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, as of May 2026, is approximately 10,101 people. This figure represents a 14.4% increase from the 8,832 people recorded in the 2021 Census. The growth can be attributed to an estimated resident population of 10,043 in June 2025 and an additional 271 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,076 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hillcrest's growth rate exceeded both national (9.3%) and state averages, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 41.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all demographic drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses 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 from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts, Hillcrest is expected to experience above median population growth by national statistical areas. By 2041, the area's population is projected to increase by 16.8% from the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an expansion of 1,752 persons.

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

Hillcrest has seen approximately 87 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 435 homes. As of FY26, 26 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.4 people per year moved to Hillcrest for each new home constructed between FY21 and FY25, reflecting strong 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.

This financial year has seen $1.9 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus compared to Greater Brisbane. Hillcrest shows around 57% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 70th percentile nationally for areas assessed. Recent construction comprises 64.0% standalone homes and 36.0% attached dwellings, reflecting an increasing blend of housing types offering choices across price ranges. This shift indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options.

Hillcrest has around 197 people per dwelling approval, characteristic of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate Hillcrest will gain 1,694 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 affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Ember by Azure (formerly Augusta Parkway Estate Expansion), The Avenues at Browns Plains, Logan Metro Sports Park, and Loganlea Station Relocation Project. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

The employment environment in Hillcrest shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Hillcrest's workforce is skilled with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.1% as of December 2025. At this time, 5,386 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.1% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation was on par with Greater Brisbane at 69.6%. According to Census responses, a low 11.7% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Manufacturing showed notable concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services had lower representation at 3.9% compared to the regional average of 8.9%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Hillcrest's labour force decreased by 1.5%, with employment decreasing by 0.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Brisbane where employment rose by 3.2% and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hillcrest's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

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 of $59,673 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was lower than the national average, with Greater Brisbane having a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799 during the same period. By March 2026, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest the median income would be approximately $59,847 and the average would be around $66,452. Census data indicates that Hillcrest's household, family, and personal incomes all ranked modestly, between the 48th and 51st percentiles. The largest earnings segment in Hillcrest comprised 37.4% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, which is similar to the broader area where this cohort represented 33.3%. Housing costs consumed 15.6% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 52nd percentile. The SEIFA income ranking placed Hillcrest in the 4th decile.

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

Hillcrest dwelling structure, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 86.6% houses and 13.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillcrest was at 25.4%, aligning with Brisbane metro's level, while mortgaged dwellings accounted for 43.8% and rented ones for 30.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hillcrest stood at $1,647, under the Brisbane metro average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $350, compared to Brisbane metro'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 account for 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 constitute 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, which is 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 held by 39.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 28.8%. Educational participation is high, with 29.3% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.2% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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

Hillcrest has 25 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These are served by seven different routes that together facilitate 1027 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents on average located 433 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to Hillcrest's predominantly residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 92% of residents. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 146 trips are made daily, 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 issues in Hillcrest, as per AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 49% of the total population (around 4,939 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma were found to be the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.7 and 8.4% of residents respectively. However, 69.8% of residents reported being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical. The area has 13.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,334 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. Among seniors, health outcomes present some challenges, with national rankings broadly similar to 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 cultural diversity than most local markets, with 22.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 31.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Hillcrest, making up 47.3% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 2.6%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 1.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (24.5%), Australian (22.7%), and Other (10.8%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Maori was overrepresented at 2.2% in Hillcrest compared to 1.1% regionally, Samoan at 1.3% vs 0.9%, and New Zealand at 1.2% vs 1.0%.

Hillcrest's population is younger than the national pattern

At 35 years, Hillcrest's median age is nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years. This figure is somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Hillcrest has a higher concentration of residents aged 55-64 (12.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.1%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has grown from 13.7% to 14.7%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 3.2% to 4.2%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has declined from 12.6% to 11.7%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are projected for Hillcrest. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 33%, adding 395 residents to reach a total of 1,577. In contrast, the number of residents aged 0-4 is forecasted to decrease by 4%.