Riverhills
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Riverhills reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Riverhills' population, as of November 2025, is approximately 4,265. This figure represents a growth of 144 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,121. The increase is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data for June 2024 and validated new addresses after the Census date. Riverhills' population density is around 1,956 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Between 2021 and 2025, Riverhills grew by 3.5%, outperforming its SA3 area's growth rate of 2.9%. Natural growth contributed approximately 67.7% to the overall population increase during this period.

For future projections up to 2041, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data for years covered and Queensland State Government projections for areas not covered or beyond 2032. Applying proportional growth weightings based on age cohorts from ABS Greater Capital Region projections, the area is expected to expand by 106 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 2.5% over 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Riverhills is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Riverhills has averaged approximately two new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 12 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY26.

On average, about 0.3 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built during these years. This indicates that new supply has been keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes is $384,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Riverhills has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person.

Nationally, it places among the 10th percentile of areas assessed, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is also lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development in Riverhills has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 1768 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Looking ahead, Riverhills is expected to grow by 106 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Three projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Middle Park Intersection Upgrade (Eumong Street/Riverhills Road), Centenary Motorway Upgrade Planning, Metro Middle Park Mixed-Use Redevelopment, and McLeod Country Golf Club Retirement Village. These are key projects likely to be most relevant.

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

Riverhills has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 is 2.9%.

Employment stability over the past year has been relative. As of June 2025, 2,449 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Riverhills is 72.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Education & training has particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food employs just 5.2% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 6.7%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.1% while labour force decreased by 1.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4%, labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment falling by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Riverhills. These projections estimate national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Riverhills' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Riverhills' median taxpayer income was $61,478 with an average of $77,205 according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022. This is among Australia's highest incomes, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. Based on a 13.99% increase from the Wage Price Index since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $70,079 (median) and $88,006 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, Riverhills' incomes cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 39.8% of residents (1,697 people), mirroring regional levels where 33.3% occupied this bracket. Housing accounted for 15.1% of income while strong earnings ranked residents within the 71st percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

Riverhills is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Riverhills, as per the latest Census evaluation, 87.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 12.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Brisbane's metropolitan area where 91.4% of dwellings are houses and 8.6% are other types. Home ownership in Riverhills stood at 25.2%, with mortgaged properties making up 49.4% and rented dwellings accounting for 25.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Riverhills was $1,820, lower than Brisbane's metro average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Riverhills was $410, compared to the Brisbane metro average of $450. Nationally, Riverhills' mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Riverhills features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 77.2% of all households, including 37.5% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 22.8%, with lone person households at 19.7% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.8.

The educational profile of Riverhills exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 34.3%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 47.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 23.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (22.9%). Educational participation is high at 31.0%, comprising primary education (11.0%), secondary education (8.2%), and tertiary education (6.0%).

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

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

Riverhills has nine active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by five different routes, offering a total of 596 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is considered good, with residents typically residing just 235 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 85 trips per day across all routes, which translates to about 66 weekly trips per individual stop.

Riverhills's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Riverhills.

Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 58% of the total population (2,465 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.3 and 7.4% of residents respectively. Seventy-two point five percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.2% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 15.7% of residents aged 65 and over (668 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Riverhills 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

Riverhills was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 19.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 31.0% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Riverhills, making up 45.5% of people there. However, Buddhism is overrepresented, comprising 2.6% compared to 3.4% across Greater Brisbane.

The top three represented ancestry groups are English (26.4%), Australian (21.5%), and Other (11.2%). Notably, South African (1.1%) is overrepresented in Riverhills compared to the regional average of 0.9%, as are New Zealanders (1.2% vs 1.0%) and Samoans (0.9% vs 0.4%).

Riverhills's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Riverhills' median age is 36 years, equal to Greater Brisbane's but younger than the national average of 38 years. The 35-44 age group makes up 17.4% of Riverhills' population compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort constitutes 11.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.7% to 5.5%, and the 15-24 cohort has risen from 11.1% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 13.9% to 11.3%, and the 5-14 group has fallen from 15.0% to 13.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Riverhills. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to rise by 150 people (64%), from 236 to 387. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 63% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 65-74 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.