Highfields (Qld)

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Highfields's population is estimated at around 9,784 as of May 2026, according to analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census. This represents an expansion of 1,216 people (14.2%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 8,568 people. The shift is calculated from the resident population of 9,545, estimated by Districts following analysis of the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) and an additional 539 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population size results in a density ratio of 366 persons per square kilometer, offering considerable space per resident and potential room for future growth. The 14.2% expansion in the suburb of Highfields (Qld) since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 area (9.2%) and the SA4 region, making it a regional growth leader. Population expansion for the locality was mainly propelled by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately of total population gains during recent times, though all components including natural growth and overseas migration were positive contributors.

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Highfields possesses a skilled workforce, with strong representation in essential services fields, and an unemployment rate of only 1.4%, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 4,741 local residents are employed, which is an unemployment rate 2.5% lower than the Regional Qld rate of 3.9%, while workforce participation is somewhat lower than average (60.6% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld). Based on Census records, a minor 11.1% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

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The most recent postcode level ATO statistics for financial year 2023 from Districts indicate that incomes in Highfields are below the national benchmark, with a median of $49,645 and an average of $60,075. This is lower than Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates stand at approximately $55,285 for the median and $66,900 for the average as of March 2026. Census data shows household income is at the 65th percentile ($1,994 weekly), while personal income is at the 49th percentile. Income metrics show 33.1% of the population (3,238 individuals) earn in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, close to the broader region where are in this category. After paying for housing, residents keep of their income, indicating healthy buying power, and the area is positioned in the th decile for SEIFA income rankings.

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The mix of housing in Highfields, according to the latest Census, was 96.3% detached houses and 3.7% other housing types (semi-detached, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's breakdown of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options. The level of home ownership in Highfields was significantly higher than the Regional Qld average, standing at 46.8%, with the remaining properties either under a mortgage (39.0%) or rented (14.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was much higher than the Regional Qld average at $1,842, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $410, compared to Regional Qld averages of $1,655 and $345. On a national level, Highfields's mortgage payments are below the Australian average of $1,863, whereas weekly rents are above the national average of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of households at 84.8%, which includes 37.9% couples with children, 39.5% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent households. Non-family arrangements account for the remaining 15.2% of homes, with lone person households representing 14.3% and group housing making up 1.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 individuals is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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The educational profile of this community is a standout within the region, with university graduation rates (26.0% of residents aged 15+) sitting above the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%, highlighting the local focus on tertiary education. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational and technical skills are also strongly represented, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (25.0%).

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Public transit records show 54 active passenger stops operating in Highfields, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 1 separate routes, which combine to offer 100 weekly passenger journeys. Transit access is classified as moderate, with residents living an average of 432 meters from the nearest stop. Because this is primarily a commuter suburb, most workers travel outside the area, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.9 cars per home, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 11.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 settings).

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Highfields displays strong health metrics, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic illness rates, with the frequency of common health conditions being low across the general population and close to national averages for older, higher-risk groups, while the rate of private health insurance coverage is relatively low at approximately 51% of the population (~4,990 people).

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Highfields displays lower cultural diversity metrics than average, with 88.0% of residents born in Australia, 94.2% holding citizenship, and 96.5% speaking only English in the home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Highfields, representing 68.4% of residents, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

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With a median age of 45, the suburb of Highfields (Qld) is significantly older than the Regional Qld average of 41 and sits well above the national median of 38. The age distribution shows that the 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented (14.3%), while the 25 - 34 group is smaller (8.2%) than what is typically seen in Regional Qld. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has expanded from 7.4% to 9.3% of the total population, while the 25 to 34 group rose from 7.1% to 8.2%. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 14.7% to 12.4% and the to group dropped from to . Looking ahead to demographic projections indicate major shifts in the age structure of the suburb of Highfields (Qld). The to group is projected to lead this shift, growing by ( people) to reach up from . Meanwhile, the to cohort is expected to show minimal growth of just ( people).

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Highfields currently has an estimated 450 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 290 children aged 0-2 and 193 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 17% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 36% by 2041 (to approximately 612 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,045. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 8.3 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.