Highvale

QLD 4520 • Greater Brisbane

1,979
Population (2021)
$163,436
Median Household Income
26.22 km²
Area
$425/wk
Median Rent
Semi-RuralAcreageFamily-FriendlyTree ChangeNature

About Highvale

Highvale is a semi-rural suburb nestled in the Samford Valley, approximately 20 kilometres north-west of Brisbane CBD in the Moreton Bay region. With a population of around 1,800 spread across 26 square kilometres, it offers an acreage lifestyle with lush green hills, native bushland, and a strong sense of community. The suburb sits at an elevation of around 112 metres, providing a slightly cooler microclimate than Brisbane.

Highvale attracts families and professionals seeking a tree-change without completely leaving the city behind. Properties are typically set on large lots ranging from one to five acres, popular with horse owners and hobby farmers. The nearby Samford Village provides a quaint shopping precinct with cafes, a general store, and weekend markets. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy access to walking trails, creeks, and the D'Aguilar National Park. While car-dependent, the suburb connects to Brisbane via Ferny Grove train station.

Highvale falls under postcode 4520 and is governed by Moreton Bay Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Pine Rivers electorate.

📰 Featured In

💰 Top 50 Suburbs in Queensland by Median Household Income

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4520
Urban Area
Pine Rivers - West
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.37°, 152.81°
Statistical Area
Greater Brisbane
Area
26.22 km²
Elevation
112m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$425
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,600
Avg Household Size
3.1 people
Median Age
44 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Ferny Grove
10 km
Ferny Grove Line
Keperra
12 km
Ferny Grove Line

Bus Services

  • 399 — Samford to Ferny Grove Station 20 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
20 km
By Train
50 min (drive to Ferny Grove + train)
By Bus
60-70 min (399 bus + train)
By Car (Peak)
40-50 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
30 min

🛣️ Car-dependent suburb. Route 399 connects to Ferny Grove station for train to CBD.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Large acreage lots and no footpaths mean a car is essential for all errands and commuting.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Moreton Bay Local Government Area, which contains Highvale. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
402.8 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
187.2 / 100k
Non-FV assault
687.9 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
16.3 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
409.4 / 100k

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,766
Census 2021
1,979
12.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$43,628
Personal Income 2021
$51,584
18.2% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$51,584 / yr
$992/wk
Household
$163,436 / yr
$3143/wk
Family
$170,040 / yr
$3270/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,500
Born Overseas 437

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 195
  • 2. New Zealand 61
  • 3. South Africa 21
  • 4. United States 16
  • 5. Netherlands 14
  • 6. Scotland 14
  • 7. Zimbabwe 14
  • 8. India 11
  • 9. Thailand 8
  • 10. Ireland 7

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 953
Australian 756
Irish 311
Scottish 260
German 108
Dutch 58
Italian 45
Indian 27
New Zealander 23
South African 22

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,114
Both parents born in Australia
523
Both parents born overseas
304
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
49.4%
No Religion
45.5%
Buddhism
0.6%
Hinduism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
80 (4.0%)
5-14 years
324 (16.4%)
15-19 years
166 (8.4%)
20-24 years
98 (5.0%)
25-34 years
106 (5.4%)
35-44 years
233 (11.8%)
45-54 years
397 (20.1%)
55-64 years
290 (14.7%)
65-74 years
178 (9.0%)
75-84 years
90 (4.5%)
85+ years
17 (0.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Highvale known for? +

Highvale is known for its semi-rural acreage lifestyle in the beautiful Samford Valley, popular with horse owners and those seeking large properties close to Brisbane. Highvale State School is well-regarded, and the nearby Samford Village provides cafes, markets, and community events.

How far is Highvale from Brisbane CBD? +

Highvale is approximately 20 kilometres north-west of Brisbane CBD, a drive of about 30–35 minutes via Samford Road.

Does Highvale have public transport? +

Highvale has very limited public transport. Bus services from Samford Village provide some connections to Brisbane, but residents generally rely on private vehicles given the semi-rural acreage character.

What is the population of Highvale? +

The 2021 Census recorded approximately 1,979 residents in Highvale, a semi-rural locality in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area in the Samford Valley.

Is Highvale a good place to live? +

Highvale is an excellent choice for families, horse owners, and professionals seeking a tree-change lifestyle close to Brisbane. Large acreage lots, a good state school, and the Samford Valley's natural beauty and community life are major drawcards.

What is the postcode for Highvale? +

The postcode for Highvale is 4520, covering the Samford Valley area north-west of Brisbane in the Moreton Bay Region.

What is the average income in Highvale? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Highvale is about $992 per week (around $51,600 per year). The median household income is $3,143 per week and the median family income is $3,270 per week.

What is the age profile of Highvale? +

The median age in Highvale is 44. The largest age group is 45–54 (397 residents, around 20%). Around 29% of residents are under 20 and about 14% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Highvale a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Highvale is part of the Moreton Bay LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Highvale? +

In Highvale, the median weekly rent is $425, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,600 (2021 Census).