Highvale

Population growth drivers in Highvale are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Highvale as of November 2025 is around 2,028 people. This reflects an increase of 49 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,979 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 2,014 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 77 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for Highvale was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, the suburb is expected to grow by 9 persons to reach a population of 2,041 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 3.5% 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 indicates Highvale has recorded approximately 2 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years up to FY-25. This totals an estimated 11 homes. In FY-26, so far, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 8.4 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $805,000, targeting the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, there have been $519,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Highvale records markedly lower building activity, 74.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Relative to the national average, this activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

All new construction has been comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining Highvale's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 2074 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Highvale is expected to grow by 72 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Highvale has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

No factors influence an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of zero projects likely to impact this area. Key projects 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. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The employment environment in Highvale shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Highvale has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 4.0% and there was an estimated employment growth of 6.0% over the past year.

As of June 2025, 1,186 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, slightly below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is 67.4%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and construction. Notably, the area has a high specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Retail trade, however, has limited presence at 6.5% compared to the regional average of 9.4%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the census working population versus resident population count. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 6.0% while labour force grew by 6.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane where employment grew by 4.4%, labour force expanded by 4.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that over five years, national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Highvale's employment mix indicates a potential local employment increase of 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2022 for financial year 2022, Highvale had a median income among taxpayers of $61,807. The average income level stood at $92,148. This is among the highest in Australia when compared to levels of $55,645 and $70,520 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for median income would be approximately $70,454 as of September 2025. For average income, the estimate is around $105,040 by that date. Census data from 2021 shows household incomes rank exceptionally at the 97th percentile with weekly earnings of $3,143. In Highvale, 36.0% of residents (730 people) fall into the $4000+ income bracket, differing from the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 33.3%. The district displays considerable affluence with 51.8% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. 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

Highvale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.8% houses and 1.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 92.2% houses and 7.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highvale stood at 36.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 59.6% and rented ones at 4.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Highvale was $425, compared to Brisbane metro's $440. Nationally, Highvale's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 versus 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 9.5%, with lone person households at 8.2% and group households comprising 0.6%. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is 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 is notably higher than broader benchmarks. 38.5% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications, compared to 24.9% in the SA4 region and 25.7% in Queensland. Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 18.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.1% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 5.9% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside Highvale's immediate boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Highvale has five active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes. Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% of the total population (1,292 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.4 and 7.9% of residents respectively, while 71.3% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.9% across Greater Brisbane. As of 2021, the area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (369 people), which is higher than the 16.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with 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 had a cultural diversity level below average, with 77.4% of its population born in Australia, 92.8% being citizens, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Highvale, making up 51.6% of people, compared to 52.9% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.8%), Australian (26.8%), and Irish (11.0%).

Notably, Dutch ethnicity was overrepresented at 2.1%, Scottish at 9.2%, and South African at 0.8%.

Highvale hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Highvale is 44 years, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and substantially exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 45-54 years are particularly prominent at 19.0%, while the 25-34 year-olds comprise only 4.1% of the population, which is smaller than in Greater Brisbane. This concentration of individuals aged 45-54 years is well above the national average of 12.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 13.3% to 15.9%, while the 75 to 84 age cohort has risen from 4.5% to 6.8%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age group has decreased from 11.8% to 10.3%, and the 25 to 34 year-olds have dropped from 5.4% to 4.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Highvale's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially by 80 people (58%), from 137 to 218 individuals. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 years and above will account for 81% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 year-olds and those aged 0 to 4 are expected to experience population declines.