Highland Park

Highland Park is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Highland Park's population is estimated at around 6,855 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 279 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,576 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,850 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,726 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Highland Park's 4.2% growth since census positions it within 1.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected, with the suburb expected to expand by 505 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 7.4% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Highland Park according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Highland Park averaged approximately 5 new dwelling approvals annually between FY-21 and FY-26. Around 25 homes were approved over the past five financial years, with one additional approval in FY-26. Each year, an average of 11.7 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed during this period.

This high demand-to-supply ratio typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new dwellings was $458,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, there have been $2.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Highland Park's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Highland Park had 71.0% less development activity per person as of this data. This scarcity can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties, although recent periods show increased development activity.

Nationally, Highland Park's development activity is also below average, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 853 people per dwelling approval, Highland Park exhibits a highly mature market. Future projections estimate Highland Park to add 506 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Highland Park 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 four projects likely to impact the area. Key projects are Hinkler Drive Retail Showroom Complex, Mooyumbin Creek Riparian Restoration, Highland Park Investigation Area, and The Summit Highland Park. Relevant details are listed below.

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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Highland Park maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Highland Park has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.1% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. Residents' employment aligns with Rest of Qld's 4.1% unemployment rate and 65.7% workforce participation rate.

A low 12.4% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Notably, construction employment levels are at 1.3 times the regional average while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 0.3% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population.

Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.2%, and labour force grew by 2.1%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 4.1%. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's 1.7% employment growth, 2.1% labour force growth, and 0.3 percentage point unemployment rate increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Highland Park. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Highland Park's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Highland Park's median income among taxpayers was $49,781 in FY2023. The average income stood at $62,246 during the same period. These figures were below Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Highland Park would be approximately $54,714 and $68,415, based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since FY2023. Census data shows Highland Park's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 32nd and 42nd percentiles. The largest income bracket comprises 33.1% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,269 residents), similar to broader area trends showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 41st percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Highland Park, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highland Park was at 34.6%, similar to Non-Metro Qld. Dwellings were either mortgaged (47.7%) or rented (17.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Highland Park was $430, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Highland Park's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $430 compared to the national figure of $375.

Highland Park features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.5% of all households, including 34.0% couples with children, 30.1% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.5%, with lone person households at 19.0% and group households making up 3.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, higher than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Highland Park fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 19.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.5%) and certificates (28.6%). Educational participation is high at 26.9%, with 9.5% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Highland Park has 12 operational public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by four distinct routes offering a total of 355 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated as moderate, with residents typically residing 414 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Highland Park residents commute outward daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.4% of residents work from home, possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 50 trips daily, resulting in approximately 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

Highland Park's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data for Highland Park shows positive outcomes overall.

Mortality rates and health conditions in the area align with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are similar across both young and old age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population, around 3,555 people. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.4 and 7.9% of residents respectively. 67.2% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. There are 20.1% seniors aged 65 and over (1,377 people). Senior health outcomes are above average, ranking higher than the general population nationally.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Highland Park was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Highland Park's cultural diversity is above average, with 10.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 27.8% born overseas. The predominant religion is Christianity, comprising 50.6%. Judaism is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to the Rest of Qld's 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups are English (31.5%), Australian (24.1%), and Other (8.1%). Notably, New Zealanders comprise 1.7% vs region's 0.9%, Maori 1.9% vs 0.8%, and French 0.7% vs 0.5%.

Highland Park's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Highland Park is 41 years, matching Rest of Queensland's average. This figure is somewhat older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Queensland, Highland Park has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (14.4%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (9.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 13.0% to 14.4%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 11.5% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.2% to 11.7%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 13.1% to 11.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Highland Park's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 group is expected to grow by 24%, reaching 1,076 people from the current 870. Conversely, the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.