Highfields (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Highfields are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the suburb of Highfields (Qld) had an estimated population of 9,608 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a growth of 1,040 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,568. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 9,029 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 490 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 360 persons per square kilometer. Highfields' growth rate of 12.1% since the 2021 Census exceeded Rest of Qld's 9.1% and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts following ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecasted for the top quartile of regional areas across the nation, with Highfields expected to increase by 3,281 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 34.7% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Highfields experienced around 136 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 684 homes. So far in FY26, 65 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 87 people per approval, indicating a developing area with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years is around two.

Supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions. New dwellings are developed at an average value of $480,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. There have also been $64.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Relative to the Rest of Qld, Highfields has 179% more construction activity per person, providing buyers with ample choice. However, construction activity has eased recently.

This activity is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. New development consists of 98% standalone homes and 2% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character. Future projections show Highfields adding approximately 3,331 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that may impact the region. Notable initiatives include The Avenues of Highfields, Central Highfields Masterplan, Highfields/Kratzke/O'Brien Roads Intersections Upgrade, and GemLife Highfields Heights. 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.

Employment conditions in Highfields rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Highfields has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.3%. As of September 2025, there were 5,117 residents employed, and the unemployment rate was 3.0% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation was at 69.4%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 11.1% of residents worked from home. The leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Education & training had an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while accommodation & food was under-represented at 5.7%.

Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 4.3% alongside labour force growth of 4.1%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Highfields's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming no change in population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Highfields' median taxpayer income was $49,645 and the average was $60,075. This is below national averages of $53,146 (Rest of Qld) and $66,593 nationally. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $54,565 median and $66,028 average based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023. Census data shows household income at the 65th percentile ($1,994 weekly) and personal income at the 49th percentile. The largest income segment is 33.1%, earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,180 residents). After housing costs, residents retain 88.7% of income. Highfields' SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Highfields' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 96.3% houses and 3.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highfields stood at 46.8%, with mortgaged properties at 39.0% and rented dwellings at 14.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,842, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Weekly rent in Highfields was recorded at $410, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Highfields' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 84.8% of all households, including 37.9% couples with children, 39.5% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 15.2%, with lone person households at 14.3% and group households comprising 1.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Highfields exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 26.0%, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 37.5% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (25.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.2% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes secondary education (11.1%), primary education (10.4%), and tertiary education (3.4%).

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

Highfields has 54 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by one route, offering a total of 100 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents located an average of 432 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Highfields' residential nature. Cars remain the dominant transport mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, surpassing the regional average.

Only 11.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 14 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately one weekly trip per stop.

The level of general health in Highfields is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Highfields demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment conducted in March 2021.

The prevalence of common health conditions was low among the general population and near the nation's average for older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover was found to be relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~4,901 people). The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.9 and 7.9% of residents respectively, while 65.7% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 25.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,488 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Highfields was found to have a below average cultural diversity level, with 88.0% of its population born in Australia, 94.2% being citizens, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Highfields is Christianity, comprising 68.4% of the population, compared to 52.2% across the Rest of Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (31.1%), Australian (26.7%), and Irish (10.4%).

Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented in Highfields at 8.6%, compared to 4.7% regionally, Scottish ancestry is also overrepresented at 10.0% (vs 7.8%), and Welsh ancestry is slightly higher at 0.6%.

Highfields hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Highfields has a median age of 45, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and also above the national average of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 14.2%, while those aged 25-34 are comparatively smaller at 7.8% compared to Rest of Qld. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 7.4% to 9.0%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 12.3%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 14.5% to 12.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Highfields's age structure. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 67%, reaching 1,441 people from 864, while the 15-24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 4% (43 people).