Hillman

Hillman is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on evaluations of ABS population updates for the wider region, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Hillman has an estimated population of approximately 1,952 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 145 people (8.0%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,807 people. The shift is derived from the resident population of 1,952, calculated by AreaSearch after examining the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and address verification since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 1,613 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average across national locations evaluated by AreaSearch. The 8.0% growth in the suburb of Hillman since the census is within 1.3 percentage points of the national average (9.3%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth for the area, contributing approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch implements ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline year. For SA2 areas lacking this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years after 2032, AreaSearch applies the growth rates by age cohort supplied by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, based on 2022 data). Progressing with demographic trends, an above median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected, with the suburb of Hillman expected to grow by 227 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, representing a total increase of 11.6% over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Hillman is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Hillman has recorded no new dwelling approvals over the past five years. This shows a fully developed suburb with limited options for new construction. The absence of new supply generally supports demand for established properties and can contribute to price stability.

Compared to Greater Perth, Hillman records markedly lower building activity. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints.

Hillman has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 2 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Rivergums Baldivis, Rockingham General Hospital Redevelopment, Rockingham Community Hub and Rockingham Lotteries House, and Seaside Estate Madora Bay, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Hillman face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Hillman has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, and an unemployment rate of 10.3%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026830 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 6.1% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.2%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (57.2% compared to Greater Perth's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 3.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing. The area has particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. On the other hand, professional & technical is under-represented, with only 3.7% of Hillman's workforce compared to 8.2% in Greater Perth. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, during the year to March 2026, the labour force decreased by 0.4% alongside a 1.0% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This compares to Greater Perth, where employment grew by 2.0%, labour force expanded by 2.5%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Hillman. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Hillman's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Hillman's median income among taxpayers is $48,600, with an average of $58,748. This is below the national average, and compares to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $53,912 (median) and $65,169 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Hillman all fall between the 11th and 20th percentiles nationally. The data shows the largest segment comprises 30.5% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (595 residents), aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 32.0%. After housing, 85.5% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 22nd percentile nationally.

Hillman is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Hillman, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 100.0% houses and no other styles of housing (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Hillman was well beyond that of Perth metro, at 37.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (45.1%) or rented (17.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Perth metro average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Hillman's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Hillman has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 72.6% of all households, comprising 25.5% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 17.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.4%, with lone person households at 23.9% and group households comprising 3.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Hillman faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (7.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 6.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (0.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (35.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 15 active transport stops operating within Hillman comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 383 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 117 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 83%, with 7% by train and 6% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 3.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 54 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 25 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hillman is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Hillman, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~986 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.2 and 9.9% of residents, respectively, while 60.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (454 people), which is higher than the 16.1% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Hillman records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Hillman was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 7.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 27.3% born overseas. The main religion in Hillman was found to be Christianity, which makes up 42.1% of people in Hillman. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.1% of the population, compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Hillman are English, comprising 34.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 28.0%, Australian, comprising 26.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 21.2%, and Scottish, comprising 7.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Hillman (vs 0.7% regionally), New Zealand at 1.2% (vs 0.8%) and Maori at 1.1% (vs 0.9%).

Hillman's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 41 years, Hillman's median age is significantly above the Greater Perth average of 37 as well as somewhat older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Greater Perth average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (12.3% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (9.7%). Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.7% to 8.8% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.7% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.3% to 10.8% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 11.1% to 9.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Hillman's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 62%, adding 107 residents to reach 279. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 76% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts.