Hillsdale

Hillsdale has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

The Hillsdale statistical area's population was estimated at around 5,783 as of November 2025, reflecting an increase of 136 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 2.4% change from the previous population count of 5,647. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,589 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional three validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 10,145 persons per square kilometer, placing Hillsdale in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, from 2015 to 2025, Hillsdale has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%, outpacing its SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 65.0% 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 by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Hillsdale statistical area is expected to expand by 585 persons to reach a population of approximately 6,368 by 2041, reflecting an 18.3% increase over the 17-year period from 2024 to 2041.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Hillsdale among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Hillsdale averaged around 28 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 140 homes were approved, with none yet in FY-26. This results in an average of 7.5 people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built over the past five financial years.

Demand significantly outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $588,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This year has seen $1.7 million in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Hillsdale records roughly half the building activity per person while ranking among the 73rd percentile nationally for building activity, though recent years have shown an acceleration in this regard.

Recent building activity consists entirely of townhouses or apartments, promoting higher-density living and creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The location has approximately 172 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections estimate Hillsdale will add 1,058 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing population may lead to increased competition among buyers.

Hillsdale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Heffron Park Central Amenities Upgrade, Port Botany Expansion & Rail Duplication, Meriton Pagewood Green, and Bayside Council Local Community & Infrastructure Projects. The following list outlines those most likely to be relevant.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Hillsdale recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Hillsdale has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 6.6% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, 3177 residents are employed, with the unemployment rate at 2.4% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Sydney's (64.0% vs 60.0%). Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has a strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services have limited presence at 6.5% compared to the regional 11.5%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited as indicated by Census data on working population vs resident population. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.0% and employment declined by 1.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. By contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1%. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between sectors. Applying these projections to Hillsdale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Hillsdale's median taxpayer income at $56,961 and average income at $83,917. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median income for Hillsdale as of September 2025 is approximately $62,008, with the average being around $91,352. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 61st percentile ($862 weekly) and household income at the 43rd percentile. Income distribution shows that 37.3% of residents (2,157 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, mirroring regional levels where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 77.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 36th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Hillsdale features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Hillsdale's housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 4.2% houses and 95.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Sydney metro's figures of 26.0% houses and 74.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillsdale stood at 19.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.6% and rented ones at 56.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, below Sydney metro's average of $2,600. Median weekly rent in Hillsdale was $450, compared to Sydney metro's $550. Nationally, Hillsdale's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Hillsdale features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.1% of all households, consisting of 28.4% couples with children, 21.2% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 29.4% and group households comprising 5.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Hillsdale exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 33.0%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 55.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 22.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 30.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (19.1%). Educational participation is high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (7.8%), tertiary (6.7%), and secondary (6.4%) levels.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.8% in primary education, 6.7% in tertiary education, and 6.4% pursuing secondary education.

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

Hillsdale has five active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 13 different routes that together facilitate 2,689 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 231 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 384 trips per day, which equates to approximately 537 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hillsdale's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Hillsdale's health outcomes show exceptional results with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Approximately 60% of Hillsdale's total population of 3,472 have private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.1% and 5.8% of residents respectively. 77.6% of Hillsdale residents report no medical ailments, compared to 78.7% in Greater Sydney. In Hillsdale, 12.0% of the population is aged 65 and over, comprising 693 people. Senior health outcomes align with those of the general population.

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

Hillsdale has a high level of cultural diversity, with 50.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 54.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hillsdale, making up 52.5% of the population. Judaism, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 1.7% versus 1.9%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (28.6%), Australian (12.7%), and English (12.4%). Notably, Spanish (1.9%) Hungarian (0.8%), and Russian (1.1%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Hillsdale compared to regional averages of 1.2%, 0.4%, and 0.9% respectively.

Hillsdale's population is younger than the national pattern

Hillsdale's median age is 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Sydney's 37 and somewhat younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 19.8% of Hillsdale's population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.5%. The 5-14 age cohort makes up 9.5% of Hillsdale's population, which is less prevalent compared to Greater Sydney. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.3% to 4.1%, while the 5-14 age group has decreased from 10.1% to 9.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Hillsdale. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase by 263 people (35%), from 746 to 1,010. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 0-4 and 25-34 age cohorts.