Red Hill (ACT)

Red Hill has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

The population of the suburb of Red Hill (ACT) is estimated at around 3,551 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 405 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,146 people. The growth was inferred from the resident population estimate of 3,551 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 144 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 753 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's 12.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the state average (8.3%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the area. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also with 2022 as a base year. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation, with the suburb expected to increase by 275 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 7.7% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Red Hill averaged around 78 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 392 homes were approved, with another 8 so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 0.8 new residents arrived per new home.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth. The average value of new dwellings was $543,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, there have been $22.0 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Red Hill has 187.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice but with recent easing in construction activity. This high level of activity reflects strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists of 27.0% standalone homes and 73.0% townhouses or apartments, showing a trend towards denser development to provide accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This is a significant change from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (79.0%).

The estimated population per dwelling approval in Red Hill is 455 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Red Hill will gain 275 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Red Hill has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nine projects identified by AreaSearch may impact the area, notably including Griffith-Narrabundah Community Centre & Oval Upgrade, Yarra Rossa, The Parks, Red Hill, and Canberra Hospital Master Plan.

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

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Employment performance in Red Hill ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Red Hill has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 1.7% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.1%. As of December 2025, 1,943 residents were employed at a rate of 2.1% below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was 66.2%, compared to ACT's 70.5%. Home-based work accounted for 16.4% of jobs, considering Covid-19 impacts. Key industries were public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. Professional & technical services showed strong specialization at 1.5 times the regional level, while public administration & safety was lower at 26.6% versus the regional average of 30.4%.

Local employment opportunities existed, but many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.1%, labour force grew by 1.2%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 1.7%. In contrast, ACT saw employment rise by 0.9% with a labour force growth of 1.2% and unemployment increasing by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicated potential future demand in Red Hill. Industry-specific projections suggested local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Red Hill suburb is $79,758 and average income is $129,618. This compares to Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated median income as of March 2026 is approximately $88,085 and average income is $143,150. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Red Hill rank between the 97th and 99th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 50.2% of locals (1,782 people) earn over $4,000 weekly, differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant at 34.3%. A significant 60.8% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 89.5% of income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Red Hill is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Red Hill's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 79.3% houses and 20.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Red Hill stood at 40.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.8% and rented ones at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,500, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in Red Hill was $500, higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of $450. Nationally, Red Hill's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $3,500 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Red Hill features high concentrations of group households and family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 77.5% of all households, consisting of 43.0% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.5%, with lone person households at 19.3% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Red Hill demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In Red Hill, a significant proportion of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, with 59.1% surpassing the national average of 30.4%. This is also higher than the SA4 region's 46.8%. The area's educational advantage is evident in its high percentage of residents with bachelor degrees (32.8%), postgraduate qualifications (20.5%), and graduate diplomas (5.8%). Technical qualifications make up 14.0% of educational achievements, with advanced diplomas at 7.1% and certificates at 6.9%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 36.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.4% in secondary education, 10.7% in primary education, and 7.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Red Hill has 23 operational public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by 111 different routes, collectively facilitating 9,431 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good, with residents typically located 218 meters from the nearest stop. The area is mainly residential, with most commuters traveling outward. Cars dominate as the primary mode of transport at 86%, while walking and cycling account for 4% and 3% respectively. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.4% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 1,347 trips daily, equating to approximately 410 weekly trips per individual stop.

Red Hill's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Red Hill. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were assessed by AreaSearch, with younger cohorts showing very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 78% of the total population (2,783 people) had private health cover, compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.2 and 7.0% of residents respectively. 72.2% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Red Hill has 20.8% of residents aged 65 and over (738 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Red Hill was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Red Hill's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 29.6% born overseas and 24.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Red Hill, making up 48.0%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 0.2%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (24.1%), Australian (20.7%), and Other (11.5%). Notably, French ethnicity was overrepresented at 0.9% in Red Hill versus the regional average of 0.5%, Croatian at 1.1% versus 0.9%, and Macedonian at 0.6% versus 0.2%.

Red Hill's median age exceeds the national pattern

Red Hill's median age is 43 years, significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and older than the Australian median of 38. Locally, the 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented at 13.9%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.6%. Post the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.8% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 15.2% to 12.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Red Hill's age profile will change significantly. The 45 to 54 cohort is projected to grow by 18%, adding 96 residents to reach 626. Meanwhile, both the 25 to 34 and 35 to 44 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.