Hillsdale

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Hillsdale is around 5,290, showing a decrease of 357 people since the 2021 Census. This decrease represents a 6.3% change from the previously reported population of 5,647. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of four new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 9,280 persons per square kilometer, placing Hillsdale in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.0% to recent population gains, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch's projections for Hillsdale are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations will be applied to Hillsdale for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase its population by just below the median of national areas, with an anticipated growth of 556 persons over the 16-year period, reflecting a total gain of 10.5%.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Hillsdale according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Hillsdale shows an average of around 26 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 130 homes were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26. The declining population has likely been met by the new supply, offering good choice for buyers.

The average value of new homes being built is $588,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. This financial year, there have been $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 it ranks among the 72nd percentile of areas assessed nationally. Building activity has accelerated in recent years and consists entirely of townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

The location has approximately 179 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections estimate Hillsdale to add 556 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified five projects likely affecting the area. Key projects are Heffron Park Central Amenities Upgrade, Port Botany Expansion & Rail Duplication, Meriton Pagewood Green, and Bayside Council Local Community & Infrastructure Projects. Relevant details follow.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Hillsdale faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Hillsdale's workforce comprises diverse sectors with an unemployment rate of 6.4%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in December 2025. There are 2,441 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 2.2% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is lower at 58.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%.

Census data shows that 27.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction sectors. 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 average of 11.5%.

Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 6.5% and employment declined by 7.0%, resulting in a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. 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 simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Hillsdale had a median taxpayer income of $56,961 and an average income of $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 from financial year 2023 to March 2026 (10.32%), estimated incomes would be approximately $62,839 (median) and $92,577 (average). Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 61st percentile ($862 weekly), with household income at the 43rd percentile. The majority of residents (37.3%, or 1,973 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to regional levels (30.9%). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 77.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 36th percentile. The suburb'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 compares to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% 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, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent was $450, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Hillsdale's mortgage repayments were higher at $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%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7 people.

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 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.

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, all offering bus services. These stops are served by thirteen different routes, collectively facilitating 2,689 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically living 231 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 72%, followed by buses at 12% and walking at 7%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.7, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 27.4% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 384 trips daily across all routes, 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 of health metrics indicates robust performance across Hillsdale, as per AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both younger and older age groups exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is notably high, with approximately 60% of the total population (3,176 people) holding such coverage. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.1 and 5.8% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 77.6%, report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents demonstrate low chronic condition prevalence. Hillsdale has 12.3% of its population aged 65 and over (650 people), which is lower than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than 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, one of the most culturally diverse areas in Australia, has 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 with 52.5%. However, Judaism is overrepresented in Hillsdale, comprising 1.7%, compared to the Greater Sydney average of 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other at 28.6% (higher than the regional average of 16.0%), Australian at 12.7% (lower than the regional average of 17.8%), and English at 12.4% (also lower than the regional average of 19.0%). Notably, Spanish is overrepresented 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, which is slightly younger than Greater Sydney's 37 years and somewhat younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group is strongly represented at 19.6%, compared to Greater Sydney, while the 5-14 age cohort is less prevalent at 9.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 3.3% to 4.3% of the population. Conversely, the 5-14 age cohort has declined from 10.1% to 9.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Hillsdale. The 45-54 age group is projected to increase significantly, with an addition of 175 people (27%), bringing the total to 837 from a previous count of 661. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups.