Hillcrest (SA)

Population growth drivers in Hillcrest are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Hillcrest (SA) is around 3,951. This reflects an increase of 292 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,659 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 3,916 as of June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 67 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,435 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hillcrest's growth rate of 8.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state (7.1%) and metropolitan area figures, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median is expected for Hillcrest by 2041, with an aggregate SA2-level projection indicating an increase of 495 persons over the 17-year period, reflecting an overall increase of 9.7%.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Hillcrest averaged around 31 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 159 homes were approved, with another 14 approved so far in FY26. This averages out to about 1.5 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these years, indicating balanced supply and demand and stable market conditions.

The average construction cost value of new homes is around $379,000. In FY26, there have been $2.6 million in commercial development approvals recorded, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Comparing Hillcrest's development levels to Greater Adelaide shows similar trends per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns.

New developments consist of 89% detached houses and 11% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's suburban character while attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 112 people per dwelling approval, Hillcrest exhibits growth area characteristics. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 383 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Hillcrest has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to impact the area. Key projects include Lochiel Park Green Village in its final stages, Klemzig Interchange Upgrade, Gawler Line Electrification & Level Crossing Removals which includes works in Valley View area, and Valley View Secondary School upgrade.

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Employment conditions in Hillcrest demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Hillcrest has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 2.4%, with estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 2,038 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.6% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide at 63.8%. Key industries for Hillcrest residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area specializes in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Construction has limited presence at 5.9% compared to 8.7% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, labour force by 1.3%, with unemployment essentially unchanged. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Hillcrest. These projections estimate national employment growth at 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, assuming no changes in population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022, Hillcrest had a median income among taxpayers of $50,364 and an average level of $56,749. This is lower than the national averages of $52,592 and $64,886 respectively across Greater Adelaide. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Hillcrest would be approximately $56,826 (median) and $64,030 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Hillcrest rank modestly, between the 40th and 41st percentiles. The data shows that 36.6% of Hillcrest's population (1,446 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is consistent with broader trends in the surrounding region showing 31.8% in the same category. 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Hillcrest, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 80.8% houses and 19.2% 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 figure. The remainder of dwellings were either mortgaged (41.6%) or rented (35.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hillcrest was $1,602, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,603. Median weekly rent in Hillcrest was $319, slightly below Adelaide metro's figure of $320. Nationally, Hillcrest's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise 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 making up 2.8% of the total. 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 significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2021, 38.6% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 19.8% in the SA4 region and 25.7% in South Australia (SA). This educational advantage positions Hillcrest strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 10.7% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%.

Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 25.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 15.3%. Educational participation is notably high in Hillcrest, with 30.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest data. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 6.9% in tertiary education, and 5.8% pursuing secondary education. Hillcrest Primary School provides local educational services within Hillcrest, with an enrollment of 416 students as of 2020. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. As of the latest data, Hillcrest demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1093).

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows nine active stops in Hillcrest, served by buses along five routes. These routes facilitate 651 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good accessibility to public transport, with an average distance of 232 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency is 93 trips per day across all routes, translating 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

Health data shows relatively positive outcomes for Hillcrest residents. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 49% of the total population (~1,954 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.0% and 6.7% of residents respectively. 75.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.8% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 14.4% of residents aged 65 and over (568 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges that require more attention 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 predominant religion in Hillcrest, accounting for 34.0% of the population. However, Hinduism stands out as significantly overrepresented, comprising 14.7% of Hillcrest's population compared to Greater Adelaide's 10.0%.

The top three ancestral groups based on country of birth of parents are English (20.3%), Australian (17.0%), and Other (16.0%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Indian is overrepresented at 12.5% compared to the regional average of 8.3%, Polish at 0.9% versus 1.1%, and Spanish at 0.6% against a regional average of 0.3%.

Hillcrest's population is younger than the national pattern

Hillcrest has a median age of 35, which is younger than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and slightly below Australia's median age of 38 years. The 35-44 age group constitutes 17.8% of Hillcrest's population, higher than Greater Adelaide's percentage, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 7.1%. Between 2021 and present day, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 17.0% to 17.8%, whereas the 0 to 4 cohort has decreased from 8.1% to 7.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Hillcrest's age structure. The 45 to 54 group is projected to grow by 29 people, reaching 547 from 422. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 group is expected to decrease by 2 residents.