Harristown

Harristown has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Harristown's population is estimated at around 9,659 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 578 people (6.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,081 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,593 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,307 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Harristown's 6.4% growth since census positions it within 2.4 percentage points of the non-metro area (8.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 38.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with Harristown expected to increase by 1,696 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 16.7% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Harristown among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Harristown has recorded approximately 42 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 213 homes since FY-21. As of FY-26, four approvals have been recorded so far. On average, around 2.3 people move to the area per new home constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $361,000. In FY-26, $18.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating balanced commercial development activity compared to the rest of Queensland. Harristown shows 18.0% lower construction activity per person relative to the rest of Queensland but ranks among the 75th percentile nationally.

Recent periods have seen increased development activity. New developments consist of 74.0% standalone homes and 26.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Harristown's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. The area has approximately 165 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Harristown is projected to add 1,610 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers may arise as the population expands.

Harristown has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include South Street Industrial Precinct, South Street Development Site, Toowoomba Warehouses at 42 Condamine Street, and Prime Industrial Development at 29 Croft Crescent. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Harristown has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 6.0%.

As of September 2025, 4,319 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.5% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation lags at 52.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading industries for Harristown residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.1%, compared to 4.5% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. From September 2024 to September 2025, employment increased by 6.0%, while labour force grew by 4.1%, leading to a 1.8 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 indicate national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industries. Applying these projections to Harristown's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Harristown had a median taxpayer income of $44,361 and an average income of $54,508 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of Qld having a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. As of September 2025, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $48,757 and the average income around $59,910, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Harristown fall between the 10th and 17th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.9% of residents (2,888 people), which is similar to regional levels where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Harristown, with only 81.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 10th percentile nationally.

Harristown displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Harristown's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 70.0% houses and 30.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Harristown stood at 28.2%, with the rest being mortgaged (28.7%) or rented (43.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517 and Australia's national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Harristown was $295, lower than Non-Metro Qld's $310 and the national average of $375.

Harristown features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 59.0% of all households, including 19.4% that are couples with children, 24.3% that are couples without children, and 13.8% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 41.0%, with lone person households at 37.3% and group households comprising 3.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Harristown fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area has university qualification rates of 18.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (28.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 4.9% 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 57 active public transport stops in Harristown, consisting of bus services only. These stops are served by five distinct routes, offering a total of 368 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents generally located 226 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 52 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately six weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Harristown faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. As of approximately August 2021, around 49% (~4,713 people) have private health cover, compared to 51.5% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues are the most prevalent condition, affecting 11.5% of residents, followed by arthritis at 11.2%.

Around 58.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 65.3% in the rest of Queensland. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 22.5% (2,173 people), compared to 18.8% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly similar to those of the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Harristown records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Harristown's cultural diversity was found to be largely consistent with the broader regional average. Specifically, 84.9% of Harristown's population were citizens, 82.7% were born in Australia, and 86.8% spoke English only at home. Christianity was identified as the predominant religion, comprising 55.4% of Harristown's population.

Notably, the category 'Other' was overrepresented in Harristown, accounting for 4.4% of its population compared to 2.2% across the rest of Queensland. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups in Harristown were English (28.0%), Australian (26.7%), and Other (9.4%). However, there were notable variations in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German was slightly overrepresented at 7.5%, Australian Aboriginal at 4.3% (compared to regional averages of 8.0% and 3.3% respectively), and Irish at 8.8%.

Harristown's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Harristown is 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 16.6% of Harristown's population, higher than Rest of Qld's percentage. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort makes up 8.8%, lower than Rest of Qld's figure. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 14.5% to 16.6%. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 9.9% to 8.8%. By 2041, Harristown's population is forecasted to see significant demographic shifts. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 36%, reaching 2,182 individuals from its current count of 1,603. Conversely, the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.