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 Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Holt statistical area (Lv2) is around 6,274, reflecting an increase of 646 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 11.5% rise from the previous count of 5,628 people. The latest estimated resident population of 6,249, as per AreaSearch's examination of June 2024 ABS ERP data release and validation of additional addresses since the Census date, indicates this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 1,872 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Holt (SA2) has shown significant growth since the 2021 Census, with an 11.5% increase compared to the SA3 area's 2.7% and the state's growth rate. This growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 42.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

Other factors such as natural growth and overseas migration also positively influenced population growth. 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 ACT Government's SA2 area projections are used, also based on 2022. Future population projections indicate a significant increase for the Holt (SA2), with an expected growth of 1,993 persons to reach approximately 8,267 by 2041. This projected increase represents a 31.6% rise over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates Holt averaged approximately 24 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 122 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved in FY-26 to date. Each year, about 9.2 new residents are estimated to arrive per dwelling constructed during this period.

This significant demand outpaces supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties is $327,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $492,000, 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 ranks in the 30th percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

New building activity shows an equal split between detached (50.0%) and attached dwellings (50.0%), providing affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Holt has approximately 561 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. Population forecasts suggest Holt will gain around 1,980 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Holt has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified three projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include 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.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Holt's workforce is well-educated with significant representation from essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.9%.

As of September 2025, 3,277 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.3% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation was lower at 66.3%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Leading employment industries among residents included 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% compared to the regional average of 30.4%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.9% while labour force increased by 1.3%, causing a decrease in unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points. By comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.4%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov showed ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested potential future demand within Holt. These projections estimated national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Holt's employment mix indicated local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not account for 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 Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data 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. This compares to figures for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which have a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. Considering the Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest approximately $66,749 as the median income and $75,451 as the average income 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 the population (2,177 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is similar to the surrounding region where 34.3% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income in Holt, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 65th percentile nationally. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (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

The latest Census evaluation showed that Holt's dwelling structure comprised 59.3% houses and 40.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Holt's home ownership rate 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, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Holt was recorded at $396, compared to the 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 constitute 65.2% of all households, consisting of 27.5% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise 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+, 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 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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 111 different routes that together facilitate 7,201 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located just 184 meters from the nearest transport stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 1,028 trips across all routes, which amounts to approximately 144 weekly trips per individual 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% (~3,417 people) of Holt's total population has private health cover, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 57.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (10.7%) and arthritis (8.8%). 64.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% in the Australian Capital Territory. Holt has 15.4% (966 people) of residents aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors requiring more attention than the broader 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 has 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, making up 43.1% of people there, compared to the region's average. Notably, the category 'Other' comprises 2.1% of Holt's population, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 1.3%.

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

Holt's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Holt's median age is 36 years, close to the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but lower than Australia's average of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Holt has a higher proportion 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 decreased from 9.2% to 6.8%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic changes in Holt, with the strongest projected growth in the 35-44 age group (36%), adding 388 residents to reach a total of 1,480.