Red Hill (ACT)

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

Red Hill's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 3,619 people. This figure represents a growth of 473 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,146. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates: 3,619 in June 2025 and an additional 144 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 744 persons per square kilometer. Red Hill's growth rate of 15.0% since the Census exceeded both the state (8.3%) and SA4 region averages, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 61.0% to recent population gains in the area.

Population projections for Red Hill are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, ACT Government's SA2 area projections using 2022 as the base year are adopted. Future demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the national median statistical areas' average by 2041, with an expected expansion of 278 persons (a 7.7% increase over 16 years) based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 FY21 to FY25392 homes were approved, with an additional 8 approved in FY26 as of now. On average, 0.8 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices and supporting potential population growth beyond projections. The average construction value of new properties is $344,000, indicating a focus on premium segment development. This financial year has seen $22.0 million in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating steady commercial investment activity in the area. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Red Hill records 182.0% more building activity per person, suggesting ample choice for buyers and robust developer interest in the area. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. New developments consist of 27.0% standalone homes and 73.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 79.0% houses). This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

The area's quiet, low activity development environment is reflected in an estimated count of 524 people per dwelling approval. Future projections, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, show Red Hill adding 278 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Red Hill has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include 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.

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Employment performance in Red Hill ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Red Hill has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, with a 1.1% employment growth over the past year as of December 2025. There are 1,977 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 2.1% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is at 66.1%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. A moderate 16.4% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Leading industries include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. Red Hill specializes in professional & technical jobs with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level but has fewer public administration & safety jobs at 26.6% compared to Australian Capital Territory's 30.4%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1%, and the labour force grew by 1.2%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 0.9% with a labour force growth of 1.2% and an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Red Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Red Hill SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $82,060 and an average level of $132,424. Nationally, these figures place Red Hill in the top percentile. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory has levels of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Taking into account Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $90,627 (median) and $146,249 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Red Hill all rank highly nationally, between the 97th and 99th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 50.2% of individuals earn more than $4,000 weekly, differing from metropolitan patterns where earnings between $1,500 and $2,999 dominate at 34.3%. A significant 60.8% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 89.5% of their 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.3% houses and 20.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Red Hill was at 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 Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Red Hill was recorded at $500, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Red Hill's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 22.5%, with lone person households at 19.3% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, 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 educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 59.1% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This includes 32.8% with bachelor degrees, 20.5% with postgraduate qualifications, and 5.8% with graduate diplomas. Technical qualifications make up 14.0%, comprising advanced diplomas (7.1%) and certificates (6.9%).

Educational participation is high at 36.4%. This includes secondary education (13.4%), primary education (10.7%), and tertiary education (7.5%).

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

Red Hill has 23 active public transport stops, all providing bus services. These stops are served by 111 different routes, together offering 9,431 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 230 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most residents commute outwards. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 86%, while walking and cycling account for 4% and 3% respectively. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 1,347 trips daily, equating to roughly 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 exceptional results, with AreaSearch's assessment revealing very low prevalence of common health conditions among younger cohorts. Approximately 82% of Red Hill's total population (2,949 people) has private health cover, compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.2%) and asthma (7.0%), with 72.2% of residents declaring no medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory.

Red Hill has 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over (744 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. While health outcomes among seniors are above average, they rank lower nationally than those of 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 local areas, with 29.6% born overseas and 24.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Red Hill, making up 48.0%. Judaism was overrepresented compared to Australian Capital Territory figures, comprising 0.4% of Red Hill's population.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.1%), Australian (20.7%), and Other (11.5%). Some ethnic groups had notable differences in representation: French (0.9% vs regional 0.5%), Croatian (1.1% vs 0.9%), and Macedonian (0.6% vs 0.2%) were overrepresented in Red Hill.

Red Hill's median age exceeds the national pattern

Red Hill's median age is 42, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the ACT average, Red Hill has an over-representation of the 55-64 cohort (13.9% locally) and an under-representation of the 25-34 year-olds (8.7%). Since 2021, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.8% to 7.3%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 7.6% to 8.7%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 12.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Red Hill's age profile will change significantly. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to expand by 98 people (18%) from 537 to 636. Meanwhile, both the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.