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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Hillside (Melton - Vic.) is around 17,274. This figure reflects a decrease of 57 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,331. The current resident population estimate of 17,269 is based on AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and validation of two new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,106 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, it employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is forecasted to have a population increase of 4,338 persons, reflecting a total gain of 25.2%.

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 averaged approximately 34 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 174 homes. As of FY-26 to date, six approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population change, potentially benefiting buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $742,000, reflecting 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 4944 people per approval, Hillside exhibits characteristics of a mature, established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hillside is projected to add 4346 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Hillside 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 17 projects likely to affect the area. 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.

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The labour market in Hillside shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Hillside has a skilled workforce with the construction sector prominently represented. The unemployment rate was 3.6% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 4.6%. As of September 2025, 10,805 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation was 77.3%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 23.5% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. Construction has a particularly high share of employment at 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 5.6%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 4.6% while labour force rose by 5.3%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 12.7% over ten years for Hillside's employment mix, based on industry-specific projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on 1st July 2023 for financial year 2023, Hillside suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $58,079. The average income level was $68,402. These figures align with national averages and compare to Melbourne's levels of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $62,871 (median) and $74,045 (average). From the Census held on 10th August 2021, Hillside's household income ranks at the 77th percentile ($2,190 weekly), with personal income at the 50th percentile. Income distribution shows that 37.4% of locals fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category (6,460 people). After housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. Hillside'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 assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Hillside was similar to that of Melbourne metro, at 31.6%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (53.4%) or rented (14.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,900, lower than the Melbourne metro average of $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Hillside's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 86.0% of all households, including 52.2% couples with children, 19.6% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 14.0%, with lone person households at 12.9% and group households comprising 1.1%. 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 prevalent, with 33.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (22.2%). Educational participation is high at 32.2%, with residents currently enrolled in primary education (10.3%), secondary education (10.0%), and tertiary education (6.2%).

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 serving buses. These are covered by five routes, offering a total of 1,623 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 276 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this predominantly residential area. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 92% of residents. The average vehicle ownership is 2.0 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 23.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. All routes combined offer an average of 231 trips daily, 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 Hillside residents have relatively positive health outcomes. AreaSearch's analysis found mortality rates and health conditions were broadly in line with national benchmarks.

The prevalence of common health conditions was low among the general population but higher than the average across older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 54% of Hillside residents had private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most common medical conditions were asthma (7.7%) and mental health issues (6%). About 74.3% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. Hillside has 12.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,107 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. 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 was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 31.2% born overseas and 36.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hillside, comprising 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%), lower than the regional average of 20.1%.

Notably, Maltese is overrepresented at 8.8%, compared to 1.1% regionally, Croatian at 2.8% (vs 0.7%), and Macedonian at 3.5% (vs 0.7%).

Hillside's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Hillside's median age is 37, matching Greater Melbourne and closely resembling Australia's figure of 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises 14.1%, higher than Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 12.1%. From 2021 to present, the 55-64 group has risen from 11.6% to 14.1%, and the 75-84 group increased from 2.6% to 3.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 14.2% to 11.3%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 16.9% to 15.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Hillside's age structure. The 55-64 group is projected to grow by 50%, adding 1,211 people and reaching 3,647 from its current figure of 2,435. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 9%, gaining 78 people.