Red Hill (ACT)
Statistical Area - sa2

Red Hill is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Red Hill (ACT)'s population is around 3554 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 408 people (13.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3146 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3543 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 144 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 731 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Red Hill's 13.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (5.7%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 63.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to increase by 308 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, with an increase of 8.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Red Hill has approximately 78 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 392 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, and zero approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 0.8 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years. This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more housing options and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations.

The average expected construction cost of new homes is $543,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. There have been $22.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Red Hill has 174.0% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers but showing a slowdown in recent years. This level is significantly above the national average, reflecting robust developer interest in the area. New building activity consists of 27.0% detached dwellings and 73.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 79.0% houses), likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 524 people in the area, reflecting its quiet development environment. Future projections indicate Red Hill adding 295 residents by 2041.

Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Red Hill has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects expected to influence the area. Notable ones are Yarra Rossa, The Parks, Red Hill, Red Hill Integrated Plan, and Canberra Hospital Master Plan. Relevant details about these key projects follow.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

The labour market strength in Red Hill positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Red Hill ACT has an educated workforce with significant professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 1.5% as of June 2025, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) average of 3.4%.

Employment growth in Red Hill over the past year was estimated at 1.8%, slightly higher than ACT's 1.9%. As of June 2025, 1,937 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate of 65.9%, lower than ACT's 69.6%. Major employment industries include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. Notably, professional & technical services have high representation at 1.5 times the regional average.

However, public administration & safety shows relatively low representation at 26.6% compared to the regional average of 30.4%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels in Red Hill increased by 1.8%, with labour force growth of 1.5%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Comparatively, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9% during the same period. As of Sep-25, ACT's employment had contracted by 0.33%, losing 1,480 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, and employment grew by 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Red Hill's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

In AreaSearch's latest data released for financial year 2022, Red Hill's median income among taxpayers is $79,758. The average income in the suburb was $129,618 during this period. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates for Red Hill would be approximately $88,356 (median) and $143,591 (average) as of March 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Red Hill rank highly nationally, with household, family, and personal incomes all between the 97th and 100th percentiles. Income analysis shows that the $4000+ earnings band captures 50.2% of the community (1,784 individuals), differing from the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 category is predominant at 34.3%. This suburb exhibits considerable affluence with 60.8% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 89.5% of their income, indicating 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

The latest Census evaluation showed that Red Hill's dwelling structure was 79.3% houses and 20.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 40.7% houses and 59.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Red Hill was at 40.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.8% and rented dwellings at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,500, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,275, while the median weekly rent was $500, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure. Nationally, Red Hill's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national average of $375.

Red Hill features high concentrations of family households and group 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 account for 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 2.2.

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

Educational attainment in Red Hill is notably high, with 59.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% regionally. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 32.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.8%). Technical qualifications make up 14.0% of educational achievements, with advanced diplomas at 7.1% and certificates at 6.9%. Educational participation is high, with 36.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.4% in secondary education, 10.7% in primary education, and 7.5% pursuing tertiary education. Red Hill's four schools have a combined enrollment of 3,102 students as of the latest data. The area has significant socio-educational advantages, with an ICSEA score of 1148. Educational provision is balanced, with three primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. As of the 20XX-20XY period, Red Hill functions as an education hub with 87.3 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 31.2, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to parent campus data.

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

Red Hill has 23 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 17 different routes that together offer 729 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is considered good, with residents typically living within 230 meters of the nearest stop.

On average, there are 104 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 31 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Red Hill is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Red Hill demonstrates higher than average health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence rates of common health conditions. The private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 81% of the total population (2,885 people), compared to 78.0% across the Australian Capital Territory, and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.2 and 7.0% of residents respectively.

A majority, 72.2%, report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 69.8% across the Australian Capital Territory. As of June 2021, 20.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (727 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Red Hill are above average and generally align with those of the broader population.

Red Hill was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Red Hill, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets. Its population born overseas was 29.6%, while 24.0% spoke languages other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 48.0%.

Judaism was overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 0.6%. The top three ancestry groups were English (24.1%), Australian (20.7%), and Other (11.5%). Notably, French (0.9%) and Croatian (1.1%) were overrepresented in Red Hill compared to regional figures of 0.9% and 0.9%, respectively. Macedonian was also somewhat overrepresented at 0.6%.

Red Hill hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Red Hill's median age of 42 is considerably higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 years, and significantly higher than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, the 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented in Red Hill at 13.6%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.8% to 7.3% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 13.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Red Hill's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to expand by 99 people (30%), from 326 to 426. Conversely, both the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.