Highgate Hill

Highgate Hill has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Highgate Hill's population is around 7,230 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 858 people (13.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,372 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,207 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 5,975 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Highgate Hill's 13.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected, with the area expected to grow by 1,870 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 25.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Highgate Hill when compared nationally

Highgate Hill has averaged around 19 new dwelling approvals annually, with 96 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 14 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 5.2 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $580,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $80,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

When measured against Greater Brisbane, Highgate Hill shows substantially reduced construction (81.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New building activity shows 24.0% detached dwellings and 76.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 39.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 511 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area.

Future projections show Highgate Hill adding 1,847 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Highgate Hill has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 17 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Hampstead & Jones, Highgate Hill Terraces, University of Queensland Paralympic Centre of Excellence, and Queen's Wharf Brisbane, 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.

The labour market performance in Highgate Hill lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Highgate Hill possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation and an unemployment rate of 7.8%. As of December 2025, 4,454 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 3.7% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is fairly standard (74.8% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 27.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. On the other hand, construction is under-represented, with only 4.9% of Highgate Hill's workforce compared to 9.0% in Greater Brisbane. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.4% combined with employment decreasing by 0.7%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 1.9 percentage points. This compares to Greater Brisbane, where employment grew by 3.2%, labour force expanded by 3.0%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Highgate Hill. 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 Highgate Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Highgate Hill SA2's median income among taxpayers is $49,801, with an average of $72,071. This is above the national average, and compares to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,736 (median) and $79,213 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Highgate Hill cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 28.8% of residents (2,082 people), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 33.3%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 31.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 16.8% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 60th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Highgate Hill features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Highgate Hill, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 39.0% houses and 61.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Highgate Hill was slightly lagging that of Brisbane metro, at 25.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (23.8%) or rented (51.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Brisbane metro average at $2,383, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Highgate Hill's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

Highgate Hill features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 57.2% of all households, comprising 22.6% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 42.8%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households comprising 11.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Highgate Hill significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 55.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in QLD and 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 32.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Vocational pathways account for 19.3% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (10.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.5% in tertiary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 6.6% pursuing primary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 21 active transport stops operating within Highgate Hill, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 821 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 122 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 59%, with 13% walking and 12% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 27.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 117 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

Highgate Hill's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Highgate Hill, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population (~3,969 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.3 and 7.2% of residents, respectively, while 73.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 12.2% of residents aged 65 and over (882 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Highgate Hill was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Highgate Hill is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 26.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 35.1% born overseas. The main religion in Highgate Hill is Christianity, which makes up 33.4% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 4.8% of the population, compared to 2.0% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Highgate Hill are English, comprising 21.5% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.8%, Australian, comprising 17.5% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 23.2%, and Other, comprising 11.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Greek is notably overrepresented at 4.9% of Highgate Hill (vs 0.6% regionally), French at 0.9% (vs 0.5%) and Vietnamese at 2.1% (vs 0.8%).

Highgate Hill's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 37 years, Highgate Hill's median age nearly matches the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and is very close to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Highgate Hill has a higher concentration of 15 - 24 residents (18.8%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (8.3%). This 15 - 24 concentration is well above the national 12.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 15.8% to 18.8% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.0% to 8.3% and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 14.5% to 12.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Highgate Hill's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 41%, adding 430 residents to reach 1,485. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort grows by a modest 7% (10 people).