Hillarys

An assessment of population growth drivers in Hillarys reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Hillarys's population is estimated at around 11,971 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 771 people (6.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,200 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,918 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 48 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,897 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hillarys's 6.9% growth since census positions it within 2.8 percentage points of the national average (9.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 82.0% 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 to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the Hillarys statistical area (Lv2) expected to grow by 804 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 6.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Hillarys has recorded approximately 27 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 139 homes were approved, with an additional 17 approved so far in FY-26. On average, for every home built over these five years, there have been approximately 3.7 new residents.

This indicates that demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction value of new dwellings is $557,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, there have been $23.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Perth, Hillarys shows approximately 75% of construction activity per person, placing it among the 26th percentile nationally for areas assessed.

This suggests limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings, which is below the national average and indicates the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. The new building activity comprises 91.0% standalone homes and 9.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Hillarys' traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. There are approximately 639 people per dwelling approval in the location, demonstrating an established market. Looking ahead, Hillarys is projected to grow by 751 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Hillarys has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Hillarys Cycle Network Expansion, The Harbour Hillarys, Hillarys Boat Harbour Activation Master Plan, and Harbour Rise Masterplanned Community (final stages). Relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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Employment conditions in Hillarys rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Hillarys has a well-educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 1.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 6,946 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.6% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Perth's 65.2%. The leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Hillarys has a particular specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence, with only 2.6% employment compared to the regional average of 4.7%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.7%, while labour force grew by 3.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9% and a marginal rise in unemployment. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Hillarys's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Hillarys has a median taxpayer income of $62,871 and an average income of $84,058 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $68,919 (median) and $92,144 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows household, family, and personal incomes in Hillarys rank highly nationally, between the 77th and 90th percentiles. Distribution data reveals that the largest segment comprises 27.8% earning $4000+ weekly (3,327 residents), differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 32.0%. The substantial proportion of high earners (41.5% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the area. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Hillarys is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Hillarys' dwelling structure, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 89.6% houses and 10.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 88.7% houses and 11.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillarys stood at 45.4%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (41.0%) or rented (13.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,400, exceeding Perth metro's average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Hillarys was recorded at $490, higher than Perth metro's $400. Nationally, Hillarys' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Hillarys features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 83.3% of all households, including 40.9% couples with children, 32.9% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 16.7%, with lone person households at 15.3% and group households making up 1.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.7.

Hillarys shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 35.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Western Australia average of 27.9% and the SA4 region's rate of 29.0%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 32.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.6% while certificates make up 19.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Hillarys shows that there are currently 53 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 5 individual routes providing service to the community. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 1,075.

The accessibility of transport in Hillarys is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 239 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 153 trips per day across all routes, which equates to around 20 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hillarys's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Hillarys.

Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population, which amounts to 7250 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.3% and 6.2% of residents respectively. 72.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.5% across Greater Perth. Hillarys has 22.6% of residents aged 65 and over, which totals 2705 people, higher than the 20.1% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Hillarys was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Hillarys was found to have a higher level of cultural diversity than most local markets, with 10.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 35.4% born overseas. The predominant religion in Hillarys is Christianity, which accounts for 56.0% of the population. However, the most notable overrepresentation was seen in Judaism, comprising 0.2% of Hillarys' population compared to 0.1% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups represented in Hillarys are English at 31.8%, Australian at 22.6%, and Irish at 8.1%. There are also notable differences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: South African is notably overrepresented at 1.8% compared to the regional figure of 1.8%, Welsh at 1.0% versus 1.1%, and Polish at 1.1% compared to 0.9%.

Hillarys hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Hillarys has a median age of 44, which exceeds Greater Perth's figure of 37 and is substantially higher than the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 12.9% of Hillarys' population compared to Greater Perth. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort comprises only 7.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.9% to 8.0%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.8% to 13.9%. Demographic modeling indicates Hillarys' age profile will significantly change by 2041, with the 75 to 84 group projected to grow by 80%, reaching 1,728 people from 957. The aging population trend is evident, as those aged 65 and above are expected to account for 93% of population growth. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to experience population declines.