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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Hocking is around 7,147, reflecting an increase of 160 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,987. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 7,145 residents following examination of ABS' ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of one new address post-Census date. The current population density ratio is 2,941 persons per square kilometer, placing Hocking in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Hocking has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%, outpacing its SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing 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 released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimations, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation, with Hocking expected to grow by 1,237 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 25.4% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Hocking averaged around 3 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 15 homes were approved, with 1 more in FY-26.

This results in about 52.7 new residents arriving annually for each dwelling constructed during this period. The average construction cost of new properties is $312,000. Compared to Greater Perth, Hocking has significantly less development activity, which typically supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This level is also below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, sustaining Hocking's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

With around 3060 people per dwelling approval, Hocking reflects a highly mature market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Hocking will grow by 1,818 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger 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 identified four projects likely affecting the region: Arbella Estate, St. Andrews Urban Precinct (Hocking & Pearsall), Girrawheen-Koondoola Residential Recoding, and Hocking Primary School. The following list highlights those most relevant.

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

Hocking's workforce is skilled with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.5% as of an unspecified past year. Employment growth over the preceding year was estimated at 3.8%.

As of September 2025, 4,598 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.4% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Hocking was higher at 83.5%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, 8.0% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction had an employment share 1.2 times the regional level. Accommodation & food services were under-represented at 5.4%, compared to Greater Perth's 6.8%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on resident population vs working population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8% while the labour force grew by 3.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.9%, with a marginal increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hocking's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for local population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Hocking is higher than average nationally. The median income is $59,780 and the average income stands at $74,050. This contrasts with Greater Perth's figures of a median income of $60,748 and an average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $65,531 (median) and $81,174 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Hocking, between the 74th and 80th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that 40.7% of residents earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,908 residents), mirroring the metropolitan region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 15.8% of income, placing disposable income at the 79th percentile nationally. The area'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

Hocking's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.2% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. In contrast, Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hocking stood at 20.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 64.0% and rented ones at 15.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,965, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in Hocking was $400, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Hocking's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 18.2%, with lone person households at 16.1% and group households making up 2.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, which 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

Educational qualifications in the Hocking Trail region show that 23.3% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. The most common qualification is a bachelor degree, held by 17.0% of residents. Postgraduate qualifications are held by 3.8%, and graduate diplomas by 2.5%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 11.3%, while certificates make up 28.4%. Educational participation is high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.2% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

A transport analysis indicates 16 active public transport stops in Hocking, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by three distinct routes, offering a combined total of 632 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport options is deemed good, with residents typically residing 268 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most inhabitants commute outward. Car remains the primary mode of transportation at 86%, while train usage accounts for 9%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, surpassing the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 90 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Hocking. AreaSearch assessed mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence across both young and old age cohorts, finding low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~4,045 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth. The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues and asthma, impacting 6.5 and 6.4% of residents respectively, while 77.2% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.7% of residents aged 65 and over (979 people), which is lower than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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's population, as per the 2016 Census, showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas. 19.3% of its residents spoke a language other than English at home, while 37.1% were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Hocking, with 45.6% adherents.

However, Hinduism had a notable presence at 3.2%, higher than the Greater Perth average of 2.5%. The top three ancestry groups were English (28.9%), Australian (23.1%), and Other (9.1%). Some ethnic groups showed significant representation differences: South African (1.7% vs regional 1.0%), Welsh (1.0% vs 0.7%), and New Zealand (1.4% vs 0.8%) were notably higher in Hocking compared to the broader region.

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

Hocking's median age in 2021 was 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Perth's 37 and somewhat younger than the national average of 38 years. The 5-14 age group made up 15.4% of Hocking's population compared to Greater Perth, while the 25-34 cohort was less prevalent at 13.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 2.5% to 5.1% of the population. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort declined from 7.4% to 6.2%, and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 14.2% to 13.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Hocking. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow exceptionally, expanding by 389 people (107%) from 364 to 754. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort grows by a modest 2% (26 people).