Hillcrest (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Hillcrest 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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Hillcrest's (Qld) statistical area (Lv2) population is estimated at around 7,307 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,039 people (16.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,268 people in the area. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,207 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 247 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,234 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hillcrest's (Qld) (SA2) 16.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.7%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected. The Hillcrest (Qld) (SA2) is expected to increase by 1,380 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 14.6% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Hillcrest among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Hillcrest has received approximately 81 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 407 homes. As of FY26, 18 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.8 new residents per year arrived with each new home between FY21 and FY25, suggesting balanced supply and demand. However, recent data shows this ratio has intensified to 4.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $320,000.

This year, Hillcrest has seen $1.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting its residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Hillcrest records about three-quarters the building activity per person, placing it among the 79th percentile nationally, indicating robust developer interest. Recent construction comprises 63% standalone homes and 37% medium to high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering diverse price points. This shift reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. Hillcrest has around 142 people per approval, reflecting its developing status.

Population forecasts indicate it will gain 1,066 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects potentially impacting the area. Notable projects are Ember by Azure (previously Augusta Parkway Estate Expansion), The Avenues at Browns Plains, Logan Metro Sports Park, and Browns Plains Central. Relevant projects are listed below.

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

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Hillcrest maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Hillcrest's workforce comprises an equal mix of white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors dominate.

Unemployment stands at 3.6%, with a 3.3% employment growth over the past year (AreaSearch). As of September 2025, 3,804 residents are employed, with unemployment at 0.3% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, which is particularly notable with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ just 2.6% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 3.3%, labour force by 2.2%, reducing unemployment by 1.1 percentage points (AreaSearch). In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and a 0.5% reduction in unemployment. Statewide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% between November 2024 and November 2025, losing 1,210 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hillcrest's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released in financial year 2023, the suburb of Hillcrest had a median income among taxpayers of $49,621 with the average level standing at $55,007. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $58,236 and $72,799 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $54,538 (median) and $60,458 (average). Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Hillcrest, between the 39th and 42nd percentiles. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 40.8% of residents (2,981 people), reflecting patterns seen in the region where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 38th percentile.

Hillcrest is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Hillcrest's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.0% houses and 18.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's figures of 89.2% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillcrest stood at 18.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.1% and rented ones at 39.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,532, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,600. Median weekly rent in Hillcrest was $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $360. Nationally, Hillcrest's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Hillcrest features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.1% of all households, including 34.6% couples with children, 21.5% couples without children, and 16.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.9%, with lone person households at 21.8% and group households comprising 4.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 3.0.

Hillcrest shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 15.0%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (30.6%). Educational participation is high at 30.0%, with 12.0% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Hillcrest has 23 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by seven different routes that together facilitate 1,027 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is considered good, with residents on average living just 209 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 146 trips per day, which amounts to roughly 44 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hillcrest is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Hillcrest faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across various age groups but notably higher among older cohorts. Approximately 49% of Hillcrest's total population (~3580 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.7% and 8.9% of residents respectively. Around 68.5% of Hillcrest residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 11.1% of residents aged 65 and over (811 people), which is lower than the 12.2% in Greater Brisbane but requires more attention due to health challenges among seniors.

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

Hillcrest's cultural diversity exceeded most local markets, with 23.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 33.1% born overseas. Christianity dominated Hillcrest's religious landscape, comprising 43.6%. The 'Other' religion category was slightly overrepresented in Hillcrest at 2.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 2.7%.

In ancestry, the top groups were English (23.6%), Australian (22.9%), and Other (12.5%). Notable differences existed for Maori (2.8% vs regional 3.2%), New Zealand (1.5% vs 1.5%), and Samoan (1.7% vs 3.0%) groups.

Hillcrest's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Hillcrest's median age is 33 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Hillcrest has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.0%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (5.7%). According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.0% to 4.1%, while the 25-34 cohort has declined from 16.4% to 15.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Hillcrest's age profile will change significantly. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 32%, adding 252 residents to reach a total of 1,034. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 25-34 cohorts.