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 Feb 2026, Hillarys's population is estimated at around 11,971. 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. Population growth for Hillarys 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 for Hillarys, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to grow by 804 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording 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 using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, 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. This translates to an average of 3.7 new residents per year for every home built during this period.

The demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers. Developers focus on the premium market, with new dwellings averaging $557,000 in construction cost value. 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 the construction activity per person when measured against Greater Perth, and it ranks among the 26th percentile of areas assessed nationally for residential dwellings.

This suggests limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings, which is under the national average, indicating an established market with potential planning limitations. The new building activity comprises 91.0% standalone homes and 9.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Hillarys' traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The area has approximately 639 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating its established nature. 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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 16 such projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable ones include Hillarys Cycle Network Expansion, The Harbour Hillarys, Hillarys Boat Harbour Activation Master Plan, and Harbour Rise Masterplanned Community (final stages). The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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 representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 1.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.7%. As of September 2025, 6,946 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, lower than Greater Perth's 4.0%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Perth at 71.6%. According to Census responses, 14.6% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Hillarys had a particular specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Transport, postal & warehousing had limited presence at 2.6%, compared to 4.7% regionally. Many residents appeared to commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.7% while labour force grew by 3.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9% during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hillarys' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 compared to 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, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $68,919 (median) and $92,144 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, Hillarys ranks highly nationally with household incomes between the 77th and 90th percentiles. The largest income segment in Hillarys comprises 27.8% earning over $4,000 weekly, which is different from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 32.0%. This indicates a substantial proportion of high earners (41.5% above $3,000/week) in Hillarys. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.6% houses and 10.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This compares to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillarys stood at 45.4%, with the rest either mortgaged (41.0%) or rented (13.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,400, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in Hillarys was $490, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Hillarys' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,400 versus 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 make up the remaining 16.7%, with lone person households at 15.3% and group households comprising 1.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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+, exceeding the Western Australia average of 27.9% and the South Australian Statistical Division (SA4) regional average of 29.0%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 6.9% and graduate diplomas at 3.8%. Vocational credentials are held by 32.4% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 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

Public transport analysis shows 53 active transport stops operating within Hillarys, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are served by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 1,075 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 239 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; car remains the dominant mode at 82%, with 13% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 14.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 153 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 20 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hillarys's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Hillarys, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions have very low prevalence across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (7,250 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.3 and 6.2% of residents respectively. 72.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. There are 23.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,825 people), higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 10.7% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 35.4% born overseas. The predominant religion in Hillarys was Christianity, accounting for 56.0% of the population. Judaism was notably overrepresented, comprising 0.2% of Hillarys' population compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.8%), Australian (22.6%), and Irish (8.1%). There were significant differences in the representation of some ethnic groups: South African was overrepresented at 1.8% compared to 1.0% regionally, Welsh at 1.0% versus 0.7%, and Polish at 1.1% versus 0.7%.

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 is strongly represented at 12.9% compared to Greater Perth, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.9% to 8.7% of Hillarys' population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.8% to 13.7%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 13.6% to 12.5%. Demographic modeling indicates that Hillarys' age profile will significantly evolve by 2041. Leading this shift, the 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 66%, reaching 1,728 people from 1,041. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 89% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.