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 Nov 2025, Hillside's population is estimated at around 17,274. This reflects a decrease of 57 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,331. The current population was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 17,271 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional two validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,106 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 adjusted using weighted aggregation for areas not covered by the former data. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Hillside is forecasted to grow by 4,326 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase 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 indicates Hillside averaged approximately 34 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 174 homes. As of FY26, six approvals have been recorded. During this period, population has decreased, 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. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, preserving Hillside's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The area has approximately 4944 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an established market. 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 that may affect the region. 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 likely to be relevant.

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Employment conditions in Hillside demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Hillside's skilled workforce is notable, particularly in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 3.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.1%.

As of June 2025, 11,088 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was higher at 69.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment was concentrated in construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. Construction employment share was 1.5 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services employed only 5.6% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The area offered limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 5.1%, while labour force grew by 5.8%, raising unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.5%, labour force grow by 4.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 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, assuming constant population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022. Hillside had a median income among taxpayers of $58,079 and an average level of $68,402. Both figures were higher than national averages of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively across Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated median income is approximately $65,141 and average income is around $76,720 as of September 2025. Census data shows household income ranks at the 77th percentile with a weekly income of $2,190, while personal income sits at the 50th percentile. Distribution data indicates that 37.4% of Hillside residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 (6,460 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends across the region showing 32.8% in the same category. After housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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

Hillside's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 0.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillside was recorded at 31.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 53.4% and rented ones at 14.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,900, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent figure was $380, while Melbourne metro had no recorded figures for these metrics. 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 median household size of 3.2 people

Family households comprise 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%, made up of 12.9% lone person households and 1.1% group households. 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 at 32.2%, comprising primary education (10.3%), secondary education (10.0%), and tertiary education (6.2%).

Hillside's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,013 students, serving balanced educational opportunities typical of Australian schools (ICSEA: 1025). These four schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 51 active stops operating in Hillside. These comprise a mix of bus services. Four routes serve these stops, collectively providing 2649 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 276 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 378 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 51 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 shows strong performance throughout Hillside, with younger cohorts seeing particularly low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is found to be high at approximately 54% of the total population, which amounts to around 9,305 people. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.7% and 6.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 74.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 0% across Greater Melbourne. As of the latest data from 2021, approximately 11.6% of Hillside's population are aged 65 and over, totaling around 2,003 people. While health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention than the broader population, overall performance remains strong in Hillside.

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 comprises 31.2% born overseas, with 36.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hillside at 65.9%, contrasting with None% across Greater Melbourne. In terms of ancestry, Other groups constitute 16.0%, Australians 15.8%, and English 12.7%.

Notably, Maltese are overrepresented at 8.8%, Croatians at 2.8%, and Macedonians at 3.5% in Hillside compared to None% regionally.

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 constitutes 16.1%, higher than Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 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. The 55-64 group is projected to grow by 54%, adding 1,286 people and reaching 3,653 from the current 2,366. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 1%, adding 14 people.