Highfields (Qld)

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Highfields (Qld) is around 9,784. This reflects an increase of 1,216 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,568. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 9,545 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 539 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 366 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's 14.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (9.2%) and SA4 region, 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 is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Age category splits are applied proportionally using ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, the suburb is forecast to expand by 3,325 persons, reflecting an increase of 31.5% over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Highfields averaged around 138 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 690 homes were approved, with another 135 in FY-26 so far. Each year, about 0.8 new residents per dwelling constructed have been added.

This suggests new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations. The average value of new properties is $480,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, $64.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Rest of Qld, Highfields has 179.0% more development activity per person, though building activity has slowed recently. This activity is above national average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area.

New development consists predominantly of detached houses (98.0%) and a small percentage of townhouses or apartments (2.0%), preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location currently has approximately 82 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts estimate Highfields will gain 3,086 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current 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 likely to 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 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.

The labour market strength in Highfields positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Highfields has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.3%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 4799 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.7% below Regional Qld's rate of 4%.

Workforce participation in Highfields is somewhat lower at 61.3%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Only 11.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Highfields has a particular specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

However, accommodation & food services have limited presence at 5.7%, compared to Regional Qld's 8.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Highfields' labour force decreased by 5.3% alongside a 5.6% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Highfields. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Highfields' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that median income in Highfields is $49,645 and average income is $60,075. This is lower than Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income in Highfields would be approximately $55,285 and average income $66,900 by that date. Census data shows household income ranks at the 65th percentile ($1,994 weekly) and personal income at the 49th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 33.1% of residents earn between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly (3,238 residents), similar to regional levels where 31.7% fall within this range. After housing costs, residents retain 88.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's 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

The dwelling structure in Highfields, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.3% houses and 3.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highfields was at 46.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.0% and rented ones at 14.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,842, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Highfields was $410, compared to Regional 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 Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 26.0% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 25.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.1% in secondary education, 10.4% in primary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Highfields indicates that there are currently 54 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes. There is one individual route servicing these stops, collectively providing 100 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Highfields is rated as moderate, with residents typically located approximately 432 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation, used by 96% of residents.

Vehicle ownership averages at 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 11.1% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual 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 exhibits superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but nears the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 51% (~4,990 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is relatively low. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.9%) and asthma (7.9%), while 65.7% report being completely free from medical ailments compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Health outcomes among working-age residents are generally typical. Highfields has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 26.5% (2,592 people), than Regional Qld's 20.4%. While health outcomes among seniors in Highfields are above average, they rank lower nationally compared to 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 has a low cultural diversity, with 88.0% of its population born in Australia, 94.2% being citizens, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Highfields, accounting for 68.4%, compared to 52.2% regionally. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.1%), Australian (26.7%), and Irish (10.4%).

Some ethnic groups have notable differences: German at 8.6% in Highfields vs 4.7% regionally, Scottish at 10.0% vs 7.8%, and Welsh at 0.6% vs 0.5%.

Highfields hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Highfields' median age is 45, which is higher than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and also above the national average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that those aged 65-74 are notably prominent at 14.3%, while the 25-34 group is relatively smaller at 8.2% compared to Regional Queensland. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.4% to 9.3% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 7.1% to 8.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group declined from 14.7% to 12.4%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.5% to 12.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Highfields' age structure. Notably, the 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 63%, adding 576 people and reaching a total of 1,486 from its current figure of 909. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 2%, with an increase of only 21 people.