Highfields

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

Highfields' population, as of February 2026, is approximately 17,252. This figure represents an increase of 2,670 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,582. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,336 in June 2024 and an additional 542 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 115 persons per square kilometer. Highfields' population growth rate of 18.3% since the 2021 census exceeds that of the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, indicating significant growth for the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 80.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 and based on 2021 data are adopted. 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 using a base year of 2022. Looking ahead, significant population increases in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally are forecasted, with Highfields expected to grow by 5,147 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 24.5% over this period.

The level of residential development activity in Highfields was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Highfields has averaged approximately 211 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 1,059 homes. As of FY-26133 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of two new residents per year per dwelling constructed was observed between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic in the market, with stable conditions for property buyers.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $312,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY-26 alone, commercial development approvals totalled $92.4 million, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Highfields has 153.0% more new home approvals per person, which should provide buyers with ample choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This activity is well above average nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the area.

The majority of new building activity consists of detached dwellings (99.0%), with townhouses or apartments making up only 1.0%, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. With approximately 108 people per dwelling approval, Highfields exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Highfields is projected to gain 4,231 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Highfields has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 35 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Central Highfields Masterplan, Highfields/Kratzke/O'Brien Roads Intersections Upgrade, The Avenues of Highfields, and GemLife Highfields Heights. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Highfields performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Highfields has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 0.8% and there has been an estimated employment growth of 4.4% over the past year as of September 2025. There are 8,982 residents currently employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is at 67.9%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 11.4% of residents work from home. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Highfields shows strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

However, accommodation & food services is under-represented, with only 5.7% of Highfields's workforce compared to 8.3% in Rest of Qld. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4%, while the labour force grew by 4.2%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Highfields's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Highfields SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $56,073 and an average of $66,953. This places Highfields' incomes around national averages, with Rest of Qld having a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Highfields would be approximately $61,630 (median) and $73,588 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates that incomes in Highfields cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that 34.8% of individuals in Highfields earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, which aligns with the broader area where this cohort represents 31.7%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and indicating that Highfields' SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

In Highfields, as per the latest Census, 96.4% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 3.6% being semi-detached, apartments or other types. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highfields stood at 41.7%, with mortgaged properties at 43.4% and rented ones at 14.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,900, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Highfields was $408, lower than Non-Metro Qld's figure of $375. Nationally, Highfields' mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863 and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Highfields features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 85.5% of all households, including 40.1% couples with children, 37.8% couples without children, and 7.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 14.5%, with lone person households at 13.5% and group households comprising 1%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Highfields exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 26.2% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.7% and certificates for 26.3%.

Educational participation is high at 31.3%, including primary education (11.7%), secondary education (11.1%), and tertiary education (3.7%).

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

Highfields has 78 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route in total, offering 100 weekly passenger trips combined. The area's transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents located an average of 509 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature, with cars being the dominant mode at 95%. On average, there are 2.0 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 11.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 14 trips per day, resulting in approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Highfields's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Highfields, as per AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with younger cohorts particularly experiencing low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 52% (~8,988 people) have private health cover, slightly below the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.7%) and asthma (8.0%). 67.9% declare no medical ailments, comparable to Rest of Qld's 67.6%. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. Highfields has 23.0% (3,964 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Rest of Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes are above average but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Highfields is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Highfields has a cultural diversity below average, with 88.7% of its population born in Australia, 93.6% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Highfields, comprising 66.5% of people, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups in Highfields are English (30.7%), Australian (27.9%), and Irish (10.0%).

Notably, German is overrepresented at 8.4%, compared to the regional average of 4.7%. Similarly, Scottish representation stands at 9.4% versus the regional average of 7.8%. South African representation is equal to the regional average at 0.5%.

Highfields's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Highfields is 42 years, close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 and well above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 65-74 age group is notably over-represented at 12.9% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.1%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.1% to 7.8%, and the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 11.8% to 12.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 15.9% to 13.5%, and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 14.0% to 12.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Highfields, with the 75 to 84 age cohort projected to grow significantly by 767 people (57%) from 1,354 to 2,122. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 age group is projected to decline by 44 people.