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 November 2025, the population of the Hillside (Melton - Vic.) statistical area is estimated at around 17,271 people. This figure reflects a decrease of 60 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 17,331. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of resident population data from June 2024 ABS ERP release, totaling 17,269 plus two additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,106 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52% to overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections until 2041, AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia's SA2-level projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used with adjustments made via weighted aggregation to the SA2 level. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the Hillside (Melton - Vic.) area is forecasted to grow significantly, with an increase of 4,326 persons, reflecting a total growth rate of 25.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Hillside averaged approximately 34 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 174 homes. As of FY26 so far, six approvals have been recorded. The population has fallen during this period, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice.

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 building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving Hillside's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The area has approximately 4944 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hillside is projected to add 4349 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match 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 to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely to affect the area. Notable projects 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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Employment performance in Hillside exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Hillside's skilled workforce is notable, particularly in construction. Its unemployment rate was 3.6% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.6% over the past year.

As of that date, 10,801 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was higher at 69.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. Construction employment share is 1.5 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services employ only 5.6% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.6%, while labour force grew by 5.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force by 3.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 shows Hillside suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $58,079 and an average level of $68,402. These figures are comparable to national averages of $57,688 and $75,164 in Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $62,871 and average income is around $74,045. Census data indicates household income ranks at the 77th percentile ($2,190 weekly) and personal income at the 50th percentile. Income distribution shows that 37.4% of Hillside residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 (6,459 individuals), similar to regional trends where 32.8% fall into this category. After housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Hillside's dwelling structure, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. Home ownership stood at 31.6%, with 53.4% of dwellings mortgaged and 14.9% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,900, and the median weekly rent was $380. Compared nationally, Hillside's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

Hillside features high concentrations of family households, with a median household size of 3.2 people

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% of the total. The median household size is 3.2 people.

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, 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

The analysis of public transport in Hillside indicates that there are currently 51 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 5 individual routes providing service to the community. Together, these routes facilitate 1,623 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates transport accessibility as good, with residents typically located approximately 276 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes is around 231 trips per day, which equates to roughly 31 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hillside's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance in Hillside, with younger cohorts experiencing particularly low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population, which consists of around 9,303 people. This figure exceeds the average for SA2 areas. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.7% and 6.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 74.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 0% across Greater Melbourne. Hillside has 11.6% of its population aged 65 and over, which amounts to approximately 2,003 people. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in 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% of its population, compared to None% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups are Other (16.0%), Australian (15.8%), and English (12.7%).

Notably, Maltese (8.8%) Croatian (2.8%), and Macedonian (3.5%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Hillside compared to regional averages of None%.

Hillside's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Hillside's median age is 37, matching Greater Melbourne and closely aligning with Australia's figure of 38 years. The 45-54 age group comprises 16.1%, higher than Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 12.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 55 to 64 age group has increased from 11.6% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 14.2% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Hillside's age structure. Notably, the 55 to 64 group is projected to grow by 54%, adding 1,286 people and reaching a total of 3,653 from its current count of 2,366. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 1%, increasing by 15 people.