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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Highland Park's population is around 8,798 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 365 people (4.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,433 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,793 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,900 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Highland Park's 4.3% growth since the census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 56.4% of overall 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of locations outside of capital cities is expected, with the area expected to increase by 648 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 7.3% in total 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 experienced around 7 dwellings receiving development approval each year, with 36 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 6 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 10 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 properties are constructed at an average value of $332,000, in line with regional trends. There have also been $2.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Highland Park shows substantially reduced construction (68.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This level is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 885 people per dwelling approval, Highland Park reflects a highly mature market.

Future projections show Highland Park adding 643 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 5 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Hinkler Drive Retail Showroom Complex, Mooyumbin Creek Riparian Restoration, Highland Park Investigation Area, and The Summit Highland Park, 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.

Employment performance in Highland Park exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Highland Park possesses a skilled workforce, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.8%, and 3.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,748 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.2% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (68.8% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 0.3% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 3.1% while the labour force increased by 2.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Highland Park. 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 Highland Park's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% 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

The Highland Park SA2's income level is just below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Highland Park SA2's median income among taxpayers is $53,515 and the average income stands at $65,580, which compares to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,818 (median) and $72,079 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Highland Park, between the 34th and 45th percentiles. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 34.8% of the community (3,061 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 45th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Highland Park, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Highland Park was in line with that of Regional Qld, at 32.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (49.8%) or rented (17.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Qld average at $1,820, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $420, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Highland Park's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 78.9% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (29.7%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 23 active transport stops operating within Highland Park, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 355 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 359 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 11.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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 shows strong performance throughout Highland Park, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population and closer to the national average across older, at-risk cohorts, while the rate of private health cover slightly lags the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~4,566 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.1% and 8.3% of residents, respectively, while 67.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional 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), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though they rank lower nationally than 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 is above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 9.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 26.1% born overseas. The main religion in Highland Park is Christianity, which makes up 48.9% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Highland Park are English, comprising 31.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 24.7% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 1.7% of Highland Park (vs 0.9% regionally), Maori at 1.8% (vs 0.8%) and Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.2%).

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

The 39-year median age in Highland Park is somewhat lower than Regional Qld's average of 41, though very close to the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 35 - 44 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.2%), while the 65 - 74 group is comparatively smaller (9.1%) than in Regional Qld. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 13.6% to 15.2% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 12.4% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.1% to 11.5% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 12.9% to 11.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Highland Park's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 279 people (23%) from 1,200 to 1,480. Conversely, both the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age groups will see reduced numbers.