Hillcrest (Qld)

Hillcrest lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for Hillcrest, as of November 2025 its population is estimated at around 7,262. This reflects an increase of 994 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,268. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,167 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, combined with an additional 247 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,220 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Hillcrest's growth of 15.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. 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, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts where necessary. Moving forward, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb of Hillcrest (Qld), expected to increase by 1,391 persons to reach approximately 8,653 by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.4% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Hillcrest experienced around 80 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past 5 financial years ending FY-25. This totals an estimated 403 homes. By FY-26 so far, 11 approvals have been recorded. Over these 5 years, an average of 1.8 new residents per year arrived per new home. However, recent data shows this has intensified to 5 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $320,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. This financial year, $1.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Hillcrest shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and places among the 78th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. Recent construction comprises 64.0% detached dwellings and 36.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a growing mix of housing types to provide options across different price points. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 82.0% houses.

The location has approximately 149 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Hillcrest will gain 1,122 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes to its local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable among these are Ember by Azure (previously known as Augusta Parkway Estate Expansion), The Avenues at Browns Plains, Logan Metro Sports Park, and Browns Plains Central. The following list provides details on those projects considered most relevant.

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 employment environment in Hillcrest shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Hillcrest has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.7%, lower than the national average of 5%.

Over the past year, employment grew by 5.3%. As of June 2025, 3869 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.1% compared to Greater Brisbane's 4.5%. The dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, which is particularly strong at 1.7 times the regional average. Professional & technical services have a limited presence at 2.6%, compared to the regional average of 8.9%.

Despite being predominantly residential, Hillcrest saw employment increase by 5.3% over twelve months, with labour force growth of 4.8%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hillcrest's employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Hillcrest had a median income among taxpayers of $49,621. The average income stood at $55,007, which is below the national average. In Greater Brisbane, these figures were $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Hillcrest would be approximately $56,563 (median) and $62,702 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Hillcrest modestly, between the 39th and 42nd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 40.8% of locals (2,962 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Hillcrest, with only 81.7% of income remaining, 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 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, below 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 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 account for 74.1% of all households, consisting of 34.6% couples with children, 21.5% couples without children, and 16.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.9%, with lone person households at 21.8% and group households comprising 4.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 3.0 people.

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, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 12.0% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 3.6% in tertiary education.

Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment area, requiring families to access them in neighboring areas.

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

Analysis of public transport in Hillcrest shows 23 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 7 individual routes providing service to the area. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 956.

Residential accessibility to transport is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 209 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 136 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 41 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 somewhat prevalent across all age groups, but notably higher among older cohorts. Approximately 49% of Hillcrest's total population (~3558 people) has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in Hillcrest are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 9.7% and 8.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 68.5% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Hillcrest has 11.1% of its population aged 65 and over (806 people), which is lower than the 12.2% in Greater Brisbane. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to presenting challenges.

Hillcrest was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Hillcrest's population, at 23.2%, is more likely to speak a language other than English at home compared to most local markets. Overseas-born residents make up 33.1% of Hillcrest's population. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hillcrest, with 43.6%.

The 'Other' religious category comprises 2.9%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 2.7%. In terms of parental ancestry, English and Australian are the top two groups at 23.6% and 22.9% respectively, followed by Other at 12.5%. Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Maori is overrepresented at 2.8%, New Zealand is evenly represented at 1.5%, and Samoan is underrepresented at 1.7%.

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

Hillcrest's median age is 33 years, which is 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% of Hillcrest's population, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 16.4% to 15.4%. Demographic modeling indicates that Hillcrest's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow the most at 33%, adding 258 residents to reach a total of 1,036. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups.