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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Highgate Hill has an estimated 7,353 residents, up from 6,372 at the 2021 Census — a change of 981 people, or 15.4%. Growth has averaged 1.9% a year over five years, faster than 84% of areas nationally. Overseas migration accounts for 100.0% of that increase. That puts 6,077 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Demographic assessment from AreaSearch places the population of Highgate Hill at approximately 7,353 as of Aug 2026. Relative to the 6,372 residents recorded in the 2021 Census, this indicates an expansion of 981 people (15.4%). The estimate draws on June 2025 ABS figures showing an estimated resident population of 7,335 alongside 46 validated new addresses registered following the Census. This headcount translates to 6,076 persons per square kilometer, positioning the suburb within the top 10% of nationally evaluated territories for density and highlighting the intense competition for local land. With its 15.4% expansion rate since the 2021 census outstripping the 9.5% national benchmark and state figures, Highgate Hill stands out as a regional growth frontrunner.
Recent demographic expansion has been driven almost exclusively by net overseas migration. Projections for each SA2 territory rely on ABS/Geoscience Australia models published in 2024 using 2022 as the base point. In instances where locations lack coverage or for timelines beyond 2032, figures incorporate Queensland State Government SA2 forecasts from 2023 based on 2021 inputs. Because these state forecasts omit age distribution breakdowns, AreaSearch applies age-cohort growth weightings aligned with the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (utilising 2022 data). Demographic trajectories point to expansion outperforming median levels across comparable statistical areas, with expectations of adding 1,591 persons to 2041 under latest annual ERP figures, marking a 21.4% overall rise across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
102 new dwellings have been approved in Highgate Hill over the past five years, an average of 20 a year. That places the area in the 51st percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 3 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 21 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 29% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building authorisations in Highgate Hill have tracked at roughly 20 new homes annually, totalling 102 homes approved across the preceding 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26). Demand continues to outpace new supply by a wide margin, registering an average intake of 6.6 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), a dynamic that generally fuels competition and property values. Meanwhile, an average build cost of $739,000 indicates that builders are catering to the upper tier of the residential market.
Emphasising the predominantly domestic character of the neighbourhood, approvals for commercial development reached only $80,000 this financial year. Per-capita building activity in Highgate Hill sits notably below the regional standard, lagging Greater Brisbane by 81.0%. Such suppressed construction volumes typically bolster demand and support valuations across established housing stock. This subdued activity is also below national benchmarks, signalling local planning limitations and an established urban footprint. Attached housing represents 71.0% of recent residential building alongside 29.0% detached houses. A pipeline oriented toward medium and high density offers entry points for downsizers, first-time purchasers, and investors. Reflecting an advanced stage of urban development, the locality records roughly 553 people per dwelling approval. According to the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch, Highgate Hill is on track to gain 1,573 residents by 2041. If prevailing construction speeds persist, the delivery of new dwellings could fall short of demographic growth, creating tighter market conditions for purchasers and sustaining price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Highgate Hill
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 3 current infrastructure and development projects inside Highgate Hill, worth an estimated $162 million. A further 197 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $386.5 billion. 70 are already under construction and 100 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Capital investments, planning initiatives, and civic works serve as major catalysts for local real estate performance. AreaSearch has catalogued 19 projects expected to shape the local environment. Prominent developments include Flourish Symphony, Lucia (formerly Kiome), Hampstead & Jones, and Highgate Hill Terraces, with further details on relevant works outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Hampstead & Jones
An exclusive boutique collection of 8 luxury full-floor residences designed by Bureau Proberts, positioned on one of Highgate Hill's most prestigious ridgelines with panoramic views. Developed by Turrisi Properties, the project offers a rare opportunity for full-floor living in inner Brisbane.
Lucia (formerly Kiome)
Lucia is a boutique riverfront development in Highgate Hill featuring eight luxurious, house-sized residences. Developed and built by McNab, the project emphasizes biophilic design and provides 180-degree river views, a private residents pool, and a sauna. Construction is currently underway and the building has topped out, with completion anticipated for August 2026.
West Village
West Village is a $1.3 billion award-winning urban village located on 2.6 hectares in West End, Brisbane. The precinct features the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Peters Ice Cream factory, 14,000sqm of retail space anchored by a full-line Woolworths, 20,000sqm of commercial office space, and significant public open space including Mollison Green. While many stages are complete, the final residential phase, Callista on Park, is currently under construction and scheduled for completion in late 2027.The project holds a 6-Star Green Star Communities rating.
Princess Alexandra Hospital Expansion
The $761 million Princess Alexandra Hospital Expansion delivers substantial acute care capacity through the construction of a multi-storey vertical Clinical Services Building directly above the hospital's operating Emergency Department. Delivered by Queensland Health and Metro South Health with managing contractor John Holland, the facility adds 249 beds including 30 intensive care beds and 13 cancer care bays. The project has reached structural topping out and is advancing internal clinical fit-outs toward completion in 2027.
Cross River Rail - Woolloongabba Station
A landmark underground rail station featuring two 220-metre platforms located 27 metres below ground. As of May 2026, the project is in the advanced stages of construction with precinct-wide urban realm works, including tiling, landscaping, and signage installation, nearing completion. Internal fit-out, mechanical, and electrical services installation are ongoing alongside testing and commissioning of critical systems like tunnel ventilation. The station is a key component of the 10.2 km Cross River Rail link and will serve as a primary transport hub for the 2032 Olympic precinct and The Gabba stadium.
Callista on Park - West Village Final Stage
Callista on Park is the final 14-storey residential stage of the West Village master-planned community in Brisbane's West End. It features 96 luxury 2-4 bedroom residences designed by Rothelowman, emphasizing indoor-outdoor living and heritage integration with views of the Peters Ice Cream Factory. Amenities include a rooftop oasis with pool, spa, dining, and residents lounge, with residents set to move in from Q2 2027.
The Wesley Hospital Expansion (Chasely Street Health Hub)
A $250 million major campus expansion featuring a 10-storey health precinct and accommodation tower. Delivered by Hutchinson Builders for UnitingCare Queensland, the project includes Brisbane's largest private comprehensive cancer centre, day surgery operating theatres, radiology, and 200 basement car parks.
Bank And Mollison
A mixed-use build-to-rent development featuring 103 apartments across a collection of three tiered towerettes ranging from 10 to 18 storeys. The project includes a 700 sq m publicly accessible landscaped ground plane, retail, commercial, and community spaces. Resident amenities include a pool, gym, wellness lawn, steam and sauna rooms, and rooftop recreation decks.
4,485 residents of Highgate Hill are employed, from a labour force of 4,875. Unemployment sits at 8.0%, with participation at 73.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 5,324, about 72% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Highgate Hill is characterised by a qualified professional workforce, low jobless figures of 8.0%, and a stable labour environment over the past twelve months. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 4,485, while the jobless rate stood 3.7% above the Greater Brisbane figure of 4.3%, indicating capacity for improvement. Labour participation aligned closely with regional norms at 73.6% versus 70.1% for Greater Brisbane. According to Census records, 27.6% of workers operated from home, though this figure was influenced by Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. Local employment is concentrated predominantly within professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training.
Representation in professional & technical fields is especially pronounced, exceeding the regional average by 1.8 times. Conversely, construction represents a smaller share of the local workforce at 4.9%, compared with 9.0% throughout Greater Brisbane. Comparisons between local workplace counts and the resident labour base underline the area's residential orientation, with relatively few jobs located within the suburb itself. AreaSearch evaluations of ABS and SALM records indicate that over the year leading to March 2026, local employment grew 0.2% while the total workforce expanded 2.3%, leading to a 1.9 percentage points increase in the jobless rate. Across Greater Brisbane, employment expanded by 3.2%, the labour pool increased by 3.4%, and joblessness rose 0.1 percentage points. National forecasts published by Jobs and Skills Australia from Mar-26 provide indicative views on medium- and long-term workforce trends. Over five- and ten-year horizons, nationwide employment is projected to expand by 6.6% and 13.7%, though trajectories vary by sector. When applied to Highgate Hill's specific employment distribution, these sector weightings imply local job growth of 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, representing an illustrative baseline without adjustments for local population changes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Highgate Hill is $1,935 a week (about $101,000 a year), with median personal income at $937 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $49,801 a year against an average of $72,071. The average runs 45% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode records compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 show Highgate Hill SA2 taxpayers earning a median of $49,801 and an average of $72,071. While surpassing the national standard, this compares with Greater Brisbane metrics of $58,236 (median) and $72,799 (average). Factoring in an 11.36% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, estimated earnings as of March 2026 reach approximately $55,458 at the median and $80,258 on average. In the 2021 Census, individual, household, and family earnings sat near the 66th percentile across the country. The dominant income bracket includes 28.8% of residents (2,117 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, comparable to the regional proportion of 33.3%.
High-earning households generating over $3,000 weekly account for 31.2% of the total, underpinning substantial purchasing capacity. Although housing outlays absorb 16.8% of receipts, disposable income remains in the 60th percentile, supported by an 8th decile SEIFA income position.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Highgate Hill had 2,541 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 39% detached houses and 57% apartments. 24% are owned with a mortgage, 51% rented and 25% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $380 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,383 a month. Rent absorbs 19.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 28.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census findings show detached housing comprising 39.0% of the Highgate Hill dwelling stock, while 61.0% consists of apartments, townhouses, and other formats, contrasting with the Brisbane metro split of 73.5% separate houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Outright property ownership stands at 25.1%, trailing the metropolitan baseline, with 23.8% of properties held under a mortgage and 51.1% rented. Monthly mortgage commitments average a median of $2,383, noticeably exceeding the Brisbane metro benchmark of $1,863, while the median weekly rent matches the metropolitan rate at $380. Compared against Australian benchmarks, local mortgages substantially exceed the national average of $1,863, and weekly rents sit above the countrywide figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Highgate Hill counted 2,541 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 2,932 today, averaging 2.3 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 79% of areas nationally, against 24% couples without children. 32% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Couples and families constitute 57.2% of local households, encompassing couples without children (24.2%), couples with children (22.6%), and single parent families (9.1%). Non-family living arrangements represent 42.8% of all households, consisting of lone person households (31.7%) and group households (11.0%). The median household occupancy of 2.3 people sits below the Greater Brisbane figure of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
55.1% of adults in Highgate Hill hold a university qualification, including 32.8% with a bachelor degree and 17.5% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 10.6% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Tertiary attainment in Highgate Hill is exceptionally strong, with 55.1% of residents aged 15+ holding a higher education qualification, well above the 25.7% recorded across QLD and the 30.4% national standard. Bachelor degrees form the primary qualification at 32.8%, supplemented by postgraduate degrees (17.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Vocational training accounts for 19.3% of formal accreditations among individuals aged 15+, divided between certificates (10.6%) and advanced diplomas (8.7%). A substantial 35.9% of the local population participates in formal study. This cohort includes 14.5% enrolled in higher education institutions, 9.4% attending secondary schools, and 6.6% in primary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Highgate Hill means driving: households keep an average of 0.9 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
73.2% of residents in Highgate Hill report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 80% of areas nationally. 3.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 54.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Assessment by AreaSearch regarding mortality and long-term illnesses reflects strong overall health standards across Highgate Hill, evidenced by minimal instances of chronic conditions in all age brackets and private health insurance coverage extending across roughly 55% of residents (~4,036 people). Asthma and mental health conditions represent the most common diagnosed ailments, impacting 7.2% and 10.3 of residents respectively, while 73.2% of the community reported having no chronic medical conditions, outpacing the 69.2% rate for Greater Brisbane. Favourable health outcomes are especially apparent among individuals under 65. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 11.8% of the area (870 people), below the Greater Brisbane proportion of 15.0%, with senior age groups achieving national health metrics that outperform the wider population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
35.1% of Highgate Hill residents were born overseas and 26.8% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 75% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are English (21.5%) and Australian (17.5%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Highgate Hill is well above average, with 35.1% of the community born abroad and 26.8% using a language other than English in their households. Christianity is the most widespread faith, accounting for 33.4% of residents. The area shows an elevated presence of Buddhism, which represents 4.8% of the local population compared to 2.0% across Greater Brisbane. Evaluating parental countries of birth reveals English (21.5%), Australian (17.5%), and Other (11.5%) as the primary reported ancestries, with both English and Australian heritage tracking below their respective regional benchmarks of 26.8% and 23.2%.
Significant variations also appear in other backgrounds, with Greek ancestry representing 4.9% locally versus 0.6% regionally, Vietnamese accounting for 2.1% against 0.8%, and French comprising 0.9% compared to 0.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Highgate Hill is 36. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 40.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The demographic profile of Highgate Hill leans towards younger adults without dependents. Residents aged 25 - 44 represent 36.7% of the populace as at August 2026, compared to 30.6% throughout Greater Brisbane, while younger cohorts aged 0 - 24 account for 26.6% against a 31.8% regional share. The median age is estimated at 36 as at August 2026, a slight reduction from 37 at the 2021 Census and matching the Greater Brisbane figure of 36 from that period. The most prominent demographic expansion since the Census occurred in the 25 - 44 cohort, rising from 32.8% to an estimated 36.7%.
Growth through 2041 will be led in absolute volume by the 45 - 64 age group, increasing by 648 persons (35%) to 2,476, while older residents aged 65+ will experience the fastest proportional growth, rising 57% to 1,367 residents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Highgate Hill
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Apr 2026 6 months ago all 3 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Apr 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 46 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (6,372 at the 2021 Census → 7,353 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (305011107). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.