 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, reflecting a broader area pattern where 34.3% fall within this range. A substantial proportion, 37.9%, earn above $3,000/week, indicating strong economic capacity in the locality. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

As per the latest Census evaluation in Holder, dwelling structures consisted of 74.6% houses and 25.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Holder stood at 39.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (42.1%) or rented (18.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure was recorded as $465, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Holder's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Holder has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 72.3% of all households, including 31.5% couples with children, 29.0% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 24.9% and group households making up 2.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

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

Educational attainment in Holder is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 48.1% have university qualifications, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.7%) and graduate diplomas (6.6%). Vocational pathways account for 23.9% of qualifications in this age group, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 12.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Holder has 24 active public transport stops serving mixed bus routes. These stops are covered by 45 individual routes, facilitating 3,204 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 198 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 85%, followed by bus at 9% and cycling at 2%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.4.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 457 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 133 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Holder is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Holder demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low for both young and old age cohorts.

The prevalence of common health conditions was also low. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population, which is 1,752 people. This is higher than the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions were asthma and mental health issues, impacting 9.1 and 9.0% of residents respectively. 66.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 17.6% of residents aged 65 and over, which is 505 people. This is higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Holder was found to have above average cultural diversity, with 23.6% of its population born overseas and 16.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Holder is Christianity, comprising 46.0% of the population. However, Hinduism is notably overrepresented, making up 2.5% of the population compared to the regional average of 4.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Holder are English (25.8%), Australian (22.8%), and Irish (11.0%). Some other ethnic groups also show notable differences: Polish is overrepresented at 1.1% (vs regional 0.8%), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs regional 0.3%), and French at 0.7% (vs regional 0.5%).

Holder's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Holder is 41 years, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and modestly exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 45-54 cohort is notably over-represented in Holder at 15.0%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 11.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.9% to 16.8%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.3% to 11.7%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age group has declined from 10.1% to 8.5%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 12.6% to 11.1%. Population forecasts for Holder indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. Leading this shift, the 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 13 people, reaching 486 from 430. Meanwhile, both the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.