Hillcrest

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Hillcrest's population is around 10,001 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,169 people (13.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,832 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,850 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 273 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,066 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hillcrest's 13.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 50.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above-median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 2,071 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 19.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Hillcrest has seen around 87 new homes approved each year, totalling 435 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 21 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.4 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $201,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $1.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Hillcrest shows approximately 56% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 70th percentile of areas assessed 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, from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 87.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need 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 through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 18 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key 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, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 has a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.1%. As of December 2025, 5,386 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.1% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is on par with Greater Brisbane's 71.2%. Based on Census responses, a low 11.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care and social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, professional and technical services show lower representation at 3.9% versus the regional average of 8.9%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.5% combined with employment decreasing by 0.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane, where employment rose by 3.2%, the labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Hillcrest. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Hillcrest's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Hillcrest SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $53,742 and an average of $59,673 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is 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 FY-23, 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. The earnings profile shows the largest segment comprises 37.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,740 residents), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 33.3%. 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

Dwelling structure within Hillcrest, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 86.6% houses and 13.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Hillcrest was in line with that of Brisbane metro, at 25.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (43.8%) or rented (30.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Brisbane metro average at $1,647, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Hillcrest's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 78.0% of all households, comprising 38.1% couples with children, 24.5% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.0%, with lone person households at 18.3% and group households comprising 3.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.6%) substantially below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (28.8%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 25 active transport stops operating within Hillcrest, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 1,027 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 433 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 11.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; 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 reveals substantial challenges facing Hillcrest, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of the total population (~4,890 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.7% and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 69.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 13.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,343 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 22.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 31.8% born overseas. The main religion in Hillcrest is Christianity, which makes up 47.3% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Other, which comprises 2.6% of the population, compared to 1.3% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Hillcrest are English, comprising 24.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 22.7% of the population, and Other, comprising 10.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 2.2% of Hillcrest (vs 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 the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and is similarly somewhat younger than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Hillcrest has a higher concentration of 55 - 64 residents (12.9%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (12.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.2% to 4.4% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 14.0% to 12.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Hillcrest. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 36%, adding 421 residents to reach 1,600. In contrast, the 0 to 4 cohort shows minimal growth of just 1% (6 people).