Red Hill (ACT)

Red Hill has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Red Hill's population was around 3,554 as of February 2026, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents an increase of 408 people (13.0%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,146. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,543 in June 2024 and an additional 144 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 731 persons per square kilometer, roughly in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Red Hill's growth rate of 13.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state average (6.7%) and the SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 63.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, using 2022 as a base, are adopted. Future demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation, with an expected expansion to 3,862 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 8.3% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Red Hill according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Red Hill has received approximately 78 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25392 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 0.8 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

This indicates that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices and supporting potential population growth beyond projections. The average construction cost of new properties is $344,000, indicating a focus on premium segment development. In FY-26, $22.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Red Hill has 174.0% more building activity per person, providing ample buyer choice. However, recent periods show a moderation in development activity. New developments consist of 27.0% standalone homes and 73.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 79.0% houses. This trend towards denser development caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

The estimated population per dwelling approval in Red Hill is 524 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections suggest the area will add 295 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Red Hill has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Griffith-Narrabundah Community Centre & Oval Upgrade, Yarra Rossa, The Parks, Red Hill, and Canberra Hospital Master Plan. The following list 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.

Employment conditions in Red Hill rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Red Hill has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 1.4%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. In the year to September 2025, employment grew by 2.0% while the labour force increased by 1.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points.

As of September 2025, 1,980 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, below ACT's rate. Workforce participation is lower at 67.7% compared to ACT's 72.5%. A moderate 16.4% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance.

The area specializes in professional & technical jobs with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level but is under-represented in public administration & safety (26.6% vs ACT's 30.4%). Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with local projections suggesting Red Hill's employment should increase by 7.1% in five years and 14.3% in ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. Red Hill SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $82,060 and an average of $132,424. Nationally, these figures rank in the top percentile. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory's levels were $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Red Hill are approximately $89,659 (median) and $144,686 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Red Hill rank between the 97th and 99th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 50.2% (1,784 individuals) earn above $4,000 weekly, differing from metropolitan patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates at 34.3%. Notably, 60.8% of residents earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 89.5% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Red Hill is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Red Hill's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 79.3% houses and 20.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Red Hill was 40.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.8% and rented ones at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,500, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure was $500, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Red Hill's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Red Hill features high concentrations of group households and family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.5% of all households, including 43.0% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.5%, with lone person households at 19.3% and group households making up 4.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

Red Hill's residents aged 15+ have a higher educational attainment than national averages. 59.1% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 32.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.8%). Technical qualifications make up 14.0%, with advanced diplomas at 7.1% and certificates at 6.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 36.4% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.4% in secondary, 10.7% in primary, and 7.5% in tertiary education.

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

Red Hill has 23 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are served by 111 different routes, collectively facilitating 9,431 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 230 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 86%, with walking and cycling accounting for 4% and 3% respectively. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.4% of residents work from home, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,347 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 410 weekly trips per individual stop.

Red Hill's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Red Hill's health outcomes show excellent results according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low, particularly among younger cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 82% of the total population (2,896 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory and 55.7% nationally.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.2%) and asthma (7.0%). 72.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over (733 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Red Hill's population showed higher cultural diversity than most nearby areas, with 29.6% born overseas and 24.0% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Red Hill, comprising 48.0%. Judaism was overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, making up 0.4% of Red Hill's population.

The top three ancestral groups were English (24.1%), Australian (20.7%), and Other (11.5%). Some ethnic groups had notable differences in representation: French at 0.9%, Croatian at 1.1%, and Macedonian at 0.6%.

Red Hill's median age exceeds the national pattern

Red Hill's median age is 43 years, significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the ACT average, Red Hill has a notably over-represented cohort aged 55-64 (14.1%) and under-represented cohort aged 25-34 (8.0%). Post-2021 Census, the population aged 75-84 grew from 4.8% to 7.1%, while those aged 55-64 increased from 13.1% to 14.1%. Conversely, the cohort aged 5-14 declined from 15.2% to 13.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Red Hill's age profile will change significantly. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 19%, adding 100 residents to reach 634. Meanwhile, both the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in number.