Heathwood

Heathwood lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of Heathwood is around 5,581, reflecting an increase of 637 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 4,944 in the suburb. This growth represents a 12.9% increase compared to the national average of 9.3%. The population density ratio is approximately 1,127 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Interstate migration contributed about 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving Heathwood's growth. AreaSearch uses 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, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas, with Heathwood expected to grow by 559 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 9.5% over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Heathwood was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Heathwood had around 84 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 422 homes. By FY-26, there have been 9 approvals so far. On average, 4.2 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outstripping supply and potential buyer competition. Developers focus on premium properties with an average construction value of $496,000.

In FY-26, $117.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Heathwood has 80.0% more construction activity per person. Recent development has solely comprised detached houses, maintaining the area's suburban character and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 110 people added per approval, Heathwood reflects a growing area. By 2041, population forecasts estimate an increase of 530 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate).

Current construction levels should meet demand adequately, favouring buyers while potentially exceeding current growth forecasts.

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

Six projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include Pallara Shopping Village, Pallara Development Project at 78-88 Vied Road, Oxley Wedge Industrial Precinct, and Forest Lake Shopping Centre ALDI Extension.

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

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Employment conditions in Heathwood remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Heathwood has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 4.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 2,524 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.1% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Heathwood is broadly similar to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, a moderate 17.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. The area has a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Meanwhile, construction has limited presence with 6.1% employment compared to 9.0% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on the count of Census working population to local population. During the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 10.1%, while employment declined by 11.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.1 percentage points in Heathwood. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane where employment rose by 3.2%, the labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Heathwood. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Heathwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Heathwood's median income among taxpayers is $53,593. The average income in the suburb is $60,163. Nationally, this is lower than average. In Greater Brisbane, the median income is $58,236 and the average is $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $59,681 (median) and $66,998 (average). Census data reveals Heathwood's incomes rank highly nationally, between the 79th and 91st percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 43.5% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, with a total of 2,427 people in this bracket. This is similar to surrounding regions where 33.3% occupy the same range. Heathwood demonstrates affluence with 37.4% earning over $3,000 per week. High housing costs consume 17.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 89th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Heathwood is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Heathwood's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.8% houses and 4.3% other dwellings. In Brisbane metro, this was 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Heathwood stood at 11.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 64.3% and rented ones at 24.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Heathwood was $455, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Heathwood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Heathwood features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 91.3% of all households, including 61.9% couples with children, 19.3% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 8.7%, with lone person households at 6.6% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 3.4 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Heathwood demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In Heathwood, educational attainment is notably high, with 40.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. This figure includes 25.9% with bachelor degrees, 12.0% with postgraduate qualifications, and 2.4% with graduate diplomas. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.8% of residents holding such qualifications, including 11.9% with advanced diplomas and 15.9% with certificates. Educational participation is high, with 33.7% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 13.2% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 5.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.2% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Heathwood has 14 operational public transport stops serving mixed bus routes. These stops are covered by four different routes, collectively facilitating 773 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is considered good with residents typically situated 250 meters from the nearest stop. As a mainly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars dominate at 86%, followed by trains at 6% and buses at 6%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 1.8, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.6% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 110 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 55 weekly trips per individual stop.

Heathwood's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Heathwood, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Approximately 51% (~2,848 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low compared to Greater Brisbane's 55.8%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (5.4%) and mental health issues (4.6%). A total of 83.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. Heathwood has 3.7% (206 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Brisbane's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Heathwood is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Heathwood's population is culturally diverse, with 56.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 51.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 35.0%. Hinduism is overrepresented at 15.5%, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 2.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (22.8%), Indian (14.6%), and English (14.4%). Notably, Vietnamese (8.4%) Samoan (2.2%), and Sri Lankan (1.5%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.8%, 0.9%, and 0.2% respectively.

Heathwood hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Heathwood's median age is 31 years, which is younger than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Heathwood has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (26.0%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (2.8%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.3%. According to data from the 2021 Census, Heathwood's median age has decreased by 1.2 years to 31 years due to shifts in its population structure. Notably, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 20.9% to 26.0%, while the 5-14 age group has grown from 16.9% to 21.9%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 17.7% to 11.3%, and the 0-4 age group has dropped from 9.8% to 8.7%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Heathwood, with the strongest projected growth occurring in the 45-54 age cohort (48%), adding 296 residents to reach a total of 910. In contrast, both the 35-44 and 0-4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.