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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Highland Park is estimated at around 6,858 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 282 people (4.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,576 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,854, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional five validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,727 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Highland Park's 4.3% growth since census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 56.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected, with the suburb expected to increase by 468 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.8% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Highland Park averaged approximately 5 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 25 homes. As of FY-26, there has been 1 approval recorded. Historically, around 9.9 new residents per year have arrived for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average construction value of new homes is $458,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. In FY-26, there have been $2.0 million in commercial development approvals recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Highland Park shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 71.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, though recent periods have seen an increase in development activity. The area's established nature is also indicated by its levels being under the national average, potentially suggesting planning limitations.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving Highland Park's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location currently has approximately 853 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate Highland Park will gain 464 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that could impact this region. Notable projects are Hinkler Drive Retail Showroom Complex, Mooyumbin Creek Riparian Restoration, Highland Park Investigation Area, and The Summit Highland Park. Relevant details about these projects follow.

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.

The labour market in Highland Park demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Highland Park has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%, and it experienced an estimated employment growth of 2.8% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 3610 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.6%.

This is 0.2% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and the workforce participation rate is 66.6%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses indicate that only 12.4% of residents work from home, but Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Highland Park shows strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.3%, compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.8% and labour force increased by 2.2%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with an increase in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Highland Park's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Highland Park had a median income among taxpayers of $49,781 and an average income of $62,246 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures were lower than those for Regional Qld, which stood at $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $55,436 (median) and $69,317 (average). Census data shows Highland Park's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 32nd and 42nd percentiles. Income distribution data reveals that 33.1% of individuals in Highland Park earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the regional figure of 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 41st percentile. The area'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

Highland Park's dwelling structure, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Queensland's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highland Park was at 34.6%, aligning with Regional Queensland. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 47.7% and rented dwellings were 17.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,800, higher than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $430, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Highland Park's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than 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 comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Regional Queensland 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 the Australian 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 - advanced diplomas at 13.5% and certificates at 28.6%. Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.5% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 3.9% in 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 routes collectively facilitate 355 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 414 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the primary mode of transportation at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 50 trips daily across all routes, equating to 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 shows Highland Park residents have relatively positive health outcomes.

AreaSearch's analysis found mortality rates and health conditions largely align with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (around 3,557 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.4 and 7.9% of residents respectively. About 67.2% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has about 20.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,433 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings higher than the general population.

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 population, above average in cultural diversity, has 10.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 27.8% born overseas. Christianity is the primary religion, comprising 50.6%. Judaism is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Regional Queensland's 0.1%.

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

Highland Park's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Highland Park is 41 years, matching Regional Queensland's average of 41 but higher than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Highland Park has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (14.5%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (11.4%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 35-44 has increased from 13.0% to 14.5% of Highland Park's population. Conversely, the age groups of 55-64 and 45-54 have decreased from 13.1% to 11.4% and from 13.2% to 12.1%, respectively. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Highland Park's age structure. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 23% (188 people), reaching 1,018 from 829. Conversely, the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups are projected to experience population declines.