Helensvale
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Helensvale's population is around 20,943 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,994 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,949 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,815 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 289 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,040 persons per square kilometer. Helensvale's growth of 10.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area average of 8.6%. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 49.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied where utilised. Considering projected demographic shifts, Helensvale is forecast to increase by 7,269 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of 34.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Helensvale among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Helensvale has seen approximately 131 new homes approved annually. Development approval data by the ABS is on a financial year basis, with 659 approvals over the past five years from FY21 to FY25, and 124 so far in FY26. Each year, around 3.6 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed during these five years. This lagging supply indicates heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new homes being built at an average cost of $760,000, targeting the premium market segment.

In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $16.4 million, showing steady investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Helensvale has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 43rd percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer choices and supporting demand for existing dwellings. New building activity consists of 57% detached houses and 43% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options across price brackets. This marks a shift from the current 81% house dominance, indicating diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

With around 408 people per dwelling approval, Helensvale shows a developed market. Future projections estimate Helensvale adding 7,141 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace, though buyers may face heightened competition as the population grows.

Helensvale has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 79 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Arundel Springs Estate, Helensvale Discovery Drive Stormwater Upgrade (commencing July 2021), Harbour Cove Mixed-Use Development (scheduled for completion in late 2022), and Helensvale Business Park (expected to finish in mid-2023). Below is a list of projects likely most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis places Helensvale well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Helensvale has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 2.7%.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 2.2%. In June 2025, 11,461 residents are in work, with an unemployment rate 1.2% lower than Rest of Qld's 3.9%. Workforce participation is high at 64.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction has a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.2% of Helensvale's workforce compared to 4.5% in Rest of Qld. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.2%, labour force by 2.1%, reducing unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.8% and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.23%, losing 8,070 jobs, with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. National unemployment is 4.5% with national employment growth at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Helensvale's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Income data from AreaSearch for financial year 2022 shows Helensvale's median income was $52,601 and average income was $76,062. This is higher than the Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. As of March 2025, estimated median income is approximately $58,761 and average income is around $84,969, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, Helensvale's household income rank is at the 66th percentile ($2,014 weekly) and personal income rank is at the 47th percentile. The earnings profile indicates that 33.6% of locals (7,036 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 per week, similar to the regional pattern where 31.7% fall within this range. Helensvale residents allocate 16.4% of their income towards housing costs, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 66th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Helensvale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Helensvale's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 80.5% houses and 19.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Helensvale stood at 32.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.0% and rented ones at 19.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,098, higher than Non-Metro Qld's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Helensvale was $495, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Helensvale's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national average of $375.

Helensvale features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 80.5% of all households, including 40.1% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 19.5%, with lone person households at 16.9% and group households making up 2.7%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Queensland average of 2.9.

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

Educational qualifications in Helensvale trail regional benchmarks; 23.7% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials; advanced diplomas account for 13.2% and certificates for 25.8%. Educational participation is high; 29.7% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes secondary education (9.5%), primary education (9.4%), and tertiary education (4.8%). Helensvale State High School and Helensvale State School serve a total of 2,909 students. The schools demonstrate typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities; their ICSEA score is 1021. Educational provision follows conventional lines, consisting of one primary institution and one secondary institution.

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

Helensvale has 78 active public transport stops offering a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are served by 32 different routes, collectively facilitating 4,119 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 356 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 588 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 52 weekly trips per individual stop.

Helensvale's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Helensvale's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with common health conditions among its general population being somewhat typical but higher than the national average for older cohorts. Approximately 58% of Helensvale's total population (12,105 people) has private health cover, compared to 52.3% across the rest of Queensland.

The most common medical conditions in Helensvale are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.1 and 7.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 69.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.6% across the rest of Queensland. Helensvale has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 16.3% (3,409 people) compared to 12.0% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for the broader population.

Helensvale 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

Helensvale has a higher level of cultural diversity than most local markets, with 14.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 34.1% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Helensvale, making up 48.6% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Helensvale compared to the rest of Queensland, comprising 0.2% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (31.2%), Australian (22.8%), and Other (7.7%). There are also significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: New Zealand is overrepresented at 1.8% compared to the regional average of 1.9%, Maori at 1.5% versus 2.9%, and South African at 0.8% compared to 1.0%.

Helensvale's median age exceeds the national pattern

Helensvale's median age is 40 years, slightly higher than the national average of 38 but close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41. The 15-24 age group makes up 14.6% of Helensvale's population, higher than Rest of Qld's percentage. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 8.4%. According to the 2021 Census, Helensvale's 15-24 age group grew from 13.2% to 14.6%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 13.0% to 14.2%. However, the 45-54 cohort declined from 15.4% to 13.9%. By 2041, Helensvale's age profile is expected to change significantly, with the 25-34 group projected to grow by 57%, reaching 3,782 residents from its current figure of 2,406. The 15-24 group is expected to grow more modestly, adding only 274 residents.