Hillsdale

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, Hillsdale's estimated population was 5,814 as of Feb 2026. This reflected an increase of 167 people from the 2021 Census figure of 5,647. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 5,589 in June 2024 and three validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 10,200 persons per square kilometer, placing Hillsdale in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and interstate migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a 2021 base year. Growth rates by age group were applied to all areas from these aggregations for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of national areas, with Hillsdale expected to expand by 556 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 5.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Hillsdale averaged approximately 26 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 130 homes were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 8.1 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these years, indicating significant demand outpacing supply.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $588,000, suggesting developers targeted the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $1.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Hillsdale records roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 68th percentile of areas assessed nationally, though building activity has increased recently. Recent development consists entirely of townhouses or apartments, promoting higher-density living which can provide more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

The location currently has approximately 197 people per dwelling approval, indicating a relatively low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hillsdale is projected to add 331 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections and providing favourable conditions for buyers.

Hillsdale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

AreaSearch has identified five projects that could impact the area, with key ones being Heffron Park Central Amenities Upgrade, Port Botany Expansion & Rail Duplication, Meriton Pagewood Green, and Bayside Council Local Community & Infrastructure Projects. The following list provides details on those most 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 6.7%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation as of December 2025. The area has 3,183 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 2.5% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Sydney at 72.9%.

A high proportion of residents, 27.4%, work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction sectors. Hillsdale shows 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%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.1%, with a 0.6% employment decline leading to a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2%. 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 Hillsdale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Hillsdale had a median income among taxpayers of $56,961 and an average level standing at $83,917. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Sydney's levels of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since June 2023, current estimates for Hillsdale would be approximately $62,008 (median) and $91,352 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows personal income ranks at the 61st percentile ($862 weekly), while household income sits at the 43rd percentile. In terms of income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 37.3% of residents (2,168 people), similar to regional levels where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Hillsdale, with only 77.0% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 dwelling 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 55.9% houses and 44.1% 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, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Hillsdale was $450, compared to Sydney metro's $470. 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, including 28.4% couples with children, 21.2% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 29.4% and group households comprising 5.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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 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 at 29.6%, with 7.8% in primary education, 6.7% in tertiary education, and 6.4% pursuing secondary education.

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 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by thirteen different routes, collectively facilitating 2,689 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically residing 231 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Hillsdale residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 72%, followed by buses at 12% and walking at 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 27.4% of Hillsdale residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 384 trips daily, equating to approximately 537 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hillsdale's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows Hillsdale's health metrics performing strongly.

AreaSearch assessed mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, finding both young and older age cohorts had low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover was found to be high at approximately 60% of the total population (3,491 people). The most common medical conditions were asthma and mental health issues, impacting 6.1 and 5.8% of residents respectively. 77.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents showed low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 12.5% of residents aged 65 and over (726 people), lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings higher than 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's population is diverse, with 50.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 54.3% born overseas as of the latest data. Christianity is the dominant religion in Hillsdale, comprising 52.5% of its population. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 1.7% versus 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is the largest group at 28.6%, significantly higher than the regional average of 16.0%. Australian ancestry is notably lower at 12.7% compared to the regional average of 17.8%. English ancestry also falls short of the regional average at 12.4% versus 19.0%. Other ethnic groups with notable representation in Hillsdale include Spanish (1.9% vs 0.6%), Hungarian (0.8% vs 0.3%), and Russian (1.1% vs 0.4%).

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 years and somewhat younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years shows strong representation in Hillsdale at 19.4%, compared to Greater Sydney. However, the age group of 5-14 years is less prevalent in Hillsdale at 9.2%. Between 2021 and the present, the age group of 75-84 years has grown from 3.3% to 4.3% of the population. Conversely, the age group of 5-14 years has declined from 10.1% to 9.2%. Population forecasts for Hillsdale in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The age cohort of 45-54 years is projected to increase by 156 people (21%) from 738 to 895. Notably, the combined age groups of 65+ will account for 52% of total population growth, reflecting Hillsdale's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the age groups of 5-14 and 0-4 years are expected to see reduced numbers.