Highland Park

Highland Park is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Highland Park's population was 8,433 as of the 2021 Census. As of Feb 2026, it is around 8,798, reflecting an increase of 365 people (4.3%) since the Census. This change is inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 8,793 in June 2024 and four validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 1,900 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Highland Park's growth rate of 4.3% since the Census is within 1.4 percentage points of the SA3 area's 5.7%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 56.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities, with Highland Park expected to grow by 648 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 7.3% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Highland Park according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Highland Park has seen approximately seven dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 36 homes were approved, with an additional five approved in FY26 so far. On average, ten new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed during this period.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $332,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY26, there have been $2.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Highland Park shows substantially reduced construction, 68.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, though building activity has accelerated recently.

Nationally, this level is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving Highland Park's suburban nature with detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 885 people per dwelling approval, the area reflects a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Highland Park is projected to add 643 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Highland Park has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to influence the local area's performance: Hinkler Drive Retail Showroom Complex, Mooyumbin Creek Riparian Restoration, Highland Park Investigation Area, and The Summit Highland Park. Details on these projects follow.

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

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Employment performance in Highland Park has been broadly consistent with national averages

Highland Park's workforce is skilled with notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate was 4.1% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.2%.

In September 2025, 4690 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate matching Rest of Qld's 4.1%, and workforce participation at 68.1%. Census data showed 11.6% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.3%. Over twelve months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.2% while labour force also grew by 2.2%, keeping unemployment flat. By comparison, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Highland Park's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

Highland Park SA2's median income among taxpayers was $53,515 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $65,580 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $58,818 and the average income $72,079, based on a 9.91% growth in wages since financial year 2023. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Highland Park rank modestly, between the 34th and 45th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 34.8% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. This is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region where 31.7% fall into the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Highland Park, with only 83.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 45th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Highland Park is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Highland Park's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highland Park was 32.6%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's figure. Dwellings were either mortgaged (49.8%) or rented (17.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,820, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Highland Park was $420, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Highland Park's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $420 versus the national figure of $375.

Highland Park features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 78.9% of all households, including 35.8% couples with children, 28.8% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.1%, with lone person households at 17.7% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Highland Park shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 18.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (29.7%). Educational participation is high at 27.8%, comprising primary education (9.7%), secondary education (8.1%), and tertiary education (3.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.7% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Highland Park has 23 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. There are four different bus routes operating in the area, collectively providing 355 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 359 meters from their nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward to other locations for work or leisure. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation in Highland Park, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect the impact of COVID-19 conditions on remote work patterns. The service frequency averages 50 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Highland Park's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance across Highland Park.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were assessed by AreaSearch, with common health conditions showing low prevalence among the general population, nearing national averages for older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover was found to be approximately 52% of the total population (~4,566 people), slightly lagging the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.1 and 8.3% of residents respectively. A total of 67.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 18.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,593 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Highland Park records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Highland Park's cultural diversity is above average, with 9.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 26.1% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 48.9%. Judaism is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% in the rest of Queensland.

The top three ancestry groups are English (31.3%), Australian (24.7%), and Scottish (7.6%). Notable divergences include New Zealand's overrepresentation at 1.7% versus 0.9% regionally, Maori at 1.8% versus 0.8%, and Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.2%.

Highland Park's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Highland Park is 39 years, which is lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 but close to the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 35-44 are prominent at 15.2%, while the 65-74 group is smaller at 9.1% compared to Rest of Qld. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 13.6% to 15.2%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 12.4% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.1% to 11.5%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 12.9% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic projections show that the 25-34 age cohort is expected to increase by 279 people (23%), from 1,200 to 1,480. Meanwhile, both the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.