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 8,433 people according to the 2021 Census. As of May 2026, it is around 8,802 people, reflecting an increase of 369 individuals (4.4%) since the census. This growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,797 in June 2025 and five validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 1,901 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Highland Park's 4.4% growth since the census places it within 2.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.6%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, Highland Park is expected to experience a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally by 2041. The latest annual ERP population numbers project an increase of approximately 586 persons over this period, reflecting a total growth of around 6.6%.

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 each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 36 homes were approved, with six more approved so far in FY26. On average, ten people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years, indicating significant demand outpacing supply.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $332,000, aligning with regional patterns. This financial year has seen $2.0 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Comparatively, Highland Park shows substantially reduced construction activity, 68.0% below the Rest of Qld's average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, recent building activity has intensified recently, though it remains under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

All recent building activity consists of detached dwellings, sustaining Highland Park's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 885 people per dwelling approval, Highland Park reflects a highly mature market. Future projections estimate Highland Park adding 581 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects potentially impacting the area. Key projects are Hinkler Drive Retail Showroom Complex, Mooyumbin Creek Riparian Restoration, Highland Park Investigation Area, and The Summit Highland Park. Details on those likely most relevant follow.

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

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

Highland Park has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being notably represented. The unemployment rate was 3.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1%. As of December 2025, 4748 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.2% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was 68.7%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 11.6% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction had an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented at 0.3%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.1%, labour force grew by 2.5%, resulting in a 0.6 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 project national employment growth of 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 only.

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

Highland Park SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $53,515 and an average of $65,580 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This was just below the national average, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $59,594 (median) and $73,030 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows Highland Park's household, family, and personal incomes all rank modestly, between the 34th and 45th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 34.8% of locals (3,063 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

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 compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highland Park stood at 32.6%, matching Regional Qld's figure, with the rest being mortgaged (49.8%) or rented (17.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,820, above Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent was $420, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Highland Park's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 constitute 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, which is larger than the Regional Queensland 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%, with 9.7% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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 operating within its boundaries, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together facilitate 355 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is considered good, with residents typically located approximately 359 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation in Highland Park, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census data, a relatively low 11.6% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. 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 shows strong health performance in Highland Park based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, nearing national averages even among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover rate is approximately 52% of the total population (~4,568 people), slightly lagging the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.1% and 8.3% of residents respectively. 67.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are typical. Highland Park has 18.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,656 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Senior health outcomes 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 population, as per the latest data from June 30th, 2016, shows cultural diversity with 9.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 26.1% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Highland Park, comprising 48.9%. Notably, Judaism's representation is higher than average, standing at 0.2%, compared to Regional Queensland's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (31.3%), Australian (24.7%), and Scottish (7.6%). There are notable disparities in certain ethnic groups' representations: New Zealanders make up 1.7% of Highland Park's population, Maori 1.8%, both higher than the regional averages of 0.9% and 0.8% respectively. Additionally, Hungarians are more represented at 0.4% compared to Regional Queensland's 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 Regional Queensland's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 35-44 are prominent, making up 15.3% of the population, while those aged 65-74 are smaller at 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 13.6% to 15.3%, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 11.2% and the 45-54 group has dropped from 13.1% to 11.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show that the 25-34 age cohort is expected to increase by 256 people (22%), from 1,142 to 1,399. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in number.