Hillarys

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

Population analysis of Hillarys, based on Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) updates and AreaSearch validations, estimates its population at around 11,923 as of November 2025. This represents an increase of 723 people (6.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,200. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 11,918, following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024, and an additional 48 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,889 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Hillarys' growth rate of 6.5% since the census is within 2.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (8.9%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the suburb.

AreaSearch adopts 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 post-2032 estimations, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends indicate a median increase for statistical areas across the nation. Hillarys is expected to grow by 804 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 6.7% 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 around 27 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 139 homes were approved, with a further 12 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of 3.7 new residents per year for every home built during this period.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. New dwellings are developed at an average value of $557,000, indicating a focus on quality construction that is moderately above regional levels. In FY-26, there have been $23.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. When compared to Greater Perth, Hillarys shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person.

Nationally, it places among the 26th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. This is under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity in Hillarys consists of 91.0% standalone homes and 9.0% attached dwellings, maintaining its traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 639 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Looking ahead, Hillarys is expected to grow by 799 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 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects likely influencing the region. Notable ones are Martinique Mews Hillarys, Hillarys Cycle Network Expansion, Hillarys Boat Harbour Activation Master Plan, and Harbour Rise Masterplanned Community (in its final stages). The following list details those 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. Its unemployment rate was 1.4% in the past year.

Employment growth over this period was estimated at 4.1%. As of June 2025, 6,983 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4%, below Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Education & training has a particularly high share of employment at 1.3 times the regional level, while transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence at 2.6% compared to the regional average of 4.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.1%, labour force by 4.0%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 3.7% over the same period. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hillarys' 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

Hillarys shows a median taxpayer income of $62,871 and an average of $84,058 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is among the highest in Australia when compared to Greater Perth's median income of $58,380 and average income of $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $71,799 (median) and $95,994 (average). Census data from 2021 shows Hillarys' incomes rank highly nationally, with household, family, and personal incomes between the 77th and 90th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 27.8% of residents earn over $4,000 weekly, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 32.0%. This indicates a substantial proportion of high earners in Hillarys, with 41.5% earning above $3,000 weekly. 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

In Hillarys, as per the latest Census evaluation, 89.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 10.5% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is similar to Perth metro's composition of 88.7% houses and 11.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillarys stood at 45.4%, with mortgaged properties at 41.0% and rented ones at 13.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,400, higher than Perth metro's average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in Hillarys was $490, compared to Perth metro's $400. Nationally, Hillarys' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,400 compared to 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 constitute 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, 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+, exceeding both the WA average of 27.9% and the SA4 region average 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 comprise 12.6% and 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. The area's educational provision includes Hillarys Primary School and St Mark's Anglican Community School, collectively serving 2,376 students. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages with an ICSEA score of 1100, indicating high academic achievement. The educational mix in the area consists of one primary school and one K-12 school.

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 52 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 5 individual routes providing service to the area. Together, these routes facilitate 1,071 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of public transport is rated as good, with residents on average being located just 239 meters from their nearest transport stop. The service frequency across all routes averages out to 153 trips per day, which equates to approximately 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 with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (7,221 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.3 and 6.2% of residents respectively, while 72.9% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.5% across Greater Perth. The area has 22.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,694 people), which is 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.

Hillarys 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

Hillarys had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 10.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 35.4% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Hillarys, accounting for 56.0%. However, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% across Greater Perth.

The top three ancestral groups were English (31.8%), Australian (22.6%), and Irish (8.1%). Notably, South African ethnicity was equally represented in Hillarys as regionally (1.8%), while Welsh was slightly underrepresented at 1.0%, compared to 1.1% regionally. Polish ethnicity was slightly overrepresented at 1.1%, versus 0.9%.

Hillarys hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Hillarys' median age is 44, surpassing Greater Perth's figure of 37 and significantly exceeding Australia's national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group constitutes a strong 12.9% of Hillarys' population compared to Greater Perth, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.9% to 8.0% of Hillarys' population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 15.8% to 13.9%. Demographic projections suggest Hillarys' age profile will change significantly by 2041. Leading this shift, the 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 81%, reaching 1,728 from 953 people. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 93% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 0-4 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.