Harristown

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

Harristown's population, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, was around 9,599 as of November 2025. This represents an increase of 518 people from the 2021 Census figure of 9,081, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 5.7%. AreaSearch estimated Harristown's resident population at 9,544 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validated an additional 42 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,298 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 38.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

For Harristown's population projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using a base year of 2022. Looking ahead, Harristown is projected to experience above median population growth among non-metropolitan areas nationally, with an expected increase of 1,697 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total gain of approximately 17.4% over the 17-year period.

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

Harristown recorded around 41 residential properties granted approval each year between FY-21 and FY-25. This totals an estimated 206 homes over these five financial years. In FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded so far. On average, 2.4 people moved to the area per new home constructed during this period.

New homes were built at an average expected construction cost of $361,000. Commercial approvals in Harristown totalled $6.3 million in FY-26. Compared to Rest of Qld, Harristown shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person.

Nationally, it places among the 73rd percentile of areas assessed. New development consists of 76.0% standalone homes and 24.0% attached dwellings. The location has approximately 174 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Harristown is projected to add 1,671 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects that may 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 likely to be 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.

Harristown has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Harristown has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.0%, having seen an estimated employment growth of 15.7% over the past year (AreaSearch data aggregation).

As of June 2025, 4,473 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.1% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Harristown lags at 52.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.1%, compared to the regional figure of 4.5%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work (based on Census working population to local population count). Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 15.7% and labour force by 13.0%, leading to a 2.2 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insights into potential future demand within Harristown. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with differing growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Harristown's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (note: this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localized population projections).

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

Harristown's median taxpayer income was $44,361 and average income was $54,508 in financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of Qld having a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. By September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $50,567 (median) and $62,134 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, Harristown's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 10th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 29.9% of residents (2,870 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Harristown, with only 81.6% of income remaining, 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). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Harristown stood at 28.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.7% and rented ones at 43.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Harristown was $295, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, Harristown's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure 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% of the total. 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's university qualification rate is 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%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 8.9%, while certificates account for 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. Harristown's 5 schools have a combined enrollment of 3,055 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 961) offering balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 3 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. As an education hub, the area has 31.8 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 17.2, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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

The analysis of public transport in Harristown shows that there are 56 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 5 individual routes providing service to the area. Collectively, these routes facilitate 363 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Harristown is rated as good, with residents typically located an average of 235 meters from the nearest transport stop. The service frequency across all routes averages 51 trips per day, which equates to approximately 6 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, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 49%, covering around 4,684 people, compared to 51% across the rest of Queensland (Rest of Qld) and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.5% and 11.2% of residents respectively.

However, 58.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 65.3% in Rest of Qld. Harristown has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.5%, or 2,159 people, than the state average of 18.8%. Health outcomes among seniors present similar challenges to those seen in 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 aligns with the wider region, with 84.9% being citizens, 82.7% born in Australia, and 86.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 55.4%. Notably, 'Other' religion is overrepresented at 4.4%, compared to 2.2% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (28.0%), Australian (26.7%), and Other (9.4%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: German is slightly overrepresented at 7.5%, Australian Aboriginal is higher at 4.3%, and Irish is lower 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 comprises 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, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Harristown. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 37%, reaching 2,183 people from its current total of 1,593. Conversely, the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to decrease in population.