Hillsdale

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Hillsdale is around 5913 people. This figure reflects a growth of 266 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5647 people. This increase represents a 4.7% rise from the previous census figure. AreaSearch, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of three new addresses, estimated the resident population to be 5862 people. The suburb's population density is calculated at 10373 persons per square kilometer, placing it within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Hillsdale has exhibited a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%, outperforming the SA4 region.

Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.0% to the overall population gains during recent periods in the suburb. However, all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors for population growth. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as 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. These projections indicate that Hillsdale is expected to expand its population by 579 persons to reach the year 2041, reflecting a gain of 15.6% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Hillsdale averaged approximately 47 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, around 237 homes were approved, with none yet in FY26.

On average, 4.4 people moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years, indicating significant demand outpacing supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction value of new homes was approximately $588,000. Comparing Hillsdale with Greater Sydney, it maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. New building activity primarily comprises townhouses or apartments (98.0%), with a minority being standalone homes (2.0%).

This focus on higher-density living offers more affordable entry points, appealing to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Currently, Hillsdale reflects a low density area, with around 150 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Hillsdale is projected to grow by approximately 922 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Five projects are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Heffron Park Central Amenities Upgrade, Port Botany Expansion & Rail Duplication, Meriton Pagewood Green, and Bayside Council Local Community & Infrastructure Projects.

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

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Employment performance in Hillsdale has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Hillsdale has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 6.4% as of June 2025, and estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year. The area's unemployment rate is 2.2% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, while workforce participation stands at 64.0%.

Key industries for Hillsdale residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Notably, transport, postal & warehousing has employment levels 1.9 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services are under-represented with only 6.5% of Hillsdale's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.8%, labour force by 1.0%, leading to a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry 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

Hillsdale's median income among taxpayers was $56,961 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $83,917 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Sydney's median of $56,994 and average of $80,856 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $64,144 (median) and $94,499 (average). Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 61st percentile ($862 weekly), while household income sits at the 43rd percentile. Income analysis shows 37.3% of Hillsdale's population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends in the surrounding region where 30.9% fall into this category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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 structures, 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 structure of 26.0% houses and 74.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillsdale was 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 $2,600. The 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 comprise 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 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 most prevalent at 22.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 30.6% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 19.1%. Educational participation is high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: primary (7.8%), tertiary (6.7%), secondary (6.4%).

Matraville Public School serves Hillsdale with an enrollment of 242 students, offering balanced educational opportunities typical of Australian schools (ICSEA: 1043). The school focuses on primary education; secondary options are available nearby. School places per 100 residents stand at 4.1, below the regional average of 5.2, indicating some students may attend adjacent area schools.

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

Hillsdale has five active public transport stops operating currently. These are all bus stops, served by thirteen different routes in total. Each week, these routes facilitate 2,916 passenger trips combined.

The accessibility of public transport in Hillsdale is rated as good, with residents on average being located 231 meters away from the nearest stop. On a daily basis, there are an average of 416 trips across all routes, which amounts to around 583 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 3,550 have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 57.5%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.1% and 5.8% of residents respectively. 77.6% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 78.7% in Greater Sydney. Hillsdale has 12.0% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 709 people. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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 culturally diverse population, with 50.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 54.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hillsdale, accounting for 52.5%. Judaism, however, is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 1.7% of Hillsdale's population.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (28.6%), Australian (12.7%), and English (12.4%). Spanish, Hungarian, and Russian ethnicities are notably overrepresented in Hillsdale compared to the regional averages: Spanish at 1.9%, Hungarian at 0.8%, and Russian at 1.1%.

Hillsdale's population is younger than the national pattern

Hillsdale's median age is 35 years, slightly younger than Greater Sydney's 37 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 19.8% of Hillsdale's population, higher than Greater Sydney but lower than the national average of 14.5%. The 5-14 cohort is 9.5%, less prevalent than Greater Sydney. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 3.3% to 4.1%, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 10.1% to 9.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate that the 45-54 age cohort will increase by 252 people (33%), from 756 to 1,009. Conversely, declines are projected for the 35-44 and 0-4 cohorts.