Highvale

Population growth drivers in Highvale are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Highvale's estimated population is around 2,021. This reflects an increase of 42 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,979. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,006 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of ten new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 77 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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, 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of national areas is anticipated. The Highvale SA2 is expected to grow by 10 persons to reach a population of 2,031 by 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 4.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Highvale recorded approximately 2 residential properties granted approval per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling around 11 homes. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 8.4 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding new supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $805,000, targeting the premium segment with upmarket dwellings.

This financial year has seen $216,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Highvale's building activity is 74.0% below the regional average per person. The limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Activity is also under the national average, reflecting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. All new construction has been detached dwellings, maintaining Highvale's traditional low density character focused on family homes.

The estimated population count of 1037 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Highvale to grow by 80 residents through to 2041. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

No factor impacts an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could affect this region. Key initiatives include Moreton Bay Regional Council Planning Scheme, Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) Interim Amendment No. 1, Brisbane Northern Suburbs Corridor Capacity, and Building Future Hospitals Program, with the most relevant listed below.

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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 Highvale demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Highvale's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 3.8% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.9%.

As of September 2025, 1,185 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.2% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Highvale is 67.4%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and construction. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Retail trade has a limited presence with 6.5% employment compared to the regional average of 9.4%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the past year, employment increased by 3.9% while labour force grew by 4.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane where employment grew by 3.8%, labour force expanded by 3.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. State-wide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) as of 25-Nov, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Highvale's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.8% in five years and 13.9% in ten years, although this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch reports that Highvale had a median taxpayer income of $61,807 and an average income of $92,148 in the financial year 2023. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. By September 2025, considering a 9.91% growth since FY2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $67,932 (median) and $101,280 (average). According to Census 2021 data, Highvale's household incomes rank at the 97th percentile with a weekly income of $3,143. The suburb has 36.0% of residents earning over $4,000 per week, contrasting with Brisbane's predominant bracket of $1,500 - 2,999. Highvale exhibits affluence with 51.8% earning above $3,000 weekly, supporting premium retail and services. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

In Highvale, as per the latest Census evaluation, 98.8% of dwellings were houses, with 1.2% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Brisbane's metropolitan area, which had 92.2% houses and 7.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highvale stood at 36.4%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (59.6%) or rented (4.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Highvale was $2,600, higher than Brisbane's metro average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Highvale was recorded at $425, compared to Brisbane's metro average of $440. Nationally, Highvale's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 90.5% of all households, including 52.1% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 5.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 9.5%, with lone person households at 8.2% and group households making up 0.6% of the total. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.9.

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

Highvale's educational attainment exceeds broader standards, with 38.5% of its residents aged 15+ possessing university qualifications compared to the SA4 region's 24.9% and Queensland's 25.7%. This notable educational advantage positions Highvale favourably for knowledge-based prospects. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 30.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas accounting for 12.6% and certificates for 18.2%.

Educational participation is notably high in Highvale, with 32.8% of its residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.1% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 5.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis shows five active public transport stops in Highvale. These stops offer bus services only. There is one route serving these stops collectively providing 20 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is limited with residents typically located 1004 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages two trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately four weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Highvale is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Highvale shows superior health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 64% of Highvale's total population (1,287 people) has private health cover, exceeding Greater Brisbane's rate of 60.6%. Nationally, the average is 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in Highvale, affecting 8.4% and 7.9% of residents respectively. A total of 71.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.9%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.2% (367 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 16.2%. Health outcomes among seniors in Highvale are above average, mirroring the general population's health profile.

Highvale ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Highvale's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 77.4% of its population born in Australia, 92.8% being citizens, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Highvale is Christianity, comprising 51.6% of the population, compared to 52.9% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups based on country of birth of parents are English (33.8%), Australian (26.8%), and Irish (11.0%).

Notably, Dutch representation is higher in Highvale at 2.1%, compared to the regional average of 1.5%. Scottish representation is also slightly higher at 9.2% versus 8.9%, while South African representation is lower at 0.8% compared to the region's 1.0%.

Highvale hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Highvale is 44 years, which is considerably higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 45-54 years are particularly prominent, making up 18.9% of the population, while the 25-34 year-olds comprise only 4.1%, which is comparatively smaller than in Greater Brisbane. This concentration of 45-54 year-olds is well above the national average of 12.1%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 13.3% to 15.9%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.5% to 6.8%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 10.3%, and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 5.4% to 4.1%. Looking ahead to the year 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Highvale's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 80 people (59%) from 137 to 218. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.