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's population is around 17,007 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,425 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,582 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,630 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 604 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 113 persons per square kilometer. Highfields's 16.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (9.2%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 77.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilised. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas is forecast. The area is expected to grow by 4,931 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 26.8% in total over the 16 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 between FY-21 and FY-25. A total of 1,059 homes were approved during these years, with an additional 258 approved in FY-26. On average, each new home attracted around 2 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, with stable market conditions. The average construction value of new properties was $312,000, lower than the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $92.4 million, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Highfields had 150.0% more new home approvals per person as of recent years, offering ample choice for buyers despite a slowdown in building activity. This activity is notably higher than the national average, indicating strong developer confidence in the area.

New building activity comprised 99.0% detached dwellings and 1.0% townhouses or apartments, 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, the population is projected to grow by 4,554 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Highfields has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 35 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones 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 likely to be 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. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.0%. In this month, 8,699 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.0% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Highfields matches Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 11.4% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. The area has a strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

However, accommodation & food services are under-represented, at 5.7% compared to Regional Qld's 8.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Highfields' labour force decreased by 4.3%, 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 in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Highfields. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Highfields' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. Highfields SA2 had a median income of $56,073 and an average income of $66,953 among taxpayers. Nationally, the median was approximately $54,188 and the average was around $72,656. In Regional Qld, the median was $53,146 and the average was $66,593. By March 2026, with an assumed Wage Price Index growth of 11.36%, Highfields' median income is estimated to be around $62,443 and the average around $74,559. Census data shows that incomes in Highfields cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. The earnings band of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 34.8% of the community (5,918 individuals), similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 31.7%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of their income, indicating 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, consisted of 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Queensland's regional average was 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highfields stood at 41.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.4% and rented ones at 14.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,900, higher than the Regional Queensland average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Highfields was $408, compared to Regional Queensland's $375. Nationally, Highfields' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than 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 1.0%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Regional Queensland 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 of 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 comprise 12.7% and certificates make up 26.3%.

Educational participation is 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

Highfields has 78 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a single route that collectively provides 100 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 509 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Highfields being primarily residential. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, equating to 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.

Younger cohorts particularly have very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is present at approximately 52% of the total population (~8,860 people), slightly lower 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, comparable to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Health outcomes for the working-age population are generally typical. Highfields has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.7% (4,027 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. While health outcomes among seniors are above average, they rank lower nationally than those of 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 have 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. The dominant religion in Highfields is Christianity, comprising 66.5% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (30.7%), Australian (27.9%), and Irish (10.0%).

Notably, German ethnicity is overrepresented in Highfields at 8.4%, compared to 4.7% regionally, Scottish at 9.4% versus 7.8%, and South Australian remains at 0.5%.

Highfields's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Highfields is 42 years, close to Regional Queensland's average of 41 and well above Australia's median age of 38. The 65-74 age group is notably over-represented in Highfields at 13.1%, compared to the Regional Queensland average. Conversely, the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.8%. Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 6.1% to 8.3%, while the 65-74 age group increased from 11.8% to 13.1%. During this period, the 5-14 age group declined from 15.9% to 13.4%, and the 45-54 age group dropped from 14.0% to 12.7%. Population forecasts for Highfields in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 830 people, increasing from 1,404 to 2,235. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group is projected to decline by 13 people.