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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Hillston is $369k. House values have moved 5.5% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Hillston has an estimated 1,643 residents, up from 1,547 at the 2021 Census — a change of 96 people, or 6.2%. Growth has averaged 0.9% a year over five years. 117 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Natural increase accounts for 52.0% of that increase. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Drawing on recent ABS updates across the surrounding region alongside 117 validated new addresses identified since the Census, the suburb of Hillston has an estimated population of approximately 1,643 as of Aug 2026. This marks an expansion of 96 people (6.2%) relative to the 1,547 people recorded during the 2021 Census. AreaSearch established this 1,643 figure through an evaluation of the ABS ERP release from June 2025 coupled with subsequent residential address verifications. Population density remains very low at 0.40 persons per square kilometer, ensuring considerable open room for residents.
Outperforming both the broader SA4 region and the SA3 area (1.9%), the suburb of Hillston's 6.2% growth rate places it among the district's fastest-growing localities. Natural increase served as the primary growth catalyst, generating roughly 52.0% of recent population additions. Projections for the suburb of Hillston incorporate 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 figures pegged to a 2022 baseline, supplemented by 2022 NSW State Government SA2 data utilizing a 2021 baseline where required, with age-specific rates applied for 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, future population gains are projected to sit slightly under the median for regional Australia. Long-term SA2 aggregations point to an overall gain of 140 persons by 2041, which represents an 8.5% rise over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building approvals in Hillston remain exceptionally sparse, averaging fewer than 1 approvals per year, or 2 approvals over five years. This subdued pipeline illustrates the regional, rural context, wherein building activity responds to individual requirements rather than broader speculative demand. Consequently, single dwelling projects can exert a disproportionately large influence on yearly statistical shifts. Construction levels in Hillston fall considerably short of the Rest of NSW benchmark as well as national norms. Every recent residential build has consisted of standalone houses, reinforcing low-density rural living. Demonstrating this low-intensity building climate, the locality records an estimated 1598 people per residential dwelling approval.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Hillston
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 59 current infrastructure and development projects close to Hillston, worth an estimated $6.05 billion. 17 are already under construction and 23 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and health & medical. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local economic and social outcomes are closely linked to infrastructure enhancements and public works. While no projects are currently identified by AreaSearch as directly impacting the immediate vicinity, broader regional initiatives include the NSW Heavy Vehicle Rest Stops Program (TfNSW), NSW Zero Emissions Buses, NSW Inland Rail Interface Improvements, and the NSW Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) Program.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Yoogali Shared Pathway and Bridge Project
Construction of a 2.1km dedicated shared pathway adjacent to Mackay Avenue, linking Blumer Avenue to Yoogali. Includes installation of wayfinding signage, seating, and a 42m long bridge over the Main Water Supply Canal. The project aims to promote active lifestyles and enhance community connectivity.
Yoogali Intersection Upgrade
An $8.8 million upgrade to ease congestion and improve road safety at the key intersection of Burley Griffin Way, Irrigation Way, Mackay Avenue, and Kurrajong Avenue. Works included widening the intersection, upgrading the rail level crossing, building a new road surface, installing traffic lights, and constructing a new bridge structure on Irrigation Way over Main Drain J.
Yoogali Levee Construction
Multi-stage flood mitigation project led by Griffith City Council to improve flood protection for Yoogali. Stage 1 and Stage 2 works have been completed. Stage 3 will construct an earthen levee along Main Drain J and raise sections of Burley Griffin Way and the McCormack Road intersection to improve protection for residential, commercial and industrial areas. Council has lodged funding applications through the NSW Flood Management Program and Disaster Ready Fund for Stage 3.
Clifton Gardens Estate
JZ Homes' 148-lot residential subdivision in Collina offering luxury living at attainable prices. The project included a mix of land sales and custom-built homes with contemporary design and community-focused amenities. Features stone top kitchens, ducted air-conditioning, and high-quality finishes with 2550mm ceilings.
Yambil Street Upgrade Stage 4
Road infrastructure upgrade project in Griffith's urban area to improve traffic flow and road safety, including new pavement, drainage, and streetscaping works.
Griffith Base Hospital Redevelopment
The $250 million redevelopment of Griffith Base Hospital has reached a major milestone with the official opening of the new Clinical Services Building on 26 June 2025. This state-of-the-art four-storey facility centralizes major services under one roof, including an Emergency Department, maternity and paediatric services, operating theatres, medical imaging, and aged care and rehabilitation beds. While the main hospital is operational, final works including the demolition of old structures, construction of a new main entry forecourt, additional car parking, and landscaping are continuing through 2026.
Wakaden Street Affordable Townhouses
Development of 4 two-storey, two-bedroom affordable townhouses targeted for key workers in the Griffith community. Project currently stalled after builder Greenwich Build entered voluntary administration in February 2025. Argyle Housing remains committed to completing the project with a replacement contractor.
Kooyoo Street Plaza Redevelopment
Transformation of Kooyoo Street into an urban plaza suitable for cultural events, markets and festivals. The project includes street trees, seating, pedestrian improvements, power infrastructure for kiosks and food vans, smart lighting, water stations, bollards, and reduced speed limits. Stage 1 (Banna Avenue to Banna Lane) creates a pedestrian-friendly paved area with no kerbs, while maintaining one-way vehicle access. The plaza successfully hosts community events including the annual Punjabi Mela festival.
914 residents of Hillston are employed, from a labour force of 936. Unemployment sits at 2.4%, with participation at 70.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 4.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,776, about 108% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Hillston maintains a capable local workforce across several sectors, underpinned by a low unemployment rate of 2.4% according to aggregated statistical figures. In March 2026914 residents were employed, while local unemployment sat 1.8% below the 4.1% mark reported across Regional NSW. Labour force engagement is notably strong at 70.3%, well above Regional NSW's 60.6%. At the Census, only 8.1% of working locals operated from home, though prevailing Covid-19 restrictions at the time should be kept in mind. Primary employment sectors for residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction.
Concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing is especially prominent, tracking at 7.7 times the regional standard. Conversely, health care & social assistance comprises only 9.0% of the local workforce versus 16.9% regionally. At the Census, there were 0.7 workers for each resident, reflecting a healthy availability of local jobs relative to the population. According to SALM and ABS figures aggregated by AreaSearch, the 12 months to March 2026 saw the local labour force shrink by 2.7% and employment drop by 2.8%, keeping unemployment largely steady. Over the same timeframe, Regional NSW experienced a 0.9% drop in employment and a 0.4% contraction in the labour force, alongside a 0.5 percentage point increase in joblessness. Broader five- and ten-year national industry forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26—which anticipate nationwide workforce gains of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years—suggest that Hillston's specific industry distribution could generate local employment growth of 4.8% over five years and 10.8% over ten years, based on a weighted profile model excluding demographic projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Hillston is $1,486 a week (about $77,000 a year), with median personal income at $852 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $51,291 a year against an average of $57,670. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Aggregated ATO figures for financial year 2023 place taxpayer earnings in the suburb of Hillston below the Australian norm. The median income among taxpayers is $51,291 and the average income is $57,670, compared to benchmarks of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW. Factoring in a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 brings estimated figures to roughly $56,584 (median) and $63,622 (average) by March 2026. The 2021 Census placed weekly individual income at the 59th percentile ($852 weekly) and household income at the 34th percentile. A substantial 32.9% of residents (540 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, closely tracking the 29.9% regional rate.
While households retain 90.9% of earnings after housing costs, disposable income remains modest at the 42nd percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Hillston had 529 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 92% detached houses and 4% apartments. 24% are owned with a mortgage, 39% rented and 37% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $220 a week and the median mortgage repayment $901 a month. Rent absorbs 14.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 14.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census records show that standalone houses constitute 92.0% of residential structures in Hillston, with apartments, townhouses, and other categories accounting for the remaining 8.0%, compared to 82.6% and 17.4% respectively throughout Regional NSW. Outright home ownership stands at 37.4%, slightly trailing regional patterns, while 23.7% of properties carry a mortgage and 38.9% are rented. Typical housing expenses are relatively low: median monthly mortgage payments are $901 compared to $1,733 regionally and $1,863 nationally, while median weekly rent is $220 compared to $330 in Regional NSW and $375 across Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Hillston counted 529 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 562 today, averaging 2.4 people each. 25% are couples with children, against 29% couples without children. 30% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 64.7% of households, consisting of couples without children (28.8%), couples with children (24.6%), and single parent families (10.6%). The balance of 35.3% consists of non-family living arrangements, primarily lone person households (29.9%) and group households (5.1%). The median household size of 2.4 people equals the Regional NSW standard.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
17.2% of adults in Hillston hold a university qualification, including 14.8% with a bachelor degree and 1.8% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 84% of areas nationally. A further 26.5% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 235 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 934 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Attainment of university qualifications in the locality is comparatively low at 17.2%, trailing the broader NSW benchmark of 32.2%. Among higher education credentials, bachelor degrees represent 14.8%, postgraduate qualifications account for 1.8%, and graduate diplomas comprise 0.6%. Technical and vocational training is widely held, with 36.9% of the population aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including certificates (26.5%) and advanced diplomas (10.4%). Formal study engagement is substantial, with 30.8% of the local population actively participating in education. This cohort comprises 13.5% in primary schooling, 7.4% attending secondary school, and 3.3% undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Hillston means driving: households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Hillston's public transport network features 78 bus stops across 7 routes, generating 70 weekly passenger trips. Access to stops is convenient, with residents generally residing 196 meters from the closest stop. Private vehicles remain the primary commuting method for 86% of workers, 9% walk, and vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. Working from home accounted for 8.1% of workers at the 2021 Census, subject to COVID-19 considerations. Bus services run at an average rate of 10 trips per day across the collective network, resulting in no regular scheduled weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
72.4% of residents in Hillston report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 76% of areas nationally. 4.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.8% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments indicate elevated levels of common medical conditions across Hillston, particularly within older cohorts, while private health insurance uptake is subdued at approximately 50% (~817 people). This coverage rate falls below the Regional NSW figure of 51.9% and the national standard of 55.7%. Asthma and arthritis represent the primary chronic ailments in the community, diagnosed in 7.8% and 6.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 72.4% reported having no chronic medical conditions, outperforming the Regional NSW rate of 63.3%. Health metrics among residents under 65 are comparatively positive. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 17.8% (292 people) of the population, below the 23.3% regional proportion, though seniors encounter higher health burdens than younger local cohorts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Hillston is largely Australian-born, at 78.6% of residents, with 16.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (29.5%) and English (27.0%). 8.3% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Hillston displays notable demographic diversity, with 21.4% of residents born abroad and 16.8% utilizing a non-English language at home. Christianity is the predominant faith, practiced by 59.2% of the community. In addition, the Other category represents 2.8% of the local population, compared with 0.8% throughout Regional NSW. The most widely reported ancestral backgrounds in Hillston are Australian (29.5%), English (27.0%), and Other (9.0%). Notable variations from regional averages include Australian Aboriginal representation at 8.3% (against 4.6% regionally), Korean ancestry at 1.2% (compared to 0.1%), and Spanish background at 0.6% (versus 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Hillston is 36. 29.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Demographically, Hillston is younger than Regional NSW. August 2026 projections indicate that young to middle aged adults (25 - 44) account for 32.3% of the community versus 23.5% regionally, while retiree and elderly cohorts (65+) represent 17.8% compared to 23.3% across the wider region. The estimated median age of 36 matches the 2021 Census figure and is 7 years younger than the Regional NSW median of 43 from that Census. Since then, middle aged and young retiree cohorts (45 - 64) fell from 24.6% to an estimated 21.0%. Looking toward 2041, retiree and elderly cohorts are expected to drive most local growth by expanding 32% (95 residents) to 387, while child, young adult, and middle-aged brackets are forecast to decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Hillston
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 117 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,547 at the 2021 Census → 1,643 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL11919). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.