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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Highfields (Qld) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 9,453 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 885 people (10.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,568 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,029, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 399 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 354 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Highfields (Qld) (SA2)'s 10.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area's 8.8%, along with the SA3 area, 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, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 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. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilised. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Highfields (Qld) (SA2) expected to grow by 3,272 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 36.9% in total 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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Highfields experienced around 136 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past 5 financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 684 homes. So far in FY26, recorded approvals are 65. Over these 5 years, an average of 2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed was observed.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $480,000. In FY26, commercial approvals totalled $64.5 million. Compared to Rest of Qld, Highfields has 179.0% more construction activity per person. Currently, there are around 87 people per approval in Highfields. Future projections estimate Highfields adding 3,486 residents by 2041.

Future projections show Highfields adding 3,486 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet 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 to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely to affect the area. Key projects include The Avenues of Highfields, Central Highfields Masterplan, Highfields/Kratzke/O'Brien Roads Intersections Upgrade, and GemLife Highfields Heights. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

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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. Its unemployment rate was 1.1% in the past year.

Employment grew by an estimated 4.3%. As of September 2025, 5,114 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, below Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is 61.4%, similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety.

Education & training has a significant share at 1.5 times the regional level. However, accommodation & food services are under-represented, at 5.7% compared to Rest of Qld's 8.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data. In the past year, employment increased by 4.3%, while labour force grew by 4.2%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. By contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and a slight increase in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted slightly (-0.01%), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely matching the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Highfields' employment mix suggests local employment could increase by similar rates, assuming population projections remain constant for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch reports median taxpayer income in Highfields suburb was $49,645 during financial year 2023. Average income stood at $60,075. These figures are below national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 for Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth since FY2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $54,565 (median) and $66,028 (average). Census data shows household income ranks at the 65th percentile ($1,994 weekly), personal income at the 49th percentile. Income brackets indicate largest segment is 33.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,128 residents). After housing costs, residents retain 88.7% of income. SEIFA income ranking places Highfields in the 7th decile.

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

As per the latest Census evaluation in Highfields, 96.3% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 3.7% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other dwelling types. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highfields stood at 46.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.0% and rented ones at 14.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Highfields was $1,842, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Highfields was $410 compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 15.2%, consisting of lone person households at 14.3% and group households at 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 educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 26.0% among residents aged 15+, 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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (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

Highfields has 54 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a single route collectively offering 100 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 432 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per stop.

Health performance in Highfields is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Highfields faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~4821 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.9 and 7.9% of residents respectively. 65.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.3% across Rest of Qld. The area has 25.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2391 people), which is higher than the 18.8% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Highfields had a cultural diversity below average, with 88.0% of its population born in Australia, 94.2% being citizens, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 68.4% of Highfields' population, compared to 58.8% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.1%), Australian (26.7%), and Irish (10.4%).

Notably, German representation was higher at 8.6%, Scottish at 10.0%, and Welsh 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 the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and also above the national average of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 65-74 are prominent at 14.0%, while those aged 25-34 make up a smaller proportion at 7.6% compared to the Rest of Qld. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.4% to 8.7% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 12.9%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 14.5% to 13.0%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Highfields's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 76%, reaching 1,448 people from the current figure of 822. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 5% (59 people).