Hillcrest (SA)

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

The population of the suburb of Hillcrest, South Australia, is estimated to be around 5,186 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,527 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,659 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,183 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 70 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,509 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 41.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the state's growth rate of 7.5%. Population growth for Hillcrest was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, Hillcrest is expected to increase by 441 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 8.4% in total over the 16 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 around 28 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 140 homes were approved, with an additional 23 so far in FY-26. On average, for each dwelling built over these years, 1.6 people moved to the area, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions.

The average construction value of new homes was $379,000, suggesting a focus on premium market developments. This financial year has seen $5.7 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting Hillcrest's residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Hillcrest shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 81st percentile nationally.

Recent construction comprises 87.0% detached houses and 13.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban character with a focus on family homes. The location has approximately 132 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hillcrest is expected to grow by 438 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Hillcrest has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 0 projects impacting this area. Notable projects include Lochiel Park Green Village (final stages), Klemzig Interchange Upgrade, Gawler Line Electrification & Level Crossing Removals, and Valley View Secondary School upgrade. Relevant details of these projects are listed below.

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Employment conditions in Hillcrest demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Hillcrest has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.7%. Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 8.2%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 2,890 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.1% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Hillcrest stands at 70.7%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. According to Census responses, 9.7% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

Notably, transport, postal & warehousing has an employment concentration 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, construction employs only 5.9% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. The predominantly residential area seems to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 8.2%, while labour force grew by the same percentage, keeping unemployment broadly unchanged. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2% and labour force growth of 3.9%, with unemployment falling by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall 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 and does not consider localized population projections.

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 postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, contrasted with Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Hillcrest would be approximately $55,486 (median) and $62,520 (average) as of March 2026. 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 (1,898 people), mirroring regional levels where 31.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Hillcrest, with only 83.4% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Hillcrest, 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 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillcrest was at 23.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (41.6%) or rented (35.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hillcrest was $1,602, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure for Hillcrest was recorded at $319, similar 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 29.7%, with lone person households at 26.9% and group households making up 2.8% of the total. 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

In Hillcrest, the percentage of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications is significantly higher than broader benchmarks, at 38.6% compared to 19.8% in the SA4 region and 25.7% in South Australia (SA). This educational advantage is evident by a high proportion of residents holding bachelor degrees (25.1%), postgraduate qualifications (10.7%), and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (15.3%). Educational participation is notably high in Hillcrest, with 30.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary education (10.3%), tertiary education (6.9%), and secondary education (5.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, 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

Public transport analysis indicates nine active transport stops operating within Hillcrest, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by five individual routes, collectively providing 651 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 232 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 84%, with 12% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups, but notably higher among older cohorts. Approximately 49% of Hillcrest's total population (~2,564 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 7.0% of residents) and mental health issues (6.7%), while 75.1% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Under-65 residents demonstrate better-than-average health outcomes. Hillcrest has 14.9% of residents aged 65 and over (772 people), lower than Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than 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 cultural diversity is notable, with 42.9% of its population born overseas and 46.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Hillcrest, comprising 34.0% of people. Hinduism is significantly overrepresented, making up 14.7%, compared to Greater Adelaide's average of 2.8%.

The top three parental ancestry groups are English (20.3%), Australian (17.0%), and Other (16.0%). These figures differ from regional averages: English is lower than the regional average of 27.8%, Australian is lower than 22.8%, and Other is substantially higher than 9.7%. Additionally, certain ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Indian at 12.5% (regional average 2.3%), Polish at 0.9% (vs regional 1.0%), and Spanish at 0.6% (vs regional 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 Australia's median age of 38. The 35-44 age group represents 18.0% of Hillcrest's population, higher than Greater Adelaide's percentage. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort makes up 7.3%, which is less prevalent compared to Greater Adelaide. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 17.0% to 18.0%. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort has decreased from 8.1% to 6.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Hillcrest's age structure. The 45-54 group is expected to grow by 28%, reaching 717 people from 560. Both the 5-14 and 35-44 age groups are projected to decrease in number.