East Hills

East Hills has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the estimated population of the suburb of East Hills as of Feb 2026 is around 3,817. This reflects an increase of 447 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,370. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,578 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,765 persons per square kilometer, placing East Hills in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth of 13.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (7.6%) and the state average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered SA2 areas, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for uncovered areas. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these aggregated projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 385 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 3.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees East Hills recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

East Hills has seen approximately 30 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 152 homes. In FY-26 so far, 24 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per dwelling built in East Hills between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.7 people per year.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more buyer choices while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction cost value of new homes in East Hills is $455,000, which is higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. Compared to Greater Sydney, East Hills has 58.0% higher construction activity per person. Recent construction comprises 29.0% standalone homes and 71.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 63.0% houses. This trend suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. East Hills has around 109 people per approval, indicating it is a developing area.

Population forecasts suggest East Hills will gain 146 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

East Hills has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones are Canterbury-Bankstown Walking City Project, Weston Street Affordable Housing, Panania Library and Knowledge Centre, and a three-storey mixed-use development with two commercial tenancies. 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals East Hills significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

East Hills has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.1% as of December 2025. This figure is below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.5%. Approximately 2,030 residents were employed while the workforce participation rate was similar to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. A significant portion, 44.6%, of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

The area shows notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 8.2% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of working population versus resident population. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 5.5% while labour force increased by 5.5%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 2.0%. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within East Hills. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to East Hills' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years. However, note that this extrapolation does not account for localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in East Hills is below the national average. The median income is $53,665 and the average income is $66,140. In Greater Sydney, the median income is $60,817 and the average income is $83,003. Using Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $58,420 (median) and $72,000 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in East Hills are at the 50th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 25.6% of the population earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to the regional average of 30.9%. Housing costs consume 18.5% of income. Despite this, disposable income is at the 52nd percentile nationally. East Hills' SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

East Hills displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

East Hills' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 63.4% houses and 36.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Hills was 29.1%, aligning with Sydney metro's figure. Mortgaged dwellings were at 35.8% and rented ones at 35.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than Sydney metro's $2,427. Median weekly rent in East Hills was $375, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, East Hills' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were comparable at $375.

East Hills has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.3% of all households, including 35.3% couples with children, 22.5% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.7%, with lone person households at 25.9% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational attainment in East Hills aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 26.8%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 33.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (22.6%). Educational participation is high, with 27.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.4% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 5.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.4% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

East Hills has 41 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 26 different routes, facilitating 3,862 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 127 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most East Hills residents commute outward using cars, which remain the dominant mode at 80%. Train use stands at 13%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

Notably, 44.6% of residents work from home, as recorded in the 2021 Census, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 551 trips daily, equating to approximately 94 weekly trips per individual stop.

East Hills's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

East Hills residents show positive health outcomes according to data analysis by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and health conditions align with national averages, with low prevalence of common health issues among the general population but higher rates among older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is present in approximately 53% of the total population (~2,026 people), slightly above the average for SA2 areas (59.9%) but lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.8% and 7.0% of residents respectively, with 70.8% reporting no medical ailments compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Under-65 residents show better health outcomes than average. East Hills has 19.4% of residents aged 65 and over (740 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

East Hills 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

East Hills has a high level of cultural diversity, with 32.1% of its population born overseas and 34.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in East Hills, making up 57.3% of the population. However, Islam is notably overrepresented, comprising 9.7% compared to Greater Sydney's 6.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (20.5%), English (20.4%), and Other (13.4%). Some ethnic groups have notable divergences: Lebanese at 4.4% (regional average 2.6%), Vietnamese at 3.9% (regional average 1.8%), and Macedonian at 1.3% (regional average 0.4%).

East Hills's median age exceeds the national pattern

East Hills's median age is 41 years, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and slightly above Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, East Hills has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (13.8% locally) but a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (10.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group increased from 13.4% to 15.0%, while the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 5.5% to 6.9%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group decreased from 11.9% to 10.5%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in East Hills's age profile by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 28%, adding 73 residents to reach 337. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 64% of the population growth, while declines are anticipated for the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups.