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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Holt is around 6,414, reflecting a 786 person increase since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 14.0% rise from the previous population count of 5,628 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 6,365 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2025 and an additional 24 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,914 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Holt's population growth of 14.0% since the 2021 census surpassed both the SA3 area (4.2%) and the state, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 42.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are adopted, using 2022 as a base. Looking ahead, significant population growth is forecast for Holt, with an expected increase of 1,705 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 25.8% over the 16-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Holt averaged around 24 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 122 homes were approved, with another 8 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of 9.1 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

Demand significantly exceeds new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $327,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. This financial year has seen $492,000 in commercial approvals registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Holt has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 30th percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

Building activity shows an equal split between detached and attached dwellings, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers due to affordable entry pathways. Holt has around 560 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. Population forecasts estimate Holt will gain 1,656 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Holt has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Three projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area: Kippax Fair Expansion and Redevelopment, The Valley Ponds - Stage 3 & Future Stages, Macgregor Primary School Expansion & Modernisation, and Ginninderry Estate - Strathnairn & Macnamara (Stages 1-7+).

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Holt recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Holt's workforce is well-educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.9% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.1%.

Holt's unemployment rate was 2.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation was lower at 67.8% compared to the ACT's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 11.0% of residents worked from home in December 2025. Leading employment industries were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area had a notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, public administration & safety showed lower representation at 26.6% versus the regional average of 30.4%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 2.1%, while labour force increased by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.9 percentage points. By comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.9%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Holt. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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, based on 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, with an average income of $69,056. In comparison, the figures for the Australian Capital Territory are $72,206 (median) and $85,981 (average). Considering a 10.44% growth in wages since financial year 2023, as indicated by the Wage Price Index, current estimates suggest approximately $67,470 for median income and $76,265 for average income by March 2026. According to census data, individual earnings in Holt stand at the 82nd percentile nationally, with weekly earnings of $1,041. Income distribution shows that 34.7% of Holt's population (2,225 individuals) falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is similar to the surrounding region where 34.3% of residents are in this bracket. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income in Holt. Despite this, 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

In Holt, as per the latest Census evaluation, 59.3% of dwellings were houses while 40.7% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This differs slightly from the Australian Capital Territory's distribution of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Holt's home ownership rate was 27.9%, mirroring that of the Australian Capital Territory. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (44.3%) or rented (27.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Holt was $1,950, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Holt stood at $396, compared to $450 in the Australian Capital Territory. Nationally, Holt's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375 by $21.

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

Family households comprise 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 constitute the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 3.4%. 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%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 31.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 10.6% and certificates for 21.1%. Educational participation is high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.7% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 5.1% pursuing 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 serving buses. These stops are connected by 111 routes that facilitate 7,201 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop is 184 meters. Most residents commute outward daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 91%, with buses used by 6%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 11% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 1,028 trips daily across all routes, resulting in 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 indicates significant health challenges in Holt, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively high at approximately 54% of the total population (around 3,493 people), 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. Conversely, 64.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in the Australian Capital Territory. The working-age population faces substantial health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. Holt has 15.3% of residents aged 65 and over (981 people), higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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 was found to have a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 26.1% of its population born overseas and 20.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Holt, accounting for 43.1% of the population. However, the most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, which makes up 2.1% of Holt's population compared to 1.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (25.1%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (12.0%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.4% compared to the regional average of 0.3%, Polish at 1.0% versus 0.8%, and Welsh at 0.7% compared to 0.6%.

Holt's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Holt's median age is nearly 36 years, close to the Australian Capital Territory average of 35, but younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Holt has a higher percentage of 35-44 year-olds (17.9%), but fewer 15-24 year-olds (10.5%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 35-44 age group has grown from 15.9% to 17.9%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 5.5% to 6.8%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 9.2% to 6.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Holt. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 28%, adding 324 residents to reach a total of 1,473.