Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough

Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough's population is around 25,842 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,254 people (5.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 24,588 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 25,400 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 187 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,178 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough's 5.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.1%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 51.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

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, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Regarding demographic trends, an above-median population growth for locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the area expected to grow by 4,453 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 15.5% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough when compared nationally

Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough has experienced around 55 dwellings receiving development approval per year, with 276 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 34 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 3.4 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition, leading to pricing pressures, while new homes are being built at an average value of $282,000, consistent with regional patterns. Additionally, $17.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to the Rest of NSW, Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough records roughly half the building activity per person while it places among the 41st percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. This level is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 62.0% standalone homes and 38.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 90.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. At around 439 people per approval, Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough indicates a mature market.

Population forecasts indicate Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough will gain 4,011 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 58 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Glendale City Centre Expansion, Vida - 2 Turrug Street Whitebridge, Cardiff Strategic Planning Framework, and Garden Suburb, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The employment landscape in Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.9%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 13,771 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is in line with Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (69.4% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 24.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.4% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 0.2% alongside labour force increasing by 1.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.2 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $59,745 with the average level standing at $69,900. This is slightly above average nationally and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $65,038 (median) and $76,093 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 35.3% of residents (9,122 people), reflecting patterns seen in the region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 15.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 56th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.6% houses and 10.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough lagged that of Regional NSW, at 33.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.5%) or rented (23.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional NSW average at $1,885, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 73.5% of all households, comprising 32.9% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.5%, with lone person households at 23.4% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough trail regional benchmarks, with 23.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 32.2% in NSW. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (28.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.6% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 304 active transport stops operating within Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 126 individual routes, collectively providing 5,307 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 150 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. Some 24.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 758 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover just leads the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~13,928 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 11.3% and 8.9% of residents, respectively, while 62.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 16.1% of residents aged 65 and over (4,163 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.1% of its population born in Australia, 93.2% being citizens, and 93.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough is Christianity, which makes up 51.3% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough are Australian, comprising 30.7% of the population, English, comprising 29.9% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.9% (vs 0.5% regionally), Macedonian at 0.5% (vs 0.4%), and Polish at 0.9% (vs 0.5%).

Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 37-year median age in Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough is considerably lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 as well as very close to the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.1%), while the 65 - 74 group is comparatively smaller (8.2%) than in Regional NSW. In the period since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 13.9% to 15.6% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 13.5% to 15.1%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 11.5% to 9.8% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 9.7% to 8.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Glendale - Cardiff - Hillsborough's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 1,302 people (33%) from 3,889 to 5,192. Conversely, both the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 age groups will see reduced numbers.