Holt

Holt lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Holt is around 6,136, reflecting a growth of 508 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for the suburb, validated by AreaSearch in June 2024, was 6,132. This increase represents a density ratio of 1,831 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Holt's population growth since the Census, at 9.0%, exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.4%) and the state, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 42.0% to this growth during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors. According to ABS/Geoscience Australia projections adopted by AreaSearch, Holt's population is expected to increase significantly, with an expected growth of 1,703 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 29.8% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 1,703 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting reflecting an increase of 29.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Holt shows an average of around 22 new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 111 homes were approved, with none so far recorded in FY-26. This results in an estimated 10.1 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The demand for housing significantly exceeds new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $327,000. In FY-26, $83,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential nature.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Holt has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 33rd percentile nationally, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. New building activity consists of approximately 57% detached dwellings and 43% attached dwellings, offering a range of medium-density options across various price brackets. Holt's population growth is estimated to reach 1,828 residents by 2041, potentially outpacing current development rates and heightening buyer competition while supporting price increases.

Holt has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Three projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly: Kippax Fair Expansion & Upgrade, The Valley Ponds - Stage 3 & Future Stages, and Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara). Additionally, Macgregor Primary School Expansion & Modernisation is also a key project.

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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 notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.7% as of June 2024, with estimated employment growth of 3.2% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of June 2025, 3,239 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 5.7%, which was 2.3% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation in Holt was 66.3%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. Leading employment industries among residents included public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area showed a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, public administration & safety had lower representation at 26.6% versus the regional average of 30.4%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.2%, while labour force increased by 1.4%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Holt's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Holt's median income among taxpayers was $61,092 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $69,056 during the same period. This compares to figures for Australian Capital Territory which were $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $69,401 (median) and $78,448 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals individual earnings stood out at the 82nd percentile nationally with a weekly income of $1,041. Distribution data shows that 34.7% of Holt's population (2,129 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the surrounding region where 34.3% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 65th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Holt displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Holt, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 59.3% houses and 40.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Holt was 27.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.3% and rented dwellings at 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Holt was $396, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $430. 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 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 account for the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households making up 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 the most common at 22.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 31.7% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 21.1%. Educational participation is high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.7% in primary, 6.3% in secondary, and 5.1% in tertiary education. The area has two schools, Kingsford Smith School and Cranleigh School, serving a total of 887 students. These schools provide typical Australian educational conditions (ICSEA: 1015) with balanced opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary school and one K-12 school.

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

Transport analysis shows 50 active stops operating in Holt, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 9 individual routes, offering a total of 1,959 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 184 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 279 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Holt is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Holt faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across all age groups, but slightly higher among older cohorts. Approximately 54% (~3,342 people) of Holt's population has private health cover, compared to 57.1% 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. About 64.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across the Australian Capital Territory. Holt has 15.4% (944 people) of its population aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in the broader population.

Holt was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Holt's population, as of the 2016 Census, comprised 26.1% born overseas and 20.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Holt, with 43.1%. The category 'Other' religions showed an overrepresentation in Holt at 2.1%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 1.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (25.1%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (12.0%). Notable divergences existed for Hungarian (0.4% vs regional 0.3%), Polish (1.0% vs regional 0.8%), and Welsh (0.7% vs regional 0.6%) ancestry groups.

Holt's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Holt's median age is nearly 36 years, closely matching the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but younger than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Holt has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (17.4%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.3%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 15.9% to 17.4%, while the 75-84 cohort has grown from 5.5% to 6.7%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 9.2% to 6.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Holt, with the 35-44 age group projected to grow by 34%, adding 362 residents to reach a total of 1,430.