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

Red Hill's ACT population stood at approximately 3,554 as of Aug 2025. This figure represents a rise of 408 individuals (13.0%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,146 people. The increase is deduced from ABS' estimated resident population of 3,543 as of June 2024 and the addition of 144 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 731 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Red Hill's growth rate surpassed both ACT's state average (5.7%) and its SA4 region since the 2021 Census. Interstate migration contributed approximately 63.1% to overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 ACT Government's SA2 area projections are used, also based on 2022. Future population trends anticipate an increase slightly below the median for statistical areas nationally, with Red Hill expected to grow by 308 persons to reach approximately 3,862 individuals by 2041, representing an 8.3% total rise over the 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 recorded approximately 40 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with 201 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY-20 to FY-25. No approvals have been recorded 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 suggests that new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $543,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been $22.0 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Red Hill has 161.0% more construction activity per person, creating greater choice for buyers. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This level is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. New building activity shows 27.0% detached dwellings and 73.0% medium and high-density housing.

This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns which are currently 79.0% houses. The estimated count of 524 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Red Hill adding 295 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects are Yarra Rossa, The Parks, Red Hill, Red Hill Integrated Plan, and Canberra Hospital Master Plan, as detailed below for relevance.

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 a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 1.5% and it experienced an estimated employment growth of 1.8% over the past year as of June 2025.

There are 1,937 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9% lower than ACT's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation is at 65.9%, below ACT's 69.6%. Major employment industries include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. Professional & technical services have particularly high representation, with levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Public administration & safety shows lower representation at 26.6% compared to the regional average of 30.4%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8%, labour force grew by 1.5%, leading to a fall in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Comparatively, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9% with unemployment falling by 0.3 percentage points. As of Sep-25, ACT's employment contracted by 0.33%, losing 1,480 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Red Hill's employment mix suggests local growth could be approximately 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified 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 latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows 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 of 10.78% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Red Hill would be approximately $88,356 (median) and $143,591 (average) as of March 2025. The 2021 Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Red Hill all rank highly nationally, between the 97th and 100th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 50.2% of the community (1,784 individuals) falls into the $4000+ earnings band, differing from the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 category is predominant at 34.3%. This suburb exhibits significant 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

At the latest Census evaluation in Red Hill, dwelling structures comprised 79.3% houses and 20.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to the Australian Capital Territory's structure of 40.7% houses and 59.3% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Red Hill was 40.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.8% and rented dwellings at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,500, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,275. The median weekly rent figure in Red Hill was recorded at $500, matching the Australian Capital Territory's figure but significantly higher than the national average of $375 for mortgage repayments and $1863 for rents.

Red Hill features high concentrations of family households and group 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 make up 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 2.2.

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 higher than broader benchmarks. 59.1% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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 accounting for 7.1% and certificates for 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. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1148. Education provision is balanced, with three primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. As an education hub, Red Hill has 87.4 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 31.2, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 23 active stops operating in Red Hill, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by 17 routes, facilitating 729 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated good, with residents typically located 230 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 104 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 31 weekly trips per 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 shows better-than-average health results, with both younger and older age groups having low rates of common health issues. Approximately 81% of its total population of 2,885 has private health cover, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 78.0%, and much higher than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis (affecting 8.2% of residents) and asthma (7.0%).

A total of 72.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 69.8% across the Australian Capital Territory. In Red Hill, 20.5% of residents are aged 65 or over (727 people). The health outcomes among seniors in this area are above average and largely align with those of the general 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's population showed significant cultural diversity, with 29.6% born overseas and 24.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Red Hill at 48.0%. While Judaism comprised only 0.4%, this figure was higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 0.6%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (24.1%), Australian (20.7%), and Other (11.5%). Notably, French (0.9% vs 0.9%), Croatian (1.1% vs 0.9%), and Macedonian (0.6% vs 0.3%) ethnicities were disproportionately represented in Red Hill compared to regional figures.

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

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 Australian Capital Territory average, the 55-64 age 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 age cohort has declined from 15.2% to 13.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that 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, while both the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.