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 is approximately 16,962 as of November 2025. This represents an increase of 2,380 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,582. The growth is inferred from the ABS's estimated resident population of 16,336 in June 2024 and an additional 446 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 113 persons per square kilometer. Highfields' growth rate of 16.3% since the 2021 census exceeds the non-metro area average (8.8%) and the national average, indicating significant growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 80.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration 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 or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 and 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 the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. By 2041, a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally is forecast, with Highfields expected to grow by 5,147 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 26.6% 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 averaged approximately 211 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 1059 homes. As of FY-26117 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodated around two new residents per year, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. New properties were constructed at an average expected cost of $312000, lower than regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

This financial year saw $924 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Highfields had 153% more new home approvals per person as of FY-26, providing ample choice for buyers despite a recent slowdown in building activity. Nationally, this activity is above average, indicating strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity comprised predominantly detached dwellings (99%) with townhouses or apartments making up the remainder, maintaining Highfields' traditional low density character focused on family homes. With around 108 people per dwelling approval, Highfields exhibits growth area characteristics.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Highfields is projected to gain 4521 residents by 2041. Current development patterns suggest that new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favourable 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

Area infrastructure changes greatly influence local performance. AreaSearch has identified 35 projects potentially impacting the area. Key projects include The Avenues of Highfields, Central Highfields Masterplan, Highfields/Kratzke/O'Brien Roads Intersections Upgrade, 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. Its unemployment rate is 0.8% and it has seen an estimated employment growth of 4.4% over the past year as of September 2025.

At this time, 8,982 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.2% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Highfields is higher at 64.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. The area has a particularly strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

However, accommodation & food is under-represented, with only 5.7% of Highfields's workforce compared to 8.3% in Rest of Qld. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data analysis. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4% while labour force grew by 4.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, losing 1,210 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment to 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 2022 shows Highfields SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,063 and an average of $65,421. This is roughly in line with national averages. Rest of Qld, meanwhile, had a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Highfields would be approximately $61,626 (median) and $74,573 (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 and $2,999 annually, with this band representing 31.7% of the broader area's population. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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

The dwelling structure in Highfields, as per the latest Census data, consists of 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highfields stands at 41.7%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (43.4%) or rented (14.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Highfields is $1,900, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Highfields is recorded at $408, which exceeds both Non-Metro Qld's figure of $310 and the national average 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 1.0%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is 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%, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common 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 (12.7%) and certificates (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 very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Highfields has 60 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. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents located an average of 562 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Highfields's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Highfields's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a standard level. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~8,888 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.7% of residents) and asthma (8.0%). A majority, 67.9%, report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 65.3% across Rest of Qld. In Highfields, 22.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (3,758 people), higher than the 18.8% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors in Highfields exceed average levels, outperforming even the general population in health metrics.

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

Highfields, surveyed in 2016, had a predominantly Australian-born population with 88.7% born there. Citizenship was high at 93.6%, with English spoken exclusively at home by 96.3%. Christianity dominated religiously, practiced by 66.5%, slightly higher than the regional average of 58.8%.

Ancestral origins showed English at 30.7%, Australian at 27.9%, and Irish at 10.0%. Notable differences included German ancestry at 8.4% compared to 8.0% regionally, Scottish at 9.4% versus 7.9%, and South African at 0.5% against 0.3%.

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 Australia's median of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Highfields has a notably higher percentage of the 65-74 age cohort (12.6% vs. locally) and a lower percentage of 25-34 year-olds (8.9%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.1% to 7.5%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 15.9% to 14.1%. The 45 to 54 age group has also decreased from 14.0% to 12.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Highfields, with the 75 to 84 cohort projected to grow by 66% (from 1,277 to 2,122 people), while the 15 to 24 age group is expected to decline by 22 people.