Highgate Hill

Highgate Hill has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Highgate Hill is around 7,318, reflecting a 17.5% increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,229 people. This change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,293 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a high population density ratio of 5,949 persons per square kilometer, placing Highgate Hill in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods. For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area.

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 used, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections where necessary. By 2041, Highgate Hill is forecast to increase by 1,949 persons, reflecting a total gain of 26.4% over the 17 years based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Highgate Hill when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Highgate Hill has around 19 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 96 homes were approved, with another 16 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 5.5 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

However, supply is substantially lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers focus on the premium market, constructing new properties at an average value of $776,000. This financial year has seen $80,000 in commercial development approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Highgate Hill has significantly less development activity, 81.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. The area's current construction comprises 20.0% detached dwellings and 80.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 38.0% houses). This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

Highgate Hill has approximately 434 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Population forecasts indicate the location will gain around 1,933 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Hampstead & Jones, Highgate Hill Terraces, South Brisbane Recreation Centre Redevelopment, and Glasshouse Theatre at QPAC. The following list details those likely 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.

Highgate Hill shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Highgate Hill has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate was 7.1%. Over the past year, employment stability was relative.

The area had 4,508 residents in work while its unemployment rate was 3.1% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Brisbane at 74.3%. According to Census responses, 27.4% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.

The area had a notable concentration in professional & technical services with levels at 1.8 times the regional average. However, construction was under-represented at 5.0% compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. Limited local employment opportunities were suggested by the working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.1% while labour force grew by 1.0%, raising unemployment by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a drop in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Highgate Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023. Highgate Hill's median income among taxpayers was $49,811, with an average of $71,911. Nationally, the averages were $58,236 and $72,799 respectively across Greater Brisbane. As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $54,747 (median) and $79,037 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%. Census 2021 income data shows Highgate Hill's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals 29.0% (2,122 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Economic strength is evident with 31.3% of households earning over $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 16.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 60th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Highgate Hill features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Highgate Hill's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 37.9% houses and 62.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highgate Hill was at 25.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.5% and rented ones at 51.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,376, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, matching Brisbane metro's figure but exceeding the national average of $375. Nationally, Highgate Hill's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

Highgate Hill features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 57.1% of all households, including 22.3% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 42.9%, with lone person households at 31.9% and group households comprising 11.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Highgate Hill demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Highgate Hill's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion of university qualifications (54.7%) compared to Queensland (25.7%) and Australia overall (30.4%). Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (32.7%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Vocational pathways account for 19.6%, with advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 10.8%. Educational participation is notably high, with 36.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 14.5% in tertiary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 6.6% pursuing primary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Highgate Hill shows that there are 21 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with three individual routes providing a total of 821 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 123 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. The dominant mode of transport remains the car at 59%, while walking accounts for 13% and bus travel makes up 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high percentage of residents work from home, with 27.4% doing so, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 117 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

Highgate Hill's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics indicates robust performance across Highgate Hill, with AreaSearch's assessment showing very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 56% (~4,076 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.3 and 7.1% of residents respectively. 73.4% of residents declare they are completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The under-65 population exhibits better than average health outcomes. Highgate Hill has 12.1% of residents aged 65 and over (885 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, ranking higher nationally than those of the general population.

Highgate Hill 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

Highgate Hill, surveyed in June 2016, exhibited greater linguistic diversity than most local areas, with 26.7% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Born overseas, 35.2% of Highgate Hill's population was recorded. Christianity dominated religious affiliations, comprising 32.9%.

Buddhism, however, was more prevalent in Highgate Hill (4.8%) compared to Greater Brisbane (2.0%). For ancestry, the top groups were English (21.7%), Australian (17.6%), and Other (11.3%). Notably, Greek (4.8% vs 0.6%), French (0.8% vs 0.5%), and Vietnamese (2.1% vs 0.8%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Highgate Hill compared to regional averages.

Highgate Hill's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Highgate Hill's median age is nearly 37 years, closely matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and approaching Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Highgate Hill has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 at 18.9%, but fewer residents aged 5-14 at 8.3%. This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 12.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of 15 to 24-year-olds has increased from 15.9% to 18.9%, while the 35 to 44 age group has decreased from 14.6% to 12.9%. The 5 to 14 age group has also declined, from 9.9% to 8.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Highgate Hill's age profile. The 45 to 54 cohort is projected to grow by 42%, adding 443 residents to reach a total of 1,512. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 age group is expected to grow modestly by 9%, with an increase of 13 people.