Hocking

Hocking lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Hocking's population is estimated at around 7,617 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 630 people (9.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,987 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,617 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,134 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hocking's 9.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 42.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,202 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 17.2% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Hocking recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Hocking averaged around 7 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 36 homes were approved, with 7 more in FY-26 so far.

Each dwelling constructed over this period brought an estimated 22 new residents annually on average. This demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $312,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. Hocking has significantly less development activity than Greater Perth, with 91.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

However, construction activity has intensified recently. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining Hocking's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. At around 494 people per approval, Hocking indicates a mature market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Hocking will grow by 1,314 residents through to 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Hocking has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to affect the region: Arbella Estate, St. Andrews Urban Precinct (Hocking & Pearsall), Girrawheen-Koondoola Residential Recoding, and Hocking Primary School. The following details those most relevant.

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

Hocking has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%, lower than the Greater Perth average of 3.9%.

In the past year, estimated employment growth was 4.0%. As of June 2025, 4605 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% below Greater Perth's rate. Workforce participation in Hocking is higher at 73.0%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction is particularly specialized, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food services are under-represented, with only 5.4% of Hocking's workforce compared to Greater Perth's 6.8%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 4.0%, while labour force grew by 4.1%, leaving unemployment relatively stable. This contrasts with Greater Perth, where employment rose by 3.7%, labour force grew by 3.8%, and unemployment rose slightly to 3.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hocking's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median assessed income in Hocking at $59,780 and average income at $74,050. This is higher than Greater Perth's median of $58,380 and average of $78,020. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $68,269 and average $84,565 based on a 14.2% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data ranks Hocking's incomes highly nationally, between the 74th and 80th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The largest income segment in Hocking comprises 40.7% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (3,100 residents), similar to metropolitan Perth at 32.0%. Housing costs consume 15.8% of income but strong earnings place disposable income at the 79th percentile nationally. Hocking's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Hocking, as evaluated at the latest Census conducted in 2016, consisted of 93.2% houses and 6.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Perth metropolitan area had 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Hocking was slightly lower than that of Perth metro at 20.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (64.0%) or rented (15.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of June 2021, was $1,965, which is higher than the Perth metro average of $1,898 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Hocking was recorded at $400, compared to Perth metro's $350 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 81.8% of all households, including 44.7% couples with children, 24.1% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 18.2%, with lone person households at 16.1% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.

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

Educational qualifications in Hocking trail show 23.3% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common (17.0%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.3%, certificates at 28.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.3% currently enrolled in formal education: 12.2% in primary, 9.5% in secondary, and 4.1% in tertiary. Two primary schools serve the area - St Elizabeth's Catholic Primary School and Hocking Primary School, with a total of 790 students. These schools have typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1046) and provide balanced educational opportunities. Both focus exclusively on primary education; secondary options are available in surrounding areas. There are 10.4 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 15.2, suggesting some students may attend schools in nearby regions.

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

The public transport analysis indicates that there are 16 active transport stops operating within Hocking. These stops offer a mix of bus services. The analysis shows that these stops are serviced by three individual routes, collectively providing 632 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 268 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 90 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hocking's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Hocking's health outcomes data shows excellent results, with younger age groups having a notably low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 4,311 individuals, or about 57% of Hocking's total population, have private health cover, compared to 53.8% in Greater Perth.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 6.5% and 6.4% of residents respectively. About 77.2% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 73.0% in Greater Perth. Hocking has 959 people aged 65 and over, comprising 12.6% of its population. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in the broader 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

Hocking, surveyed in June 2021, had a higher linguistic diversity than most local markets, with 19.3% speaking a language other than English at home. In terms of birthplace, 37.1% were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 45.6%.

Hinduism was overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, comprising 3.2% versus 2.6%. For ancestry, the top three groups were English (28.9%), Australian (23.1%), and Other (9.1%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: South African at 1.7% (vs regional 1.8%), Welsh at 1.0% (vs 0.9%), and New Zealand at 1.4% (vs 1.1%).

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

Hocking's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Hocking has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.6%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (9.2%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population of residents aged 75-84 has grown from 2.5% to 4.6%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 0-4 has declined from 7.4% to 6.5%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate significant changes in Hocking's population. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 106%, adding 372 residents and reaching a total of 723. Residents aged 65 and above will contribute to 51% of the population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups.