Riverhills

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

Riverhills' population is approximately 4,265 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 144 people, a growth rate of 3.5%, since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 4,121. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,265 reported by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional one validated new address since the Census date. The population density stands at 1,956 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Riverhills' growth rate of 3.5% since the 2021 census outpaces the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.9%, positioning it as a region leader in population increase. Natural growth contributed approximately 67.7% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 used. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth across statistical areas nationally, with Riverhills expected to expand by 106 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 2.5% over the 17-year period as per the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Riverhills averaged approximately two new dwelling approvals per year between FY-21 and FY-25, with a total of 12 homes approved during this period. In FY-26 up to May, 2 dwellings have been approved.

The average population growth associated with these approvals is around 0.3 people per year over the past five financial years. This suggests that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new homes in Riverhills is $384,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating 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 for new dwellings, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is 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, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the future.

Riverhills has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified three projects likely affecting the region: 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. Key details are listed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Riverhills has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.9%.

Residents' employment rate is 1.1% lower than Greater Brisbane's at 4.0%, and participation rate is higher at 72.2% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, education & training has a share of employment 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food shows lower representation at 5.2% versus the regional average of 6.7%.

The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities, with Census data indicating more residents work elsewhere than locally. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force decreased by 3.9%, employment by 1.9%, leading to a 2.0 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 3.8% and labour force by 3.3%, with a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Statewide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) as of 25-Nov-25, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Riverhills' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The Riverhills SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $61,478 and an average income of $77,205 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is among the highest in Australia, 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, current estimates would be approximately $70,079 (median) and $88,006 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Riverhills cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. In terms of income distribution, the largest segment comprises 39.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,697 residents), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 33.3%. High housing costs consume 15.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 71st percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places 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

The dwelling structure in Riverhills, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.1% houses and 12.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 91.4% houses and 8.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Riverhills stood at 25.2%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (49.4%) or rented (25.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,820, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $2,000 and national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Riverhills was $410, higher than Brisbane metro's figure of $450 but lower than the national average 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 make up the remaining 22.8%, consisting of 19.7% lone person households and 3.2% group households. 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 the 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, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.0% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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, collectively offering 596 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically living within 235 meters of the nearest stop.

On average, there are 85 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 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 shows Riverhills had low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Around 58% (~2,465 people) had private health cover. Mental health issues and asthma were most prevalent at 8.3 and 7.4%, respectively. 72.5% reported no medical ailments, close to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%. 15.7% of residents were aged 65 and over (668 people), lower than Greater Brisbane's 20.4%. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Riverhills was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number 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. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 2.6% versus 3.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.4%), Australian (21.5%), and Other (11.2%). Notably, New Zealanders are overrepresented at 1.2%, South Africans at 1.1%, and Samoans at 0.9% compared to regional averages of 1.0%, 0.9%, and 0.4% respectively.

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 comprises 17.4% of Riverhills' population, higher than Greater Brisbane's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 11.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group grew from 3.7% to 5.5%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.1% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort decreased from 13.9% to 11.3%, and the 5-14 group fell from 15.0% to 13.7%. By 2041, Riverhills' population is projected to experience significant demographic shifts. The 75-84 age cohort is expected 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 Riverhills' aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 65-74 and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in number.