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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 $350k. House values have moved 4.4% 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 1,604 residents, up from 1,547 at the 2021 Census — a change of 57 people, or 3.7%. 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
According to ABS population figures and recent address verification by AreaSearch, the suburb of Hillston has an estimated population of 1,604 as of May 2026. This represents a 3.7% rise of 57 people from the 1,547 recorded during the 2021 Census. AreaSearch calculated this estimate from ABS estimated resident population statistics released in June 2025 alongside an extra 26 validated new addresses. The resulting density is 0.40 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density. With a 3.7% expansion rate, the suburb of Hillston outpaced the wider SA3 area at 1.8% and the SA4 region, making it a regional growth leader.
Natural increase was the primary contributor, accounting for roughly 52.0% of the growth. Projections utilize ABS and Geoscience Australia data from 2024 with a 2022 baseline, supplemented by 2022 NSW Government projections using a 2021 baseline where necessary. Age-specific growth trends from these sources are extended to the period between 2032 and 2041. Based on these projections, the suburb of Hillston is set to expand by 124 persons by 2041, representing a 7.7% increase over the 16 years, which is slightly below the median growth rate for regional parts of Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Property development in the area is minimal, averaging fewer than one approval annually, with four applications approved in the last five years. This low level of activity reflects a rural market driven by immediate local housing requirements rather than speculative development. Because the overall numbers are small, annual percentage shifts can vary widely based on individual projects. Construction levels are significantly lower than the rest of NSW and fall well below the national average. Recent activity consists entirely of separate houses, reflecting a local preference for rural space. The ratio of 3196 people for every single dwelling approval underscores the quiet development environment.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Hillston
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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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 $5.9 billion. 18 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 infrastructure projects play a vital role in regional development. No major projects have been identified as having a direct impact on the area. Notable 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.
889 residents of Hillston are employed, from a labour force of 911. Unemployment sits at 2.4%, with participation at 69.4%. 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 1,735, 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
A skilled workforce characterizes the local area, which has an unemployment rate of 2.4%. By March 2026, employed residents numbered 889. The jobless rate is 1.7% lower than the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, while workforce participation is high at 69.4% compared to 60.6% regionally. The Census recorded that 8.1% of residents worked from home, though this may reflect pandemic-related restrictions. Most workers are employed in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, or construction. The agriculture, forestry & fishing sector shows a high concentration, employing residents at 7.7 times the regional rate.
Conversely, health care & social assistance is underrepresented at 9.0% compared to 16.9% regionally. There are 0.7 workers for every resident, indicating a higher-than-average volume of local jobs. In the year ending March 2026, the local workforce contracted by 3.1% and total employment fell by 3.2%, while the unemployment rate remained stable. This contrasted with Regional NSW, where employment fell by 0.9%, the labour force declined by 0.4%, and the jobless rate rose by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts from May-25 project five and ten-year national employment growth at 6.6% and 13.7% respectively, with variation across sectors. Applying these national trends to the local industry mix indicates potential employment growth of 4.8% over five years and 10.8% over ten years.
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
ATO data for the 2023 financial year indicates local incomes are below the national average. The median taxpayer income is $51,291 and the average is $57,670, compared to Regional NSW averages of $52,390 and $65,215. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since 2023, March 2026 estimates suggest a median of $56,584 and an average of $63,622. The 2021 Census placed personal income at the 59th percentile ($852 weekly) and household income at the 34th percentile. The largest earnings segment consists of 32.9% of residents earning between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (527 residents), similar to the regional share of 29.9%.
Residents retain 90.9% of their income after housing costs, but disposable income remains below average 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
Separate houses comprised 92.0% of the housing stock at the last Census, with apartments, semi-detached, and other homes making up the remaining 8.0%, compared to 82.6% and 17.4% respectively in Regional NSW. Home ownership stood at 37.4%, which is slightly lower than the regional average, with 23.7% of properties mortgaged and 38.9% rented. The median monthly mortgage payment was $901 and the median weekly rent was $220, both significantly lower than the Regional NSW figures of $1,733 and $330, and the national averages of $1,863 and $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Hillston counted 529 households at the 2021 Census, 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 all households, consisting of couples with children at 24.6%, couples without children at 28.8%, and single parents at 10.6%. Non-family households account for 35.3%, consisting of single-person households at 29.9% and group households at 5.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, matching the regional average.
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
Higher education levels are relatively low, with 17.2% of residents holding a university qualification compared to the state average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are held by 14.8%, postgraduate qualifications by 1.8%, and graduate diplomas by 0.6%. Vocational qualifications are common, with 36.9% of residents aged 15+ holding credentials, including 10.4% with advanced diplomas and 26.5% with certificates. A high proportion of the population is engaged in study, with 30.8% of residents enrolled in formal education. Primary school students account for 13.5%, secondary school students make up 7.4%, and tertiary students represent 3.3%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Hillston reaches 75 stops on 7 routes, timetabled for about 100 services a week. The typical home sits about 200 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The public transport network consists of 75 active bus stops served by 7 routes, which provide 100 passenger trips per week. The average distance to the nearest stop is 196 meters. Most residents commute to work outside the area, with 86% driving and 9% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 cars per household. A total of 8.1% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census. Bus services run an average of 14 times per day across the network, which averages out to approximately one trip per week for each 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 outcomes present challenges, with elevated rates of chronic conditions, particularly among older residents. Private health insurance coverage is low, with approximately 50% of residents (~798 people) covered, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and 55.7% nationwide. Asthma affects 7.8% of residents and arthritis affects 6.6%, while 72.4% reported no chronic conditions, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Health metrics for residents under 65 are better than average. Residents aged 65 and over make up 18.3% of the population (293 people), which is lower than the Regional NSW average of 23.4%.
Senior health outcomes face challenges but compare favorably on a national scale.
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
Cultural diversity is higher than average, with 21.4% of the population born outside Australia and 16.8% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the dominant religion at 59.2%. The category of Other religions shows the most significant concentration, representing 2.8% of the population compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW. The primary ancestries are Australian at 29.5%, English at 27.0%, and Other at 9.0%. Notable groups include Australian Aboriginal residents at 8.3% of the population (compared to 4.6% regionally), Korean residents at 1.2% (compared to 0.1%), and Spanish residents at 0.6% (compared to 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Hillston is 36. 29.5% 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
The median age is 36 years, which is younger than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national median of 38. The 25 - 34 cohort is highly represented at 19.6%, while the 65 - 74 group is smaller at 9.7%. Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 group grew from 8.2% to 9.7% and the 0 to 4 group rose from 6.5% to 7.6%. The 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.2% to 9.1% and the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 11.9% to 10.8%. By 2041, the 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 15% (46 people) to reach 361.
Older cohorts aged 65 and over are expected to make up 52% of total population growth, while the 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 groups are projected to decline.
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 Aug 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) | May 2026 3 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 May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 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 5 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) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 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 — 26 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,547 at the 2021 Census → 1,604 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 May 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.