Red Hill (ACT)

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

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Red Hill (ACT) is estimated at around 3,490. This reflects an increase of 344 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,146. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,479 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 144 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 741 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate of 10.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state average (6.7%) 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 ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted. Future population dynamics anticipate a median increase, with the suburb expected to grow by 303 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 8.1% over the 17 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 indicates that Red Hill has seen approximately 78 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 392 homes. As of FY-26, four approvals have been recorded. On average, around 0.8 new residents per year arrive for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options while enabling population growth.

The average construction value of new properties is $543,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY-26, $22.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Red Hill records 179.0% more development activity per person. This high level of activity should provide buyers with ample choice, although building activity has slowed in recent years. The area's construction comprises 27.0% standalone homes and 73.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 79.0% houses. This change may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. The estimated population density in Red Hill is 454 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Red Hill is expected to grow by 282 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Griffith-Narrabundah Community Centre & Oval Upgrade, Yarra Rossa, The Parks, Red Hill, and Canberra Hospital Master Plan. Details on those most relevant are provided below.

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.

Employment conditions in Red Hill rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Red Hill has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 1.4%, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.0%.

As of September 2025, 1,943 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, below ACT's 3.6%. Workforce participation is lower than ACT's standard at 67.7%. Moderate home workership was reported at 16.4% in Census responses. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance.

Professional & technical services show notable concentration with levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety has lower representation at 26.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparison of working population to local population. From September 2024 to September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0% and labour force by 1.5%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.4 percentage points. ACT recorded employment growth of 1.4%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Red Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Red Hill has a median taxpayer income of $79,758 and an average income of $129,618 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Nationally, this places Red Hill in the top percentile, contrasting with Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Red Hill would be approximately $87,144 (median) and $141,621 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Red Hill rank highly nationally, between the 97th and 99th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 50.2% of residents (1,751 people) fall into the $4,000+ bracket, unlike regional trends where 34.3% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Red Hill demonstrates considerable affluence with 60.8% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 89.5% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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 structure, as per the latest Census, 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. In Red Hill, home ownership stood at 40.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.8% and rented ones at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,500, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Red Hill was recorded at $500, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Red Hill's median monthly mortgage repayment is significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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, including 43.0% that are couples with children, 25.1% that are couples without children, and 8.0% that are 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, 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

Red Hill's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 59.1% possess university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 32.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.8%). Technical qualifications make up 14.0%, with advanced diplomas at 7.1% and certificates at 6.9%.

Educational participation is 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 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 111 different routes that collectively facilitate 9,431 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically residing 218 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 86%, with walking and cycling accounting for 4% and 3% respectively. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.4% of residents work from home, a figure possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 1,347 trips are made daily, equating to approximately 410 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Red Hill's health outcomes show exceptional results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low, particularly among younger cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 78% of the total population (2,735 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.2% and 7.0% of residents respectively. 72.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in Australian Capital Territory. Red Hill has 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over (718 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 high cultural diversity, with 29.6% born overseas and 24.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 48.0%. Judaism, while still a minority, was more prevalent in Red Hill (0.4%) compared to Australian Capital Territory (0.2%).

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.1%), Australian (20.7%), and Other (11.5%). Some ethnic groups had notable disparities: French (0.9% vs regional 0.5%), Croatian (1.1% vs 0.9%), and Macedonian (0.6% vs 0.2%) were overrepresented in Red Hill.

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 the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, residents aged 55-64 are notably over-represented at 14.2%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 8.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75-84 grew from 4.8% to 7.1%, and the 55-64 cohort increased from 13.1% to 14.2%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 15.2% to 13.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Red Hill's age profile will change significantly. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 18%, adding 97 residents to reach 624. Meanwhile, both the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in number.