Eastern Heights

Eastern Heights is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The population of Eastern Heights, as estimated by AreaSearch using ABS data and validations up to November 2025, is approximately 3,786. This figure represents a growth of 155 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,631. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 3,779 in June 2024, based on ABS ERP data and validated new addresses. This results in a population density ratio of 2,227 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed around 63% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, significant population growth is forecasted for Eastern Heights. By 2041, the suburb is projected to increase by 1,038 persons, reflecting a total gain of 27.9% over 17 years, based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Eastern Heights according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Eastern Heights shows approximately 8 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 43 homes were approved, with an additional 1 in FY-26. The average population increase per dwelling built over these years is 1.7 people.

This indicates a balanced supply-demand market, supporting stable conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $485,000. In FY-26, $1.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Comparatively, Eastern Heights has significantly less development activity than Greater Brisbane, being 81.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, though building activity has increased recently. Nationally, this activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity in Eastern Heights comprises approximately 40.0% detached dwellings and 60.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 88.0% houses.

This change may indicate diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Eastern Heights has a low population density, with around 269 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain 1,055 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence regional performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects potentially impacting the area. Key projects are Ipswich Hospital Expansion Stage 2, Scenic Views Estate Brassall, Cross Street Kerb and Channel Rehabilitation, and Emerald Hill Estate Brassall. The following list details those likely to be 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.

Employment drivers in Eastern Heights are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Eastern Heights has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 is 5.9%.

Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 0.6%. Residents' participation in the labour force lags behind Greater Brisbane's, standing at 52.5% compared to 64.5%, with an unemployment rate 1.9% higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area shows strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 5.0% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 0.6%, while labour force grew by 0.3%, leading to a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Eastern Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Eastern Heights's median income among taxpayers was $50,331 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $55,578 during the same period. For Greater Brisbane, these figures were $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% indicate median income would be approximately $57,372 and average income around $63,353. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Eastern Heights ranked between the 23rd and 25th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 dominated with 31.8% of residents (1,203 people), similar to the surrounding region where 33.3% fell into this bracket. After housing costs, 85.0% of income remained, placing Eastern Heights at the 27th percentile nationally for disposable income.

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

Eastern Heights' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Eastern Heights stood at 34.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (35.4%) or rented (30.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,400, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent was $300, matching Brisbane metro's figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Eastern Heights' mortgage repayments were notably lower at $1,400 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

Eastern Heights features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.9% of all households, including 24.0% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 14.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.1%, with lone person households at 31.5% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Eastern Heights shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 17.7%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (29.7%). Educational participation is high at 27.6%, with 9.8% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 14 active stops operating in Eastern Heights, serving buses. These stops are covered by three routes, offering 544 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 204 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 77 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 38 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Eastern Heights is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Eastern Heights faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 49%, covering around 1,863 people, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 11.9% of residents) and mental health issues (affecting 11.5%). Notably, 56.2% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 62.2% in Greater Brisbane. Eastern Heights has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 26.1% or 988 people, compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 15.3%. The health outcomes among seniors generally align with those of the wider population.

Eastern Heights is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Eastern Heights was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 88.2% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, comprising 53.4%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups are English (29.7%), Australian (29.4%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, German (7.1% vs regional 6.4%) and Welsh (0.8% vs 0.6%) are overrepresented, while New Zealanders make up 1.1%, slightly higher than the regional average of 0.9%.

Eastern Heights hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Eastern Heights has a median age of 45, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and significantly exceeds the national norm of 38. The percentage of people aged 85 and above in Eastern Heights is 6.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane. However, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.8%. According to the 2021 Census, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 11.4% to 10.1%. Demographic projections suggest that Eastern Heights' age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 82%, adding 265 people, reaching a total of 591 from the current 325. This growth will be driven primarily by an aging population, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 66% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are expected to experience population declines.