Hillcrest (SA)

Population growth drivers in Hillcrest are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Hillcrest (SA) is around 4,061, reflecting an increase of 402 people since the 2021 Census. This equates to an 11.0% growth rate, exceeding both the state's 9.0% and Greater Adelaide's growth rates. The population density stands at 3,531 persons per square kilometer, placing Hillcrest in the upper quartile nationally. Overseas migration contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains in recent periods. AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in Jun 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are used, adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels.

Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Hillcrest is expected to increase by 493 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 6.7% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Hillcrest when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Hillcrest averaged approximately 28 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 140 homes were approved, with an additional 16 approved in FY-26 to date. This equates to about 1.7 people moving to the area annually for each dwelling built over the past five financial years, suggesting a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new homes is $379,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This year has seen $5.7 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting Hillcrest's residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Hillcrest shows 13.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks among the 81st percentile nationally.

Recent construction comprises predominantly detached houses (87.0%) with townhouses or apartments making up the remainder (13.0%), maintaining the area's traditional suburban character favoring family homes. The location has approximately 132 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. AreaSearch projects Hillcrest to grow by 271 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Hillcrest has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes are expected in this area at present. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Lochiel Park Green Village, nearing completion; Klemzig Interchange Upgrade; Gawler Line Electrification and Level Crossing Removals, including works in Valley View; and Valley View Secondary School upgrade.

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The labour market in Hillcrest shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Hillcrest has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5% over the past year. As of September 2025, there are 2,024 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.4% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, only 9.7% of residents work from home. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Transport, postal & warehousing has a notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction employs just 5.9% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 1.5%, labour force by 1.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide had employment growth of 3.0% and a fall in unemployment of 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Hillcrest's local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Hillcrest's employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Hillcrest suburb has a median taxpayer income of $50,364 and an average income of $56,749 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Adelaide having a median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. By September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $54,796 (median) and $61,743 (average), accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 8.8%. According to 2021 Census figures, Hillcrest's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly between the 40th and 41st percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant with 36.6% of residents (1,486 people), slightly higher than regional levels at 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Hillcrest, with only 83.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 41st percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Hillcrest is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Hillcrest, as per the latest Census evaluation, 80.8% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 19.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments and other dwelling types. This differs from Adelaide metro's figures which showed 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillcrest stood at 23.4%, lower than Adelaide metro's level. The majority of dwellings were either mortgaged (41.6%) or rented (35.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,602, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Weekly rent figures in Hillcrest were recorded at $319 compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Hillcrest's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Hillcrest has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.3% of all households, including 34.5% couples with children, 22.7% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.7%, with lone person households at 26.9% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Hillcrest is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 38.6% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications, compared to 19.8% in the SA4 region and 25.7% in South Australia overall. This educational advantage includes 25.1% with bachelor degrees, 10.7% with postgraduate qualifications, and 2.8% with graduate diplomas. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including 10.6% with advanced diplomas and 15.3% with certificates.

Educational participation is high, with 30.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.3% in primary education, 6.9% in tertiary education, and 5.8% pursuing secondary 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 Hillcrest shows nine active transport stops operating within the area, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five individual routes that collectively facilitate 651 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 232 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 84%, while 12% use the bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 93 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 72 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hillcrest is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Hillcrest faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Approximately 49% of Hillcrest residents have private health cover, compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (7.0%) and mental health issues (6.7%), while 75.1% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. The under-65 population in Hillcrest has better than average health outcomes. As of 2021, 14.5% of Hillcrest residents are aged 65 and over (588 people), lower than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Hillcrest is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Hillcrest's population shows high cultural diversity, with 42.9% born overseas and 46.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 34.0%. Hinduism is notably overrepresented at 14.7%, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 2.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (20.3%), Australian (17.0%), and Other (16.0%). Notably, Indian ancestry is overrepresented at 12.5% compared to the regional average of 2.3%, while Polish and Spanish ancestries are also slightly overrepresented at 0.9% and 0.6% respectively.

Hillcrest's population is younger than the national pattern

Hillcrest's median age is 35, which is younger than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 35-44 age group constitutes 17.8% of Hillcrest's population, higher than in Greater Adelaide, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 7.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 17.0% to 17.8%, whereas the 0-4 cohort has decreased from 8.1% to 7.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Hillcrest's age structure. The 45-54 group is expected to grow by 25%, reaching 545 people from its current figure of 434. Conversely, both the 35-44 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.