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 approximately 8,798 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 365 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,433. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,793 in June 2024 and four validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 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 1.7 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.0%, indicating strong fundamental growth factors. Natural growth contributed approximately 56.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so proportional growth weightings from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort where necessary. Based on projected demographic shifts, Highland Park is expected to experience a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally by 2041, with an anticipated growth of 648 persons and a total increase of 7.3% over the 17-year period, according to the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Highland Park has averaged approximately seven new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 36 homes approved during this period. In FY26, up until now, five dwellings have been approved. Each year, around ten people move into the area for each dwelling built, indicating significant demand outstripping supply, which typically drives up prices and intensifies competition among buyers.

The average construction cost of new properties in Highland Park is $332,000, aligning with regional patterns. This financial year has seen $2.0 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting a primary focus on residential development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Highland Park exhibits substantially reduced construction activity, at 68.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings, although recent construction activity has been more intense. However, this activity remains under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

Recent building activity consists solely of detached dwellings, maintaining Highland Park's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes catering to buyers seeking space. With around 885 people per dwelling approval, Highland Park reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch 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 competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Highland Park has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects potentially impacting the area, with notable ones being Mooyumbin Creek Riparian Restoration, Hinkler Drive Retail Showroom Complex, Highland Park Investigation Area, and The Summit Highland Park. Relevant details are listed below.

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

Highland Park's workforce is skilled, with the construction sector notably prominent. Its unemployment rate was 4.1% as of September 2025, with estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the preceding year.

As of that date, 4690 residents were employed, matching Rest of Qld's unemployment rate of 4.1%, but with a slightly higher workforce participation rate at 63.6%. Key industries for Highland Park residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Notably, construction employment is 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, at just 0.3% of Highland Park's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2%, while the labour force grew by a similar rate, with unemployment remaining stable. This contrasts with Rest of Qld, where employment rose by 1.7% and unemployment increased slightly to 4.3%. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Job forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but these rates vary significantly between industries. 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.

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

Highland Park SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $50,415 and an average income of $63,067 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is slightly below the national average for that year. The Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844 during the same period. As of September 2025, estimated incomes based on Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $57,468 (median) and $71,890 (average). Census 2021 data shows Highland Park's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 34th and 45th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 34.8% of locals (3,061 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Highland Park's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 71.9% houses and 28.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highland Park stood at 32.6%, with the rest either mortgaged (49.8%) or rented (17.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,820, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $420, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $435. Nationally, Highland Park's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 21.1%, with lone person households at 17.7% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size is 2.7 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.8.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. 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 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (29.7%).

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

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

Transport analysis indicates 23 active stops operating within Highland Park, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 4 distinct routes, offering a total of 355 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average located 346 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 50 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Highland Park are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Highland Park shows below-average health indicators with common conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 51% (~4,495 people) have private health cover, which is slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.1%) and asthma (8.3%). 67.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.5% in Rest of Qld. Highland Park has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.1% (1,590 people), compared to 16.7% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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 exhibited above-average cultural diversity, with 9.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 26.1% born overseas. Christianity was the primary religion, comprising 48.9%. Judaism, at 0.2%, was slightly overrepresented compared to Rest of Qld's 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.3%), Australian (24.7%), and Scottish (7.6%). Notably, New Zealanders comprised 1.7% (vs regional 1.8%), Maori 1.8% (vs 1.9%), and Hungarians 0.4% (vs 0.3%) in Highland Park.

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 Queensland's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 35-44 are prominent at 14.9%, while those aged 65-74 are comparatively smaller at 9.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 13.6% to 14.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.1% to 11.8%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 12.9% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Highland Park's age structure. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 305 people (26%) from 1,174 to 1,480. Conversely, both the 15-24 and 55-64 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.