Hillside

Hillside has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Hillside's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 16,120. This figure represents a decrease from the 2021 Census count of 16,182 people, reflecting a change of -62 persons (-0.4%) since then. The estimated resident population of 16,120 in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date supports this inference. This results in a population density ratio of 2,061 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.0% to overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used, adjusted by weighted aggregation to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, a significant population increase is forecast in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with Hillside expected to grow by 4,243 persons (26.3% increase over 17 years) based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

The level of residential development activity in Hillside is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Hillside has recorded approximately 34 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 174 homes were approved, with an additional 6 approved so far in FY26.

The population has been declining recently, yet development activity has been adequate relative to this decline, which is beneficial for buyers as it provides more affordable housing options. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $90,000, below regional norms. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hillside has significantly less development activity, 92.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Development activity is also lower than the national average, indicating a mature market with possible development constraints.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining Hillside's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With around 5648 people per dwelling approval, Hillside reflects a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hillside is expected to grow by 4243 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Woodlea Master-Planned Community, Calder Park Drive Interchange, Aintree Indoor Sports Facility, and Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Hillside demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Hillside's workforce is skilled with notable representation in construction. The unemployment rate was 3.5% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.6%.

As of that date, 10,119 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.2% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Hillside was 78.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 24.0% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors include construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance.

Construction employs 1.5 times the regional level in Hillside. Professional & technical services employ just 5.7% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.6%, labour force by 5.2%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hillside's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.7% 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

The Hillside SA2's median income among taxpayers was $62,589 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $73,055 during the same period. These figures are higher than Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $67,753 and an average income of around $79,082 as of September 2025. According to Census data, household income ranks at the 78th percentile ($2,212 weekly), while personal income sits at the 52nd percentile. The predominant income cohort spans 37.6% (6,061 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 30.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of their income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Hillside, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 88.8% houses and 11.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Hillside was 31.8%, similar to Melbourne metro's rate, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (54.0%) or rented (14.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,920, which is below the Melbourne metro average of $2,000 and also lower than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure for Hillside was recorded at $380, compared to Melbourne metro's $390 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 86.6% of all households, including 52.9% couples with children, 19.7% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 13.4%, comprising 12.4% lone person households and 1.0% group households. The median household size is 3.2 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Hillside aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 23.3%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 33.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (22.1%). Educational participation is high at 32.1%, with 10.3% in primary education, 10.0% in secondary education, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 10.0% in secondary education, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Hillside has 45 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by four distinct routes, together facilitating 1,261 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents usually situated 289 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Hillside inhabitants commute outward, predominantly using cars (92%). Each dwelling averages 2.0 vehicles, surpassing regional norms. In 2021 Census data, 24% of residents worked from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

Daily service frequency across all routes is 180 trips, translating to approximately 28 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Hillside is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Hillside's health outcomes are above average according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions among its general population is low but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 55% (~8930 people) have private health cover, a rate found to be very high. Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 7.6% and 5.9% of residents respectively. A total of 74.7% report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Health outcomes for those under 65 are better than average. Hillside has 11.5% (1847 people) of its population aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 14.9%, but still ranks lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Hillside 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

Hillside's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 30.9% born overseas and 35.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hillside, comprising 66.1%, compared to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (16.0%), Other (15.7%), and English (12.5%), lower than the regional average of 20.1%.

Notably, Maltese (9.0%) is overrepresented in Hillside compared to regionally (1.1%), as are Croatian (2.8% vs 0.7%) and Macedonian (3.6% vs 0.7%).

Hillside's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Hillside's median age is 37, matching Greater Melbourne and closely aligning with Australia's figure of 38 years. The 45-54 age group comprises 16.1%, higher than Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 12.2%. From 2021 to present, the 55-64 age group has risen from 11.5% to 13.7%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 2.5% to 3.6%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort decreased from 14.3% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Hillside's age structure. Notably, the 55-64 group is projected to grow by 57%, adding 1,266 people to reach 3,468 from its current total of 2,201. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort is set to grow modestly by 2%, an increase of 33 people.