Harrison (ACT)

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According to ABS population updates for the wider region and new address checks by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Harrison has an estimated population of 8,023 as of May 2026. This indicates a decline of 221 individuals (2.7%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 8,244 residents. The shift is calculated from the resident population of 8,023, calculated by Districts using the most recent ABS ERP figures (June 2025) and validated addresses since the Census. With this population level, the density ratio stands at 2,747 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Harrison in the top quartile of countrywide areas evaluated by Districts. Overseas migration drove the majority of the demographic growth in recent times, accounting for roughly 66.0% of total gains.

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The local workforce is characterized by high levels of education and a strong representation in essential service industries, with an unemployment rate of only 2.4% and an estimated employment expansion of 0.7% over the past year, according to Districts aggregated statistics. In March 2026, working residents numbered 5,139, representing an unemployment rate 1.6% below the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, while workforce participation was exceptionally high at 83.1% compared to 70.8% across the broader territory. Census figures show that a modest 11.8% of the workforce worked from home, though this data may have been affected by pandemic-era lockdowns.

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The most recent postcode-level ATO statistics from financial year 2023 show that local incomes are significantly higher than the national average, with a median of $67,228 and an average of $76,926. This compares to an Australian Capital Territory median of $72,206 and an average of $85,981. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimated figures would be roughly $74,247 for the median and $84,957 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes all rank in the upper tier nationally, placing between the 91st and 93rd percentiles. Income distribution is dominated by the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket, which accounts for 35.8% of residents ( people), matching the wider region where this bracket accounts for . High earners are highly visible, with of residents receiving more than per week, reflecting significant local spending power. Residential costs absorb of income, yet strong earnings keep disposable income in the nd percentile nationally, and the local SEIFA income score falls into the th decile.

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According to the latest Census, residential properties in Harrison consisted of 55.4% separate houses and 44.7% alternative housing options like townhouses, flats, and other dwellings, compared to 63.3% houses and 36.7% alternative dwellings across the Australian Capital Territory. The rate of full home ownership was below the territory average at 10.7%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (42.8%) or rented (46.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment was lower than the territory average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent was equal at $450, compared to Australian Capital Territory figures of $2,080 and $450. By comparison, local mortgage payments exceed the national average of $1,863, and weekly rents are considerably higher than the Australian median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of local households at 74.7%, which includes couples with children at 41.7%, couples without children at 23.0%, and single-parent households at 9.0%. Non-family households represent the remaining 25.3%, with single-person homes accounting for 18.8% and share houses making up 6.2%. The median household occupancy of 2.9 individuals is higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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Academic credentials in Harrison are much higher than national and regional figures, with 51.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a tertiary degree, compared to 30.4% across Australia and 46.3% in the SA3 region. This high concentration of degrees positions the area well for professional and technical roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 27.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 20.9% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Vocational training is held by 22.7% of the population aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 11.9%.

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Analysis of the local transit network shows 21 active public transport stops in Harrison, combining light rail services and bus routes. These stops are served by 25 different routes, which support 2,074 passenger journeys every week. Transit access is good, with residents living an average of 236 meters from the nearest stop. Because Harrison is mostly residential, many workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary transport method at 79%, followed by buses at 7%. Households own an average of 1.4 vehicles. A low 11.8% of the population worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which was potentially influenced by pandemic conditions.

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Local health data shows excellent results, based on mortality figures and the occurrence of chronic illnesses, with very low rates of common medical issues across all demographic brackets, and a high rate of private health insurance coverage representing approximately 58% of the population (~4,619 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

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Harrison exhibits high cultural diversity, with 42.6% of residents born outside Australia and 44.1% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religion, representing 34.2% of the population. However, Hinduism shows the most significant variation from regional norms, accounting for 11.3% of local residents, which is well above the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%.

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The median age of 32 years makes Harrison slightly younger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and significantly younger than the national median of 38. Compared to the territory, Harrison has a higher proportion of residents aged 35 - 44 (19.3%) but fewer residents aged 65 - 74 (3.2%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 55 to 64 cohort grew from 5.8% to 7.2% of the population, and the 45 to 54 group rose from 13.0% to 14.3%. In contrast, the 25 to 34 age bracket fell from 21.1% to 19.3%, and the to cohort declined from to . Projections indicate the local age profile will change by . The to age bracket is expected to rise by individuals (), moving from to . Combined cohorts aged + are projected to represent of total population growth, showing an aging trend. Conversely, the cohorts aged to and to are expected to decline in number.

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Harrison currently has an estimated 473 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 284 children aged 0-2 and 190 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 17% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 19% by 2041 (to approximately 385 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 966. Birth rates in the area have averaged 12.9 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.