Hillcrest
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Hillcrest are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Hillcrest's population is approximately 9,970 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,138 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,832 people. The increase is estimated from the ABS's June 2024 figure of 9,850 and 263 validated new addresses added since the Census date. Hillcrest's population density is around 1,062 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area experienced a growth rate of 12.9% between the 2021 Census and November 2025, exceeding both national (8.9%) and state averages, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 50.3% to Hillcrest's population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth 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 or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 and based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts where necessary. Looking ahead, Hillcrest is projected to experience above median population growth, with an expected increase of 2,071 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 19.6% over the 17-year period.

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

Hillcrest has recorded approximately 87 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 435 homes were approved, with an additional 13 approved so far in FY26. On average, 2.4 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these five years, 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 the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year, $1.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Hillcrest records around 56% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 70th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 64.0% detached houses and 36.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 87.0% houses.

This change suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Hillcrest reflects a developing area with around 197 people per approval. Future projections indicate Hillcrest adding 1,951 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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 to influence the area. Notable projects include Ember by Azure (formerly Augusta Parkway Estate Expansion), The Avenues at Browns Plains, Logan Metro Sports Park, and Grand Plaza Shopping Centre Refurbishment. 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Hillcrest significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Hillcrest's workforce is skilled with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.

Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 5.3%. As of June 2025, 5,581 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries for Hillcrest residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Manufacturing is particularly specialized, with employment share at 1.6 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services have limited presence, at 3.9% compared to 8.9% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.3%, labour force grew by 4.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In Greater Brisbane, employment grew by 4.4%, labour force expanded by 4.0%, with a similar reduction in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Hillcrest. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Hillcrest's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Hillcrest has lower incomes compared to national averages. The median income is $51,299 and the average is $56,867. In Greater Brisbane, the median income is $55,645 with an average of $70,520. Considering a 13.99% growth in wages since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Hillcrest as of September 2025 would be approximately $58,476 (median) and $64,823 (average). The 2021 Census figures indicate that household, family, and personal incomes in Hillcrest rank modestly, between the 48th and 51st percentiles. Income distribution data shows that the largest segment comprises 37.4% of residents earning $1,500 to $2,999 weekly. This is similar to regional patterns where 33.3% fall into this income range. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income in Hillcrest. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 53rd percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Hillcrest, 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 89.2% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillcrest stood at 25.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (43.8%) or rented (30.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,647, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,600. Median weekly rent in Hillcrest was recorded at $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $360. Nationally, Hillcrest's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Hillcrest features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-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 comprise the remaining 22.0%, with lone person households at 18.3% and group households at 3.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 3.0.

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, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (28.8%). Educational participation is high at 29.3%, comprising primary education (11.2%), secondary education (8.0%), and tertiary education (4.2%).

Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring residents to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 25 active stops operating in Hillcrest, with a mix of bus services. These are served by 7 routes, offering 956 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport access is rated moderate, with residents typically located 433 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 136 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 38 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hillcrest's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Hillcrest's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with common health conditions among its general population being somewhat typical but higher than the national average for older cohorts. Private health cover is very low in Hillcrest, at approximately 48% of the total population (around 4,815 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 8.7 and 8.4% of residents respectively. About 69.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 69.2%. Hillcrest has 13.1% of its population aged 65 and over (around 1,301 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in the broader population.

Hillcrest was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Hillcrest's population was found to be more linguistically diverse than most local markets, with 22.2% speaking a language other than English at home as of 2016. In terms of birthplace, 31.8% were born overseas by the same year. Christianity was the predominant religion in Hillcrest, comprising 47.3%.

However, the 'Other' religious category showed an apparent overrepresentation, making up 2.6% compared to Greater Brisbane's 2.7%. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (24.5%), Australian (22.7%), and Other (10.8%). Notable differences existed in the representation of certain ethnicities: Maori was overrepresented at 2.2% compared to the regional average of 3.2%, Samoan at 1.3% versus 3.0%, and New Zealand at 1.2% against a regional average of 1.5%.

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 residents aged 55-64 (12.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.0%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.7% to 14.7%, while the 25-34 cohort has declined from 14.0% to 13.0%. Population forecasts for Hillcrest in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the strongest projected growth in the 45-54 age group at 36%, adding 426 residents to reach a total of 1,600. Conversely, numbers in the 0-4 age range are expected to decrease by 4%.