Hillside (Melton - Vic.)

Hillside 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 Hillside (Melton - Vic.) is around 17,335. This figure reflects an increase of 4 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,331. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 17,315 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,114 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, significant population increases are forecast for the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation. By 2041, the suburb of Hillside (Melton - Vic.) is expected to expand by 4,463 persons, reflecting a total gain of 25.6% over the 16 years based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Hillside has averaged approximately 34 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 174 homes. As of FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded.

Despite a population fall during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population change, which is positive for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $742,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

Recent development has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, preserving Hillside's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 4935 people per approval, Hillside demonstrates a mature, established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hillside is projected to add 4,443 residents by the year 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that may affect this region. Notable ones include Woodlea Master-Planned Community, Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Calder Park Drive Interchange, and Shared User Paths Upgrade - Taylors Lakes/Sydenham/Hillside. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The employment environment in Hillside shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Hillside's workforce is skilled with notable representation in construction. The unemployment rate was 3.7% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.7%.

This rate is below Greater Melbourne's unemployment rate of 4.8%, and Hillside's workforce participation is higher at 77.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 23.5% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 5.6% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 3.7%, labour force grew by 4.2%, resulting in a rise in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hillside's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Hillside suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $58,079 and an average income of $68,402. These figures align with national averages and compare to median and average incomes of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively in Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 30, 2023 to March 2026, estimated current incomes are approximately $63,666 (median) and $74,982 (average). The 2021 Census data shows Hillside's household income ranks at the 77th percentile ($2,190 weekly), with personal income at the 50th percentile. Income distribution indicates that 37.4% of locals (6,483 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader regional trends showing 32.8% in the same category. After housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Hillside, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Melbourne metropolitan area had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillside stood at 31.6%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (53.4%) or rented (14.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hillside was $1,900, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Hillside was $380, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Hillside's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,900 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $380 compared to the national figure of $375.

Hillside features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 86.0% of all households, consisting of 52.2% couples with children, 19.6% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 14.0%, with lone person households at 12.9% and group households comprising 1.1% of the total. The median household size is 3.2 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Hillside aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 23.2%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 33.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 22.2%. Educational participation is high, with 32.2% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.3% in primary, 10.0% in secondary, and 6.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 10.0% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Hillside has 51 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. There are five different routes servicing these stops, together offering 1,623 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents living an average of 276 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Hillside being primarily residential. Car remains the most popular mode of transportation, used by 92% of residents. On average, there are 2.0 vehicles per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 23.5% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 231 trips per day, equating to approximately 31 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hillside's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows positive outcomes for Hillside residents. Mortality rates and health conditions are largely in line with national benchmarks.

Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts. 54% of residents have private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most common medical conditions are asthma (7.7%) and mental health issues (6%). 74.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Hillside has 12.4% residents aged 65 and over (2,149 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Hillside was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Hillside's population, with 31.2% born overseas and 36.2% speaking a language other than English at home, is more culturally diverse than most local markets. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hillside at 65.9%, compared to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups are Other (16.0%), Australian (15.8%), and English (12.7%), with English being notably lower than the regional average of 20.1%.

Notably, Maltese (8.8%) is overrepresented in Hillside compared to the regional figure of 1.1%, as are Croatian (2.8% vs 0.7%) and Macedonian (3.5% vs 0.7%).

Hillside's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Hillside has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne and closely resembling Australia's figure of 38 years. The 55-64 age group constitutes 14.0% of Hillside's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 12.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the 55 to 64 age group has risen from 11.6% to 14.0%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 2.6% to 3.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 14.2% to 11.3%, and the 45 to 54 group has fallen from 16.9% to 15.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Hillside's age structure. Notably, the 55 to 64 age group is projected to grow by 50%, adding 1,223 people and reaching a total of 3,650 from its current figure of 2,426.