Highfields (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Highfields are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the population of Highfields is estimated at around 10,205 people. This reflects an increase of 1,637 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,568 residents in the suburb. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 9,817 after examining the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 399 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 382 persons per square kilometer. Highfields' growth rate of 19.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area's average growth of 8.8% and the national average, positioning it as a regional growth leader. The primary driver for population growth in Highfields was interstate migration, contributing approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all factors including natural growth and overseas migration were positive contributors to the increase. AreaSearch uses 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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilized. Looking ahead, significant population increases are forecast for the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas. The suburb of Highfields is expected to grow by approximately 3,255 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of around 26.6% in total over the 17-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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 experienced around 161 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 808 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. So far in FY-26, 55 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 has added 1.7 new residents annually.

The supply and demand balance appears stable with an average dwelling construction value of $480,000, consistent with regional patterns. In FY-26, commercial approvals reached $64.5 million, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Highfields has 228% more construction activity per person, offering ample choice for buyers despite recent easing in construction activity. This high level of activity is significantly above the national average, suggesting robust developer interest in the area. New developments consist of 98% standalone homes and 2% attached dwellings, maintaining Highfields' traditional low density character focused on family homes.

With around 77 people per approval, Highfields reflects a developing area. Future projections estimate Highfields will add 2,717 residents by 2041 at current development rates, comfortably meeting demand and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Highfields has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 18 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include The Avenues of Highfields, Central Highfields Masterplan, Highfields/Kratzke/O'Brien Roads Intersections Upgrade, and GemLife Highfields Heights. The following list details those projects likely to be 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.

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 is 1.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 13.0% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of June 2025, there are 5,203 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 2.9% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is at 61.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Highfields specializes in education & training, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food services are under-represented at 5.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 8.3%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 13.0% and labour force by 12.7%, leading to a unemployment rate decrease of 0.2 percentage points. Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, valid until Sep-26, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Highfields' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2022 shows Highfields had a median income among taxpayers of $49,645 and an average level of $60,075. These figures are below the national averages of $51,381 and $66,437 respectively. Comparing with Rest of Qld's levels of $50,780 and $64,844 shows Highfields' incomes are lower. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since June 2022, current estimates for Highfields would be approximately $56,590 (median) and $68,479 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 65th percentile ($1,994 weekly), while personal income sits at the 49th percentile. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 33.1% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (3,377 residents), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 31.7% in the same category. After housing costs, residents retain 88.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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

In Highfields, as per the latest Census evaluation, 96.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.7% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other dwelling types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highfields stood at 46.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.0% and rented properties at 14.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,842, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent 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 constitute 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 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 educational profile exceeds the Rest of Qld average in university qualification rates, with 26.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, compared to the regional average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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. This includes 11.1% in secondary education, 10.4% in primary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education. Highfields has 4 schools with a combined enrollment of 3,302 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1039) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 1 primary, 1 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. As an education hub, Highfields offers 32.4 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 17.2, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis conducted in Highfields identifies 40 active public transport stops, all of which serve bus routes. These stops are collectively served by one route, facilitating a total of 100 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents generally residing 471 meters away from the nearest transport stop.

The service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately two weekly trips per individual 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 (~5,205 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. As of the latest data (2016), 25.3% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,581 people), which is higher than the 18.8% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors in Highfields 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 in Highfields, making up 68.4%. This compares 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 was overrepresented at 8.6%, Scottish at 10.0%, and Welsh at 0.6%.

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

Highfields has a median age of 45, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 14.0%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 7.6% compared to Rest of Qld. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.4% to 8.7%. 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 set to grow by 63% (560 people), reaching 1,448 from 887. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 55% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 31 people.