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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Hillcrest (Qld) is around 7,451, reflecting an increase of 1,183 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 18.9% increase from the previous population count of 6,268. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 7,404, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of additional 256 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,278 persons per square kilometer, which is above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate exceeded both the national average (9.3%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 50% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other drivers such as overseas migration and natural growth also 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 used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb of Hillcrest (Qld), with an expected increase of 1,202 persons to reach a total population of 8,653 by 2041, reflecting a 15.5% increase over the 16-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Hillcrest has experienced around 81 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 406 homes. So far in FY-26, 24 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.5 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, this suggests solid demand supporting property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $320,000. There have also been $1.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature. When measured against Greater Brisbane, Hillcrest records about three-quarters the building activity per person and places among the 78th percentile of areas assessed nationally, indicating robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 63.0% standalone homes and 37.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of currently 82.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options.

At around 147 people per approval, Hillcrest reflects a developing area with population forecasts indicating it will gain 1,155 residents through to 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Ember by Azure (formerly Augusta Parkway Estate Expansion), The Avenues at Browns Plains, Logan Metro Sports Park, and Browns Plains Central.

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 is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. Its unemployment rate was 3.7% in the past year.

As of December 2025, 3,931 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, slightly below Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Brisbane's at 69.6%. Only 8.7% worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with the latter being particularly notable at 1.7 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical employment was lower at 2.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area seems to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 0.2% while labour force decreased by 0.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 3.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 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 simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on 29 June 2023 for financial year 2023, Hillcrest had a median income among taxpayers of $49,621 and an average level of $55,007. These figures are below the national average and compare to levels of $58,236 and $72,799 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Hillcrest would be approximately $55,258 (median) and $61,256 (average) as of March 2026. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Hillcrest rank modestly, between the 39th and 42nd percentiles. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 40.8% of residents (3,040 people), reflecting patterns seen regionally where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. 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). Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillcrest was 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's $1,863 average, while the median weekly rent was $350 compared to Brisbane's $380. Nationally, Hillcrest's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents being less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 74.1% of all households, including 34.6% that are couples with children, 21.5% that are couples without children, and 16.2% that are 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, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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 the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are 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, comprising 12.0% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 3.6% in 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 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by seven distinct routes, offering a combined total of 1027 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average located 209 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Hillcrest residents commute outward, with cars being the primary mode at 91%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 8.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 146 trips daily, equating to roughly 44 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hillcrest is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Hillcrest faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. The area has a considerably higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to averages, with older age cohorts experiencing this to an even greater extent. Approximately 49% of Hillcrest's total population (~3,650 people) has private health cover, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's 55.8% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in Hillcrest, affecting 9.7 and 8.9% of residents respectively. However, 68.5% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents in Hillcrest show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 11.4% of residents aged 65 and over (849 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, although they rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

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 population, as per the Australian Census of 2016, showed higher linguistic diversity with 23.2% speaking a language other than English at home compared to most local areas. Overseas birth accounted for 33.1%, also notably higher than regional averages. Christianity was the dominant religion in Hillcrest, with 43.6%.

The category 'Other' religions showed an overrepresentation of 2.9% compared to Greater Brisbane's 1.3%. Ancestry-wise, English (23.6%) and Australian (22.9%) were the top two groups followed by Other at 12.5%. Maori ancestry was notably higher at 2.8%, New Zealand at 1.5% and Samoan at 1.7% compared to regional averages of 1.1%, 1.0% and 0.9% respectively.

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

At 33 years, Hillcrest's median age is slightly younger than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and significantly lower than the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Hillcrest has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.4%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (6.1%). According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.0% to 4.2%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 16.4% to 15.5%. Demographic projections suggest Hillcrest's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 34%, adding 269 residents to reach 1,067. Conversely, the number of residents aged 0-4 is projected to fall.