Hocking

Population growth drivers in Hocking are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Evaluating demographics from ABS updates for the region alongside fresh addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Hocking has a population of approximately 7,174 as of May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 187 individuals (2.7%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 6,987 residents. The adjustment is determined from a resident population of 7,173, calculated by AreaSearch using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) combined with 1 validated new address since the Census. This count represents a density of 2,952 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the highest quartile of Australian areas monitored by AreaSearch. Growth was chiefly powered by natural increase, accounting for roughly 42.0% of the overall gains, with positive contributions from other components including overseas and interstate migration.

AreaSearch incorporates regional projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline. For areas missing from this release, and to calculate growth beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023 using 2022 data). Looking forward, population gains are expected to track just under the national median, with the suburb of Hocking projected to add 757 residents by 2041 based on compiled SA2 projections, representing a total rise of 10.5% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Hocking according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Analysis of ABS building approvals indicates that the suburb of Hocking averages approximately 2 residential approvals annually, with a total of 10 dwellings approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 3 thus far in FY-26. With an average of 15.2 new occupants arriving per completed dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand outstrips supply, which tends to elevate prices and buyer competition, while new homes carry an average construction cost of $312,000.

Residential building activity is considerably lower in the suburb of Hocking than across Greater Perth. This restricted supply generally bolsters demand and valuations for existing properties, although development has increased recently. Construction is also below the national average, showing the maturity of the market and indicating possible planning limits. Moreover, recent construction has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining a suburban landscape dominated by family homes. The area averages approximately 2880 people per approved dwelling, highlighting an established market.

Long-term forecasts indicate the suburb of Hocking will add 756 residents by 2041 based on the latest quarterly calculations. If current construction trends persist, housing supply may fall short of population gains, potentially intensifying competition among buyers and encouraging stronger price growth.

Hocking has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Developments in public infrastructure, major projects, and local planning are key drivers of regional change. AreaSearch has identified 4 key projects expected to influence the area. These include the Arbella Estate, the St. Andrews Urban Precinct (Hocking & Pearsall), the Girrawheen-Koondoola Residential Recoding, and the Hocking Primary School, with details provided on the most relevant schemes.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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.

The employment environment in Hocking shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Hocking boasts a skilled labor pool where manufacturing and industrial occupations hold strong positions, with an unemployment figure of only 3.6% and an estimated employment growth of 0.7% during the previous year according to AreaSearch aggregations of statistical area information. By March 2026, 4,106 residents were employed, and the local unemployment rate stood at 0.6% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 4.2% while workforce participation reached 75.5% which exceeded Greater Perth's 70.2%. Census data indicate that merely 8.0% of residents worked from home, though the lingering effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be factored into this proportion.

The primary sectors employing residents are healthcare & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The community shows a strong concentration in construction, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food services accounts for only 5.4% of local employment, below the Greater Perth level of 6.8%. The heavily residential nature of the suburb of Hocking means local jobs are limited, as shown by the comparison of resident workers to local jobs.

Based on SALM and ABS statistics compiled for the wider area, the 12-month period recorded employment growth of 0.7% alongside a labour force expansion of 0.9%, which raised the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth experienced a 2.0% increase in employment, a 2.5% expansion of the workforce, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 provide context on potential future demand in the suburb of Hocking. Mapped against local figures, these five-year and ten-year projections estimate local employment growth patterns. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary by sector. Applying these trends to the local industry mix suggest employment for the suburb of Hocking could rise by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, representing a simple weighting extrapolation for illustration.

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

ATO records for the 2023 financial year show that taxpayers in the suburb of Hocking earned a median income of $59,780 and an average income of $74,050. These figures exceed national benchmarks and compare to $60,748 (median) and $80,248 (average) across Greater Perth. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates stand at approximately $66,314 for the median and $82,144 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes are high, sitting between the 74th and 80th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 contains 40.7% of local taxpayers (2,919 people), compared to 32.0% across the metropolitan area. Housing expenses take up 15.8% of income, yet strong earnings keep disposable income in the 79th percentile, with a SEIFA income ranking in the 6th decile.

Hocking is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Census data reveals that houses make up 93.2% of the residential options in the suburb of Hocking, while other formats like townhouses and apartments account for 6.8%, compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings in Greater Perth. Homeownership rates are lower than the metropolitan average at 20.3%, with 64.0% of properties carrying a mortgage and 15.7% being rented. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,965 exceeds the Greater Perth average of $1,907, while the median weekly rent of $400 compares to the metropolitan figure of $350. Nationally, mortgage payments in the suburb of Hocking are above the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are higher than the national median of $375.

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

Families make up 81.8% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 44.7%, couples without children at 24.1%, and single parent households at 11.9%. Non-family households account for 18.2% of the total, with lone person households at 16.1% and group houses at 2.0%. The median household size of 2.9 individuals is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Hocking exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Formal qualifications in the suburb of Hocking are below regional levels, with 23.3% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.0%, with postgraduate qualifications at 3.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Vocational and technical training is prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 28.4%.

Enrolment in education is strong, with 31.3% of residents participating in formal learning. This comprises 12.2% in primary schools, 9.5% in high schools, and 4.1% in tertiary studies.

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

There are 16 bus stops operating in the suburb of Hocking, serviced by 3 routes that provide 632 passenger journeys every week. Accessibility is good, with residents living an average of 268 meters from their nearest transit stop. As a residential community, most residents travel out of the area for work, with private cars being the primary mode of transport for 86% of commuters, and trains accounting for 9%. Car ownership averages 1.7 vehicles per household, which is above the metropolitan average. A relatively low 8.0% of the workforce worked from home, based on the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic circumstances.

Transit service averages 90 daily trips across the local routes, which translates to approximately 39 weekly trips for each transport stop.

Hocking's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Assessments of mortality and chronic illnesses indicate strong health outcomes in the suburb of Hocking, with low rates of common health conditions across both older and younger age groups. Private health insurance coverage is high, representing approximately 57% of the community (~4,060 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

Mental health concerns and asthma are the most common diagnoses, affecting 6.5% and 6.4% of residents. However, 77.2% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The working-age population exhibits strong health with low rates of chronic illness. Seniors aged 65 and over constitute 11.9% of the population (853 people), which is below the Greater Perth average of 16.1%. Health measures for older residents remain positive, with national percentiles matching the wider population.

Hocking 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

The suburb of Hocking is more culturally diverse than most local areas, with 19.3% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 37.1% born outside Australia. Christianity is the main religion, representing 45.6% of the population. Hinduism shows a notable local concentration at 3.2% of the community, compared to 2.5% across Greater Perth.

In terms of parent country of birth, the main ancestries are English at 28.9%, Australian at 23.1%, and Other at 9.1%. Certain backgrounds are overrepresented compared to regional levels: South Australian at 1.7% (vs 1.0% regionally), Welsh at 1.0% (vs 0.7%), and New Zealand at 1.4% (vs 0.8%).

Hocking hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

The median age in the suburb of Hocking is 34 years, which is younger than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, there is a higher proportion of children aged 5 - 14 (15.5%) and fewer residents aged 55 - 64 (8.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 2.5% to 4.5%, while the 55 to 64 group has decreased from 9.4% to 8.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 project significant demographic shifts, with the 75 to 84 group growing by 83%, adding 269 residents to total 592. Residents aged 65+ will account for 54% of the population growth, highlighting an aging profile. Conversely, decreases are projected for the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age cohorts.