Hillcrest

Population growth drivers in Hillcrest are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Hillcrest's population was 10,001 as of February 2026, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects a growth of 1,169 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,832. The increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 9,850 in June 2024 and an additional 273 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,066 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hillcrest's growth rate of 13.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both national (9.9%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 50.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the area, with an expected expansion of 2,071 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 19.2% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Hillcrest among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Hillcrest has seen approximately 87 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling 435 homes. As of FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.4 people per year move to the area for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $201,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

In FY-26, $1.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Hillcrest shows approximately 56% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 70th percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 64.0% standalone homes and 36.0% attached dwellings, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges. This shift indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 197 people per dwelling approval, Hillcrest shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate Hillcrest will gain 1,920 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Hillcrest has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones include Ember by Azure (formerly Augusta Parkway Estate Expansion), The Avenues at Browns Plains, Logan Metro Sports Park, and Grand Plaza Shopping Centre Refurbishment. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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The labour market in Hillcrest shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Hillcrest's workforce is skilled, with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.9% in September 2025, compared to Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.3%.

As of September 2025, 5,496 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 1.1% lower than Greater Brisbane's and workforce participation similar at 70.7%. Census data showed 11.7% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Manufacturing stands out with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while professional & technical services have limited presence at 3.9%, compared to 8.9% regionally.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.3% and labour force by 2.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment falling by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between sectors. Applying these projections to Hillcrest's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The Hillcrest SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $53,742 and an average income of $59,673 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This was below the national average, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $59,068 (median) and $65,587 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Hillcrest, between the 48th and 51st percentiles. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 37.4% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (3,740 residents), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 33.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 52nd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Hillcrest's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.6% houses and 13.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillcrest was 25.4%, similar to Brisbane metro, with the rest being mortgaged (43.8%) or rented (30.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,647, below Brisbane's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent was $350, compared to Brisbane's $380. Nationally, Hillcrest's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 78.0% of all households, including 38.1% couples with children, 24.5% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.0%, with lone person households at 18.3% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.6%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 28.8%. Educational participation is high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.2% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 4.2% 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 shows 25 active stops operating within Hillcrest. These stops serve buses along seven routes, collectively offering 1027 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated moderate, with residents typically located 433 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 11.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 146 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 41 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hillcrest is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Hillcrest. AreaSearch's assessment shows notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of the total population, around 4,890 people, compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and 55.7% nationally.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.7 and 8.4% of residents respectively. About 69.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among working-age adults are generally typical. The area has 13.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,343 people), lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly aligning with those of the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Hillcrest was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Hillcrest's population showed higher linguistic diversity, with 22.2% speaking a language other than English at home, compared to the local majority. Born overseas, 31.8% of Hillcrest residents were recorded. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 47.3%.

The 'Other' category comprised 2.6%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 1.3%. In terms of ancestry, English (24.5%), Australian (22.7%), and Other (10.8%) were the top groups. Notably, Maori (2.2% vs 1.1%), Samoan (1.3% vs 0.9%), and New Zealand (1.2% vs 1.0%) ethnicities showed higher representation in Hillcrest compared to regional averages.

Hillcrest's population is younger than the national pattern

Hillcrest's median age is 35 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and somewhat younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Hillcrest has a higher concentration of 55-64 residents at 12.9%, but fewer 25-34 year-olds at 12.6%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 3.2% to 4.4% of the population, while the 25-34 cohort has declined from 14.0% to 12.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Hillcrest. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 36%, adding 421 residents to reach 1,600. In contrast, the 0-4 age group shows minimal growth of just 1% (6 people).