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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Highfields's population is around 17,252 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,670 people (18.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,582 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,336 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 542 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 115 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Highfields's 18.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 80.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 5,147 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 24.5% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 211 new dwelling approvals per year, totalling 1,059 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26183 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $312,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $92.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating 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, though building activity has slowed in recent years. This activity is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity shows 99.0% detached dwellings and 1.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 108 people per dwelling approval, Highfields shows characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Highfields will gain 4,231 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 35 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Central Highfields Masterplan, the Highfields/Kratzke/O'Brien Roads Intersections Upgrade, The Avenues of Highfields, and GemLife Highfields Heights, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 1.0%. As of December 2025, 8,699 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.0% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 11.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. The area shows particularly strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. On the other hand, accommodation & food is under-represented, with only 5.7% of Highfields's workforce compared to 8.3% in Regional Qld. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.3% while employment declined by 4.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Highfields. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Highfields's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Highfields SA2's median income among taxpayers is $56,073, with an average of $66,953. This is approximately average nationally, and compares to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $61,630 (median) and $73,588 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Highfields cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 34.8% of the community (6,003 individuals), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's 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

Dwelling structure within Highfields, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Highfields was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 41.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (43.4%) or rented (14.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Qld average at $1,900, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $408, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Highfields's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 85.5% of all households, comprising 40.1% couples with children, 37.8% couples without children, and 7.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 14.5%, with lone person households at 13.5% and group households comprising 1.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Regional 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 stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (26.2% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%, reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (26.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary education, 11.1% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 78 active transport stops operating within Highfields, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 100 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 509 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 11.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 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 demonstrates outstanding results across Highfields, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Younger cohorts in particular see very low prevalence of common health conditions, while the rate of private health cover slightly lags the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~8,988 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.7% and 8.0% of residents, respectively, while 67.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 23.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,964 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though they rank lower nationally than 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.7% of its population born in Australia, 93.6% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Highfields is Christianity, which makes up 66.5% of people in Highfields, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Highfields are English, comprising 30.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.9% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 8.4% of Highfields (vs 4.7% regionally), Scottish at 9.4% (vs 7.8%) and South Australian at 0.5% (vs 0.5%).

Highfields's median age exceeds the national pattern

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