Highland Park
Statistical Area - sa2

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, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 8,798 by November 2025. This figure shows an increase of 365 individuals, a rise of 4.3%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 8,433 people. This change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 8,793 in June 2024 and four validated new addresses added post-Census. Highland Park's population density was around 1,900 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 4.3% since the Census is within 1.7 percentage points of the SA3 area's 6.0%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 56.4% to Highland Park's recent population gains.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. By 2041, Highland Park is projected to increase by approximately 648 persons, reflecting a 7.3% total increase over the 17-year period.

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. Additionally, four dwellings have been approved in FY26 so far. On average, around ten people move to the area each year for every dwelling built over these five financial years, indicating significant demand outpacing supply.

This imbalance typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction value of new properties in Highland Park is approximately $332,000, aligning with regional patterns. In FY26, commercial development approvals totaling $2.0 million have been recorded, suggesting a predominant focus on residential development. When 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.

However, recent construction activity has intensified, although it remains below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent building activity in Highland Park consists exclusively of detached dwellings, contributing to its 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 indicate that Highland Park will add approximately 643 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, 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 identified five projects expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Mooyumbin Creek Riparian Restoration, The Summit Highland Park, Hinkler Drive Retail Showroom Complex, and Highland Park Investigation Area.

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 construction being notably well-represented. The unemployment rate was 4.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.9%.

As of June 2025, 4715 residents are employed, aligning with Rest of Qld's 3.9% unemployment rate and a workforce participation rate of 63.6%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly specialized, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.3% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.9%, labour force grew by 2.1%, resulting in a slight unemployment rise of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national growth rates of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Highland Park's industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4%% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Highland Park had a median taxpayer income of $50,415 and an average income of $63,067 in financial year 2022. This was 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. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes for Highland Park would be approximately $57,468 (median) and $71,890 (average). According to Census 2021 data, income levels in Highland Park ranked modestly, between the 35th and 46th percentiles. The predominant income cohort in Highland Park was 34.8% of locals (3,061 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999. This is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region where 31.7% fell into the same income category. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Highland Park, with only 83.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Highland Park is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Highland Park, as per the latest Census, was 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 71.9% houses and 28.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highland Park was at 32.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.8% and rented ones at 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 in Highland Park was $420, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $435. Nationally, Highland Park's mortgage repayments were below 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 lower-than-average median household size

Family households compose 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 account for 21.1%, with lone person households at 17.7% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.7 people, lower 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 presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (29.7%).

Educational participation is high at 27.8%, including primary education (9.7%), secondary education (8.1%), and tertiary education (3.9%). William Duncan State School and Worongary State School serve a total of 1,112 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 986) offering balanced educational opportunities. Both schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas.

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. These stops are served by four different routes that together provide 355 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as good, with residents on average located 346 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 50 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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.

Private health cover rate is approximately 51%, covering about 4,495 people, which is lower than the average for SA2 areas. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.1%) and asthma (8.3%). About 67.1% of residents report no 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 the Rest of Qld's 16.7%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average and better than the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Highland Park was found to be above average when compared nationally for 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 in Highland Park at 48.9%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, comprising 0.2% versus 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (31.3%), Australian (24.7%), and Scottish (7.6%). Notably, New Zealanders are overrepresented at 1.7%, Maori at 1.8%, and Hungarians at 0.4%.

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

The median age in Highland Park is 39 years, lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 35-44 are prominent at 14.9%, while those aged 65-74 are smaller at 9.1% compared to Rest of Qld. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 13.6% to 14.9%. 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. 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.