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 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. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates; the resident population was around 9,850 in June 2024 and there were additional 263 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of approximately 1,062 persons per square kilometer. Hillcrest's growth rate of 12.9% since the 2021 Census exceeded both national (8.9%) and state averages. Interstate migration contributed around 50.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. These state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts, Hillcrest is expected to have an above median population growth by 2041, with a projected increase of 2,071 persons over the 17-year period, reflecting a total increase of 19.6%.

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 FY-26, 16 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 2.4 people moved to the area per new home constructed, 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 for purchasers.

This financial year has seen $1.9 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Hillcrest shows around 56% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 70th percentile of areas assessed nationally. 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 changing lifestyles that require more diverse and affordable housing options.

Hillcrest has around 197 people per dwelling approval, characteristic of a growth area. Population forecasts estimate Hillcrest will gain 1,951 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable 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 that may affect 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 likely to be 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 labour market in Hillcrest shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Hillcrest has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.3%. As of September 2025, 5,496 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% below Greater Brisbane's and workforce participation similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Major employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Manufacturing is particularly specialized, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services have limited presence at 3.9%, compared to the regional rate of 8.9%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. 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. In comparison, Greater Brisbane had employment growth of 3.8% and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hillcrest's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 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

The Hillcrest SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $51,299 and an average income of $56,867 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $58,476 (median) and $64,823 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Hillcrest rank modestly, between the 48th and 51st percentiles. Distribution data shows that the largest segment comprises 37.4% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (3,728 residents), which is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 33.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income, however strong earnings 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Hillcrest's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.6% houses and 13.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 86.2% houses and 13.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillcrest stood at 25.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.8% and rented ones at 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 $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $360. 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 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 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, 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 prevalent at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are common, 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%).

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

Transport analysis indicates 25 active stops operating in Hillcrest, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by 7 distinct routes, collectively facilitating 956 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated moderate, with residents typically situated 433 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 136 trips daily 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 among older cohorts. Approximately 48% of Hillcrest's total population (~4,815 people) has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 8.7 and 8.4% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 69.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Hillcrest has 13.1% of its population aged 65 and over (1,301 people). Health outcomes among seniors in the area present some challenges that require more attention than those of the broader 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 high cultural diversity, with 22.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 31.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Hillcrest, accounting for 47.3%. The 'Other' religious category comprised 2.6%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 2.7%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (24.5%), Australian (22.7%), and Other (10.8%). Notably, Maori (2.2%) and Samoan (1.3%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 3.2% and 3.0%, respectively. New Zealand-born residents also showed a slight overrepresentation at 1.2%.

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 percentage of residents aged 55-64 (12.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.0%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 13.7% to 14.7%, while the population aged 25-34 has declined from 14.0% to 13.0%. By 2041, Hillcrest's population is expected to undergo significant demographic changes. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 36%, adding 426 residents to reach a total of 1,600. Meanwhile, the number of residents aged 0-4 is expected to decrease by 4%.