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 was approximately 20,991 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 2,042 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 18,949. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,815 in June 2024 and an additional 306 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,042 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Helensvale's growth rate of 10.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area average (8.8%) and the national average. Interstate migration contributed approximately 49.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Projected demographic shifts indicate a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas by 2041, with Helensvale expected to gain 7,269 persons, recording a total increase of 33.8% over the 17-year period.

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. Between FY2021 and FY2025, around 659 homes were approved, with another 137 approved so far in FY2026. On average, about 3.6 new residents have arrived per dwelling constructed each year over the past five financial years.

This indicates a substantial lag between supply and demand, likely leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are being constructed at an average expected cost of $353,000. In FY2026, around $16.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Helensvale shows about 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 43rd percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes.

New building activity consists of approximately 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% medium to high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points. This shift from the area's current housing composition (81.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 408 people per approval, Helensvale indicates a mature market. Looking ahead, Helensvale is projected to grow by approximately 7,093 residents by 2041. Development appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified 77 potential impact projects. Notable ones are Arundel Springs Estate, Helensvale Discovery Drive Stormwater Upgrade (completed in October 2019), Harbour Cove Mixed-Use Development (commenced in June 2018 and scheduled for completion in December 2021), and Helensvale Business Park (started in April 2020). Below are details of most relevant projects.

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

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Employment conditions in Helensvale demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Helensvale has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 2.7% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.2%. There were 11,461 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was 64.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction showed strong specialization with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had lower representation at 0.2% versus the regional average of 4.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.2%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8%, labour force grow by 2.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May 2025, project 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.

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

AreaSearch data from FY2022 shows Helensvale had a median taxpayer income of $52,601 and an average of $76,062. These figures are higher than national averages of $50,780 and $64,844 for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%, median income is estimated at $59,960 and average at $86,703. Census data from 2021 indicates household income ranks at the 66th percentile ($2,014 weekly) and personal income at the 47th percentile. The majority of residents (33.6%, or 7,052 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to the surrounding region's 31.7%. Housing costs consume 16.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 66th percentile. Helensvale's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Helensvale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 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 average of $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 $2,098 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure 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 at 2.7%. The median household size is 2.8 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld 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 with 23.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the 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 (13.2%) and certificates (25.8%). Educational participation is high at 29.7%, including 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 in the area, which has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1021) with balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision is conventional, split between one primary 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 individual routes, facilitating 4,119 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 356 meters, indicating good transport accessibility.

Service frequency averages 588 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 52 weekly trips per 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 (12,132 people) have 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. 69.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.6% across the rest of Queensland. As of 2021, Helensvale has 16.3% of its residents aged 65 and over (3,417 people), which is higher than the 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 was found to have a higher level of cultural diversity than most other 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, comprising 48.6% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Helensvale compared to the rest of Queensland, with 0.2% of the population identifying as Jewish versus 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three 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 Zealanders make up 1.8% of Helensvale's population compared to 1.9% regionally, Maori comprise 1.5% versus 2.9%, and South Africans account for 0.8% versus 1.0%.

Helensvale's median age exceeds the national pattern

Helensvale has a median age of 40, which is close to the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and exceeds the national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group makes up 14.6% of Helensvale's population, higher than Rest of Qld's figure. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort constitutes 8.4%, lower than Rest of Qld's percentage. Post-2021 Census, the 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 decreased from 15.4% to 13.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Helensvale's age profile. Notably, the 25-34 group is projected to grow by 57%, adding 1,370 people and reaching a total of 3,782 from its current figure of 2,411. The 15-24 group is expected to grow more modestly at 9%, adding just 267 residents.