Hillcrest (SA)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the Hillcrest (SA) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 4061 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 402 people (11.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3659 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3858, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 67 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3531 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Hillcrest (SA) (SA2)'s 11.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state's 8.7%, along with the metropolitan area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 74.0% 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 for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected for the Hillcrest (SA) (SA2), with an expected increase of 486 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, 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 so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

This indicates a balance between supply and demand, creating stable market conditions. The average expected construction cost value of new homes was $379,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $5.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Hillcrest shows 13.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks among the 81st percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 87.0% detached houses and 13.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 132 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Hillcrest is expected to grow by 264 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes are anticipated in the area. No projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the region. Key initiatives include Lochiel Park Green Village (nearing completion), Klemzig Interchange Upgrade, Gawler Line Electrification & Level Crossing Removals (including Valley View area works), 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 prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.5%, with estimated employment growth of 1.5% over the past year (AreaSearch).

As of September 2025, there are 2,024 employed residents, with a 1.4% lower unemployment rate than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%. Workforce participation is at 63.8%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Transport, postal & warehousing has notable concentration with levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction employs only 5.9% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. The area shows limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 1.5%, labour force by 1.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points (AreaSearch). In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 3.0% and unemployment falling by 0.1%. State-level data to 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with a state unemployment rate of 4.0%, comparing favourably to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May-25 indicate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hillcrest's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Hillcrest is $50,364, with an average of $56,749, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, contrasting with Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $54,796 (median) and $61,743 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Hillcrest rank modestly, between the 40th and 41st percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 36.6% of residents (1,486 people), similar to regional levels where 31.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Hillcrest is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Hillcrest's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.8% houses and 19.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 74.6% houses and 25.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillcrest was 23.4%, similar to Adelaide metro's level. Dwellings were either mortgaged (41.6%) or rented (35.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hillcrest was $1,602, below the Adelaide metro average of $1,603. Median weekly rent in Hillcrest was $319, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Hillcrest's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,602 than the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Hillcrest were also 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, which is 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

Hillcrest's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 38.6% have university qualifications compared to the SA4 region's 19.8% and South Australia's 25.7%. This educational advantage positions Hillcrest favourably for knowledge-based opportunities, with bachelor degrees being the most prevalent (25.1%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (15.3%).

Educational participation is high in Hillcrest, with 30.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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

Hillcrest has nine active public transport stops, all serving buses. Five different routes operate through these stops, together offering 651 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is considered good, with residents living an average of 232 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 93 bus trips daily across all routes, which translates to about 72 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hillcrest'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

Hillcrest's health data shows relatively positive results with a low prevalence of common conditions among its general population, although higher than national averages for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 49% (~2,008 people) have private health cover, below the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.0%) and mental health issues (6.7%). About 75.1% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 72.8%. Hillcrest has 14.5% residents aged 65 and over (588 people), with seniors facing specific health challenges requiring additional attention.

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 is culturally diverse, with 42.9% born overseas and 46.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 34.0%. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 14.7% versus 10.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (20.3%), Australian (17.0%), and Other (16.0%). Notably, Indian ethnicity is higher in Hillcrest at 12.5% than regionally at 8.3%, while Polish is slightly lower at 0.9% versus 1.1%, and Spanish is also lower at 0.6% compared to the regional figure of 0.3%.

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 slightly below Australia's median age of 38. The 35-44 age group makes up 17.8% of Hillcrest's population compared to Greater Adelaide's figure, while the 65-74 cohort comprises 7.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 17.0% to 17.8%, while the 0-4 cohort has decreased from 8.1% to 7.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Hillcrest's age structure. The 45-54 group is expected to grow by 24%, reaching 545 people from 438. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to decrease in number.