Holder (ACT)

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Holder (ACT) statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,870 people. This figure reflects an increase of 54 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,816 people in the same area. This growth represents a 1.9% increase over the period from 2021 to November 2025. The latest resident population estimate was derived by AreaSearch following an examination of the ABS's ERP data release from June 2024 and validation of eight new addresses since the Census date. The population density in the Holder (ACT) (SA2), based on this figure, is approximately 1,534 persons per square kilometer. This rate exceeds the average population density observed across national locations assessed by AreaSearch.

Notably, the Holder's growth rate since the 2021 census exceeded that of the broader SA3 area, which saw a growth rate of 0.5%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53% of overall population gains in the Holder during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data 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. Future population trends indicate an overall decline in the Holder's population over time. According to current methodologies, the area's population is expected to decrease by 19 persons by 2041. However, growth is anticipated among specific age cohorts, particularly the 45 to 54 age group, which is projected to grow by 73 people during this period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Holder has averaged approximately 4 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 22 homes constructed during this period. As of FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded so far. Historically, between FY-21 and FY-25, there has been an average of 5.8 new residents arriving per year for each dwelling constructed, indicating a significant demand exceeding supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

Additionally, $622,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Holder records about 66% of the building activity per person while it ranks among the 11th percentile nationally for areas assessed, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This level of activity is also below average nationally, indicating a mature market with possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises approximately 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 property 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that may impact this area. Notable projects include Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Fetherston Weston, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and Deakin Private Hospital. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

Holder has an educated workforce with essential services sectors well-represented. The unemployment rate was 2.3% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.5%.

As of September 2025, 1,556 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2%, below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation was 65.5%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Leading employment industries included public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance.

Accommodation & food services were under-represented at 5.1% versus ACT's 6.5%. Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. From September 2024 to September 2025, employment increased by 1.5%, labour force by 1.0%, reducing unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, ACT saw employment rise by 1.4%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% growth 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 2023 shows that income in Holder is among the highest in Australia. The median assessed income is $72,053 and the average income stands at $85,718. 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 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $78,725 (median) and $93,655 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that Holder's household, family, and personal incomes all rank highly nationally, between the 85th and 94th percentiles. The earnings profile indicates that 33.1% of locals (949 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 34.3% occupy this range. A substantial proportion of high earners, at 37.9%, indicates strong economic capacity throughout the locality. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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

Dwelling structure in Holder, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 74.6% houses and 25.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 81.7% houses and 18.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Holder was 39.0%, with 42.1% of dwellings mortgaged and 18.9% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,251. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $465, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $420. Nationally, Holder's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Holder has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average 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 make up the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 24.9% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.6.

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 significantly higher than the Australian average. Among residents aged 15 and above, 48.1% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally. 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 making up 11.1% and certificates 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

Public transport analysis shows 24 active transport stops operating within Holder, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are serviced by 45 individual routes, collectively providing 3,204 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 198 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 457 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 133 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Holder are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators show below-average outcomes in Holder. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (1,752 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 9.1 and 9.0% of residents respectively. 66.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.3% across Australian Capital Territory. Holder has 17.7% of residents aged 65 and over (507 people), which is lower than the 20.6% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, making up 2.5% compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.0%.

The top three represented ancestry groups are English (25.8%), Australian (22.8%), and Irish (11.0%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergence in representation: Polish at 1.1% in Holder versus 0.9% regionally, Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.6%, and French at 0.7% versus 0.7%.

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 slightly exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 45-54 cohort is notably over-represented in Holder at 14.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 11.5%. Post-Census data from 2021 shows that the 35-44 age group has grown from 14.9% to 16.7%, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 10.3% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group has declined from 10.1% to 8.4%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 12.6% to 11.3%. Population forecasts for Holder indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 16 people, reaching 486 from 419, leading the demographic shift. However, both the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.