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), its population is estimated at around 2,895 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 79 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,816 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of eight new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,548 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Holder's growth of 2.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 1.9%, 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 adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, also based on 2022, are adopted. Future population trends indicate a decline of 27 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, led by the 45 to 54 age group, projected to increase by 65 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 approximately 4 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 22 homes. In FY-26 so far, 2 approvals have been recorded. Historically, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 5.8 new residents per year arrived per dwelling constructed, indicating demand significantly exceeded supply. This fiscal year has seen $622,000 in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature.

Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Holder records about 66% of building activity per person and ranks among the 11th percentile nationally, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. Recent construction comprises 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, offering options across different price points. Holder reflects a highly mature market with around 1431 people per dwelling approval. Stable or declining population forecasts may lead to less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers in the area.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Holder may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Holder has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 relevant projects. Notable initiatives are Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Fetherston Weston, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and Deakin Private Hospital. The following details projects expected to have the greatest impact.

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The employment environment in Holder shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Holder has an educated workforce with key services sectors well-represented. Unemployment rate is 2.8%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) 3.8%. Employment stability over the past year was maintained.

As of December 2025, Holder had 1,551 residents employed, with an unemployment rate at 1.0% below ACT's and workforce participation at 66.4%, compared to ACT's 70.5%. Home workership stood at 13.9%. Leading industries were public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance.

Accommodation & food services were under-represented at 5.1% compared to ACT's 6.5%. Employment opportunities locally seemed limited based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.3%, while labour force grew by 1.1%, raising unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, ACT saw employment rise by 0.9% and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May-25 indicate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Holder's industry mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $79,575 (median) and $94,667 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Holder, between the 85th and 94th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 33.1% of locals (958 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. A substantial proportion of high earners, 37.9%, have incomes above $3,000/week, indicating 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

Holder's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.6% houses and 25.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Holder stood at 39.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.1% and rented ones at 18.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent was $465, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Holder's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $465 compared to 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 make up the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 24.9% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches 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

Holder's educational attainment exceeds Australian averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 48.1% have university qualifications, compared to the national average of 30.4%. The area has a strong focus on higher education, with bachelor degrees being the most common at 27.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.7%) and graduate diplomas (6.6%). Vocational pathways are also prominent, accounting for 23.9% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, 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 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 45 different routes that collectively facilitate 3,204 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 198 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility in the area. Holder is predominantly residential, with most residents commuting outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 85% of residents, while buses are used by 9%, and cycling by 2%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.9% of Holder's residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 457 trips per day, 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 of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (1,767 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 9.1 and 9.0% of residents respectively. 66.8% of residents declare 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 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (547 people), 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 be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 23.6% of its population born overseas and 16.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Holder is Christianity, comprising 46.0% of the people residing there. However, Hinduism is notably overrepresented, making up 2.5% of Holder's population compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English at 25.8%, Australian at 22.8%, and Irish at 11.0%. Additionally, certain ethnic groups show notable divergences in representation: Polish is overrepresented at 1.1% compared to the regional average of 0.8%, Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and French at 0.7% against a regional average of 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. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented at 7.6% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 12.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.9% to 16.4% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 10.1% to 8.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Holder. Leading this shift, the 45 to 54 group is expected to grow by 14%, reaching 467 people from 411. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 85+ age groups are forecasted to have reduced numbers.