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 November 2025, the estimated population for the Highgate Hill statistical area (Lv2) is around 7,304. This reflects a growth of 1,075 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,229. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 7,293 residents following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 5,938 persons per square kilometer, placing Highgate Hill in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 17.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.7%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver for this population increase 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. By 2041, the area is forecasted to increase by 1,948 persons, reflecting a gain of 26.6% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Highgate Hill recorded around 19 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 96 homes were approved, with a further 16 approved so far in FY26. This results in an average of about 5.5 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

The supply is substantially lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers focus on the premium market, constructing new properties at an average value of $776,000. In FY26, $80,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting 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, with levels under the national average indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent 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, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

The location has approximately 434 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Population forecasts indicate Highgate Hill will gain around 1,945 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Hampstead & Jones, Highgate Hill Terraces, South Brisbane Recreation Centre Redevelopment, and Glasshouse Theatre at QPAC. 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.

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

Highgate Hill's workforce is highly educated with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 7.1% as of September 2025.

This rate is 3.1% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation was fairly standard at 68.5%. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area had a notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

However, construction was under-represented, with only 5.0% of Highgate Hill's workforce compared to 9.0% in Greater Brisbane. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited as indicated by the census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.0%, while labour force increased by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Highgate Hill's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Highgate Hill had a median income among taxpayers of $49,811 and an average income of $71,911. These figures are higher than the national averages of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively for Greater Brisbane. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $54,747 and average income $79,037 by that date. Census 2021 data shows incomes in Highgate Hill cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. Income distribution indicates 29.0% of individuals (2,118 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to the broader area where 33.3% fall within this bracket. High weekly earnings exceeding $3,000 are achieved by 31.3% of households, suggesting strong consumer spending despite high housing costs consuming 16.8% of income. Disposable income is at the 60th percentile and 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Highgate Hill's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 37.9% houses and 62.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro area had 12.9% houses and 87.2% 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 was $2,376, higher than Brisbane metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent was $380, compared to Brisbane metro's $440. Nationally, Highgate Hill's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,376 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375 at $380.

Highgate Hill features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a higher-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 larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 1.9.

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 significantly higher proportion with university qualifications, at 54.7%, compared to Queensland's 25.7% and Australia's 30.4%. This educational advantage is driven by bachelor degrees (32.7%), postgraduate qualifications (17.2%), and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Vocational pathways account for 19.6% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 10.8%. Educational participation is high, with 36.1% currently enrolled in formal education, including tertiary (14.5%), secondary (9.3%), and primary (6.6%) levels.

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

Highgate Hill has 21 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together facilitate 821 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered excellent, with residents typically situated 123 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 117 daily trips across all routes, translating to roughly 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

Highgate Hill's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Highgate Hill, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 56%, covering around 4068 people, compared to 62.8% in Greater Brisbane.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.3 and 7.1% of residents respectively. A total of 73.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 75.5% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 11.7% of residents aged 65 and over (854 people), higher than the 10.5% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with the general population's health profile.

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 August 2020, showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas. It had 26.7% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 35.2% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 32.9%.

Buddhism, however, was more prevalent here at 4.8%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 3.9%. The top three ancestral groups were English (21.7%), Australian (17.6%), and Other (11.3%). Notably, Greeks made up 4.8% of Highgate Hill's population, higher than the regional average of 1.5%. French and Vietnamese populations also differed slightly, at 0.8% and 2.1%, respectively.

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

Highgate Hill's median age is 37 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and close to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Highgate Hill has a higher percentage of residents aged 15-24 at 18.7%, but fewer residents aged 5-14 at 8.3%. This 15-24 concentration is above the national average of 12.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 15.9% to 18.7%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 18.4% to 19.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 9.9% to 8.3%, and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 14.6% to 13.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Highgate Hill's age profile will change significantly. The 45 to 54 cohort is projected to grow by 45%, adding 466 residents to reach 1,511. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort grows by a modest 4% (6 people).