Riverhills

An assessment of population growth drivers in Riverhills reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the Riverhills statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 4,265 as of Nov 2025. This reflected an increase of 144 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,121 people in the same area. The change was inferred from the resident population estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 1,974 persons per square kilometer, which exceeded the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Riverhills (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 3.5% since the 2021 census, exceeding the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.1%. Natural growth contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in this area.

AreaSearch adopted 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 were used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections did not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth was anticipated for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. The Riverhills (SA2) was expected to increase by 106 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 2.5% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Riverhills is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Riverhills has recorded approximately one residential property granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated nine homes. So far in FY 2025-26, two approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.4 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY 2020-21 and FY 2024-25, indicating that supply has met or exceeded demand.

New properties were constructed at an average value of $336,000 during this period. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Riverhills had significantly lower building activity, with a 53.0% decrease per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Additionally, recent development has consisted solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With approximately 2124 people per dwelling approval, Riverhills reflects a highly mature market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Riverhills is projected to grow by 106 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that may affect this region. Notable projects are Middle Park Intersection Upgrade at Eumong Street/Riverhills Road, Metro Middle Park Mixed-Use Redevelopment, Centenary Motorway Upgrade Planning, and McLeod Country Golf Club Retirement Village. The following details those 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Riverhills well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Riverhills has an educated workforce with key services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 2,383 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.1% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Riverhills is high at 72.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, education & training has an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while accommodation & food services are under-represented with only 5.2% of Riverhills' workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 6.7%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force decreased by 3.9% while employment declined by 1.9%, leading to a 2.0 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment falling by 0.5 percentage points. Statewide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% between November 2024 and November 2025, losing 1,210 jobs, while the state unemployment rate was 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Riverhills' employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider local population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Riverhills' median income among taxpayers is $61,478. The average income in Riverhills is $77,205. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Riverhills would be approximately $67,570 (median) and $84,856 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Riverhills cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 39.8% of the community (1,697 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends across the area showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing accounts for 15.1% of income. Riverhills residents rank within the 71st percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Riverhills' dwellings, according to the latest Census, consisted of 87.1% houses and 12.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares with Brisbane metro's 91.4% houses and 8.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Riverhills stood at 25.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.4% and rented ones at 25.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,820, below Brisbane metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Riverhills was $410, compared to Brisbane metro's $450. Nationally, Riverhills' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Riverhills features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 77.2% of all households, including 37.5% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.8%, with lone person households at 19.7% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.8.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 34.3%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 47.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 23.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 22.9%. Educational participation is high, with 31.0% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.0% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 6.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Riverhills has nine active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 596 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transport services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 235 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 85 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 66 weekly trips per individual stop.

Riverhills's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Riverhills.

Both young and old age cohorts saw low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~2,464 people). The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.3 and 7.4% of residents respectively. 72.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.2% across Greater Brisbane. As of 2021, 15.6% of residents were aged 65 and over (665 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Riverhills, surveyed in June 2021, showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets. 19.1% spoke a language other than English at home, and 31.0% were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 45.5%.

Buddhism was overrepresented at 2.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 3.4%. Top ancestry groups were English (26.4%), Australian (21.5%), and Other (11.2%). Notable divergences included New Zealand (1.2% vs regional 1.0%), South African (1.1% vs 0.9%), and Samoan (0.9% vs 0.4%).

Riverhills's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Riverhills' median age is 36 years, equal to Greater Brisbane's but younger than the national average of 38 years. The 35-44 age group comprises 17.4%, higher than Greater Brisbane's figure, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 11.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.7% to 5.5%, and the 15-24 cohort has risen from 11.1% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 13.9% to 11.3%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 15.0% to 13.7%. By 2041, Riverhills' population is forecasted to see significant demographic shifts. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to rise by 151 people (65%), from 234 to 386. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 63% of total population growth, reflecting Riverhills' aging demographic trend. In contrast, both 65-74 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.