Holt

Population growth drivers in Holt are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Holt is around 6,291, reflecting an increase of 663 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents an 11.8% growth from the previous population count of 5,628. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of a resident population of 6,249 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with additional validation of 24 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,877 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Holt's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.7%) and the state, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 42.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch projections for Holt are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections with a 2022 base are adopted. Future population projections indicate a significant increase for Holt, with an expected growth of 1,995 persons to reach 8,286 by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 31.2% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Holt when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Holt averaged around 24 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 122 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26. This results in about 9.2 new residents arriving annually per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $327,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $492,000, predominantly reflecting residential focus. Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Holt has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 30th percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

New building activity shows a 50.0% detached dwellings and 50.0% attached dwellings split, favoring compact living which provides affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Holt has around 561 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. Population forecasts estimate Holt will gain 1,965 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Holt has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects potentially affecting this region: Kippax Fair Expansion & Upgrade, The Valley Ponds - Stage 3 & Future Stages, Macgregor Primary School Expansion & Modernisation, and Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara).

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The employment landscape in Holt shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Holt has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.8% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth at 2.9%. As of September 2025, there were 3,279 residents employed, and the unemployment rate was 2.3% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation in Holt was 69.0%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. According to Census responses, 11.0% of residents worked from home. The leading employment industries were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction had notably high representation with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, public administration & safety showed lower representation at 26.6%. Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.9% while labour force grew by 1.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 1.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Holt. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Holt's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Holt has an income level slightly above the national average, according to the latest data from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Holt is $61,092, while the average income stands at $69,056. In comparison, the figures for the Australian Capital Territory are $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on a 9.26% growth in wages since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $66,749 and the average income around $75,451 by September 2025. According to census data, individual earnings in Holt stand at the 82nd percentile nationally, with a weekly income of $1,041. Income distribution shows that 34.7% of Holt's population (2,182 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where 34.3% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income in Holt, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 65th percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Holt displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Holt, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 59.3% houses and 40.7% other dwellings. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership within Holt was 27.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.3% and rented ones at 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Holt was $1,950, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Holt was $396, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Holt's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Holt features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.2% of all households, including 27.5% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for 34.8%, comprising 31.3% lone person households and 3.4% group households. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Holt performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 34.8%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 22.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 31.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (21.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.7% in primary, 6.3% in secondary, and 5.1% in tertiary education.

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

Holt has 50 active public transport stops, all bus services. These stops are served by 111 routes, offering 7,201 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 184 meters from the nearest stop. As a residential area, most commute outward. Car use dominates at 91%, with 6% using buses. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling.

In 2021 Census data (which may reflect COVID-19 conditions), 11.0% of residents worked from home. Service frequency averages 1,028 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 144 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Holt is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows significant health challenges in Holt, according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 54% (~3,426 people) have private health cover, compared to 62.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.7 and 8.8% of residents respectively. 64.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with higher chronic condition rates. Holt has 15.4% (968 people) residents aged 65 and over, higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

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

Holt's cultural diversity surpassed most local markets, with 26.1% of its residents born overseas and 20.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Holt, accounting for 43.1% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 2.1% of Holt's population, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 1.4%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (25.1%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (12.0%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Hungarian residents made up 0.4% of Holt's population compared to 0.3% regionally, Polish residents comprised 1.0% versus the regional average of 0.8%, and Welsh residents constituted 0.7% compared to 0.6%.

Holt's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Holt's median age is 36 years, nearly matching the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Holt has a higher concentration of 35-44 year-olds at 17.7% but fewer 15-24 year-olds at 10.1%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35-44 age group grew from 15.9% to 17.7%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 5.5% to 6.6%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 9.2% to 6.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Holt. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 33%, adding 366 residents to reach a total of 1,480.