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

The population of the Hocking statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 7,147 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 160 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,987 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 7,145 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,941 persons per square kilometer, placing Hocking in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, ending in 2025, Hocking has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 42.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 to estimate growth post-2032, 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. The Hocking (SA2) is expected to grow by 1,240 persons to reach a total of around 8,387 people by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of approximately 25.5% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Hocking averaged around 3 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 15 homes were approved.

In FY26 so far, one home has been approved. This results in an average of 52.7 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed annually over these five years. Consequently, demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $312,000. Compared to Greater Perth, Hocking has significantly less development activity.

This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, sustaining the area'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, Hocking is expected to grow by 1822 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 49thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to influence this 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 manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.6%.

Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 3.9%, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 4,600 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Hocking is 73.0%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading employment industries among residents 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, at 5.4% compared to Greater Perth's 6.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.9% and labour force grew by 3.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.9%, labour force grow by 3.0%, and a marginal increase in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27% (losing 5,520 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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 indicates that Hocking suburb has higher income compared to national averages. The median income is $59,780 and the average is $74,050. This contrasts with Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $65,531 (median) and $81,174 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, Hocking's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 74th and 80th percentiles. Income distribution shows that the largest segment comprises 40.7% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,908 residents), similar to the metropolitan region where 32.0% fall into this bracket. High housing costs consume 15.8% of income, but strong earnings place 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 structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 93.2% houses and 6.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hocking stood at 20.3%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (64.0%) or rented (15.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,965, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,898. The median weekly rent figure in Hocking was $400, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Hocking's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while 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%. 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 the Hocking Trail region show that 23.3% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 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

The analysis of public transportation in Hocking shows that there are 16 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 3 individual routes providing service to the area. Collectively, these routes offer 632 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located an average of 268 meters from their nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages 90 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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 show exceptional results, with younger age groups experiencing very low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 57% (~4,045 individuals) have private health cover, which is notably high. The most prevalent medical issues in the area are mental health concerns and asthma, affecting 6.5% and 6.4% of residents respectively. Notably, 77.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 73.0% across Greater Perth. As of a recent study (date not specified), 12.9% of Hocking's population is aged 65 and over (921 people). While health outcomes among seniors are strong, they require more attention than 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 2016, had a higher linguistic diversity than most local areas, with 19.3% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 37.1% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 45.6%. Hinduism, however, was more prevalent in Hocking at 3.2%, compared to Greater Perth's 2.6%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.9%), Australian (23.1%), and Other (9.1%). Notable differences existed in the representation of South African (1.7% vs regional 1.8%), Welsh (1.0% vs 0.9%), and New Zealand (1.4% vs 1.1%) ethnic groups.

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 and Australia's average of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Hocking has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (15.6%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (9.2%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population of those aged 75 to 84 has grown from 2.5% to 4.7%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 0 to 4 has declined from 7.4% to 6.5%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate significant changes in Hocking's population. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 119%, adding 401 residents and reaching a total of 737. In contrast, the 5 to 14 age group is projected to grow by only 1%, with an increase of just 10 people.