Helensvale

Helensvale 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 November 2025, Helensvale's population is estimated at around 20,991 people, reflecting an increase of 2,042 individuals since the 2021 Census. The resident population was estimated by AreaSearch at 20,815 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, with an additional 306 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this figure. This results in a density ratio of 1,051 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Helensvale's population growth of 10.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area average of 8.8% and the national average. Interstate migration contributed approximately 49.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors. For demographic 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied where necessary in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using a base year of 2022. Moving forward, significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Helensvale expected to expand by 7,269 persons to reach 28,260 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 33.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Helensvale among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Helensvale averaged approximately 131 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 659 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 137 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), there was an average of 3.6 people moving to the area per dwelling built, indicating demand significantly exceeding new supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $760,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen approximately $16.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Comparatively, Helensvale shows around 75% of construction activity per person when measured against the Rest of Qld. Nationally, it places among the 43rd percentile of areas assessed, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. New building activity consists of approximately 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 81.0% houses), likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

This results in a growing mix of townhouse and apartment options across different price points. Helensvale indicates a mature market with around 388 people per approval. Population forecasts suggest Helensvale will gain approximately 7,093 residents by 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining pace with projected growth, although buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

Helensvale 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 has identified 77 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Harbour Cove Mixed-Use Development, Arundel Springs Estate, Helensvale Business Park, and Helensvale Station Precinct Development. The following list details those expected to have the most relevance.

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.

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

Helensvale has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.7% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of June 2025, 11,461 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was higher at 64.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.2% versus the regional average of 4.5%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population count to local population ratio. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.2%, labour force by 2.1%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points, according to AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS data for the wider area. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Helensvale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes that does not take into account localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Helensvale had a median taxpayer income of $52,601 and an average income of $76,062. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Rest of Qld's $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. With a 13.99% growth in wages since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,960 and $86,703. The 2021 Census ranks Helensvale's household income at the 66th percentile ($2,014 weekly) and personal income at the 47th percentile. Income distribution shows that 33.6% of locals (7,052 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the regional trend of 31.7%. High housing costs consume 16.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 65th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Helensvale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro Qld's 80.5% houses and 19.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Helensvale was 32.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.0% and rented ones at 19.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,098, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Helensvale was $495, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Helensvale's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,098 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Helensvale features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 80.5% of all households, including 40.1% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 19.5%, with lone person households at 16.9% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.8 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.9.

Helensvale performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Educational qualifications in Helensvale trail regional benchmarks, with 23.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.2%) and certificates (25.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in secondary education, 9.4% in primary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education. Helensvale State High School and Helensvale State School serve a total of 2,909 students, with the area demonstrating typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1021) and balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision follows conventional lines, split between one primary and one secondary institution.

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

Helensvale has 78 active public transport stops. These include train, light rail, and bus services. There are 32 individual routes operating in total, providing 4,119 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 356 meters. On average, there are 588 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 52 weekly trips per stop.

Helensvale's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Helensvale's health metrics are close to national benchmarks. The level of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical, but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Private health cover rate in Helensvale is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~12,036 people), compared to 52.3% across the rest of Queensland. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.1 and 7.5% of residents respectively. 69.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.6% across the rest of Queensland. Helensvale has 16.2% of residents aged 65 and over (3,400 people), which is higher than the 12.0% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of the broader population.

Helensvale was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Helensvale's cultural diversity was notable, with 14.9% speaking a language other than English at home as of 2016 Census data. Overseas-born residents comprised 34.1%. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 48.6%.

Judaism's representation in Helensvale was higher compared to Rest of Qld, with 0.2% versus 0.1%. Ancestry-wise, English (31.2%), Australian (22.8%) and Other (7.7%) were the top groups. Some ethnic groups showed distinct variations: New Zealanders at 1.8% (vs regional 1.9%), Maori at 1.5% (vs 2.9%), and Hungarians at 0.4% (vs 0.3%).

Helensvale hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Helensvale's median age is 40, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeding the national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group comprises 14.6% of Helensvale's population compared to Rest of Qld, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 8.4%. According to the 2021 Census, Helensvale's 15-to-24 age group grew from 13.2% to 14.6%, and the 35-to-44 cohort increased from 13.0% to 14.2%. Conversely, the 45-to-54 cohort declined from 15.4% to 13.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Helensvale's age profile will change significantly. The 25-to-34 group is projected to grow by 57%, adding 1,368 people to reach 3,782 from 2,413. The 15-to-24 group is expected to grow more modestly at 9%, with an increase of 268 residents.