Highfields
Statistical Area - sa2

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, as of August 2025, is approximately 16,953 people. This figure represents an increase of 2,371 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,582 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,336 as of June 2024 and an additional 443 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 113 persons per square kilometer. Highfields's growth rate of 16.3% since the 2021 census exceeds both the non-metro area average (8.6%) and the national average, indicating significant population growth in 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Age category splits are applied proportionally using ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Demographic trends forecast a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Highfields expected to grow by 5,147 persons to 2041, representing an overall increase of 26.7% 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 approximately 142 new dwelling approvals per year. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with 710 dwellings approved over the past five financial years, from FY-20 to FY-25, and 32 approvals so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling constructed over these years has accommodated around 2.0 new residents per year. This indicates a balanced supply and demand scenario, maintaining stable market conditions.

The average construction cost value of new properties is approximately $480,000, aligning with broader regional development figures. In FY-26 alone, $92.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating robust local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Queensland, Highfields has 160.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers ample choice. This high level of developer confidence is also evident when compared to national figures, suggesting strong faith in the location's potential. Current building activity shows a dominance of detached dwellings at 99.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 1.0%.

This maintains the area's traditional low density character and appeals to those seeking family homes with space. With around 108 people per dwelling approval, Highfields exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Looking ahead, projections indicate that Highfields is expected to grow by approximately 4,530 residents through to 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Highfields has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 35 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Kilalah Park Estate, The Avenues of Highfields, Central Highfields Masterplan, and Highfields/Kratzke/O'Brien Roads Intersections Upgrade. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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

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

Highfields has a skilled workforce with prominent representation from essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 0.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 13.2% over the past year as of June 2025.

During this period, 9,137 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.1% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. The workforce participation rate in Highfields is 64.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Notably, the area specializes strongly 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 Rest of Qld's 8.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as Census working population vs resident population count suggests. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 13.2% and labour force grew by 12.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points in Highfields. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to Sep-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.23%, losing 8,070 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5% and national employment growth of 0.26%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Highfields's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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 indicates Highfields' median income among taxpayers is $54,063, with an average of $65,421. This places Highfields around the national average, compared to Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. Considering Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $60,394 (median) and $73,082 (average). Census data reveals Highfields' household, family and personal incomes cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 34.8% of Highfields residents (5,899 individuals), similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 31.7%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and indicating the area's SEIFA income ranking is 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 evaluation, 96.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.6% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types of dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 81.4% houses and 18.6% 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 Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Highfields was $408, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. 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%, consisting of 13.5% lone person households and 1.0% group households. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the average for the Rest of Queensland at 2.5 people.

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

The region's educational profile is notable, 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 also common, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.7% and certificates at 26.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.7% in primary, 11.1% in secondary, and 3.7% in tertiary education. Six schools operate within Highfields, educating approximately 3,454 students, and the area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1035). The educational mix includes two primary, one secondary, and three K-12 schools.

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

Public transport analysis conducted in Highfields identified 60 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes. There is 1 individual route servicing these stops, collectively providing 100 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility in Highfields is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 562 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 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' health metrics closely align with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen at standard levels across both young and old age cohorts. The area has approximately 52% private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (~8,883 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.7% and 8.0% of residents respectively. Around 67.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 65.3% in Rest of Qld. About 22.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (3,756 people), higher than the 18.8% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, even better than those of the general 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 was Christianity, comprising 66.5% of the population, compared to 58.8% across Rest of Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups in Highfields were English (30.7%), Australian (27.9%), and Irish (10.0%).

Notably, German was overrepresented at 8.4%, compared to 8.0% regionally, Scottish at 9.4% versus 7.9%, and South African at 0.5% compared to 0.3%.

Highfields hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Highfields is 42 years, close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 and significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. Comparing Highfields with Rest of Qld, the 65-74 age group is notably over-represented at 12.6% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.9%. Since the Census in 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.1% to 7.5% of Highfields' population. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 15.9% to 14.1%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 14.0% to 12.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Highfields, with the 75 to 84 age cohort projected to grow by 845 people (66%), from 1,276 to 2,122. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age group is projected to decline by 21 people.