Hillside
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Hillside's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, stood at 16,121 by November 2025. This figure indicates a decline of 61 individuals (0.4%) since the 2021 Census, which had reported a population of 16,182 people. The decrease is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,121 in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density of 2,061 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth accounted for approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, they use VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics suggest a significant increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed, with Hillside expected to grow by 4,243 persons by 2041 based on current numbers, representing a 26.3% total increase over the 17-year period.

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 annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25174 homes were approved, with a further six approved in FY26 so far.

The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate development activity relative to other areas, benefiting buyers and offering more affordable housing options with an average construction cost value of $90,000 per dwelling. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hillside has significantly less development activity, 92.0% below the regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This limited new supply also reflects market maturity nationally and possible development constraints. All recent development in Hillside has consisted of detached houses, maintaining its traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space, with around 5648 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, Hillside is expected to grow by 4242 residents.

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Hillside has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that may impact this region. Notable ones include Woodlea Master-Planned Community, Aintree Indoor Sports Facility, Aintree North Recreation Reserve, and Calder Park Drive Interchange. The following list details those likely to be 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 the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 3.3% last year, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Employment grew by an estimated 5.1% annually. As of June 2025, 10,394 residents are employed, with a local unemployment rate of 3.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.6%. Workforce participation in Hillside is higher at 69.9%, against Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors include construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance.

Construction employs 1.5 times more residents than the regional average. However, professional & technical services employ only 5.7% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 5.1%, labour force by 5.8%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% and a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hillside's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Hillside's median income among taxpayers was $58,873 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $69,337 during the same period. This compares to figures for Greater Melbourne of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $66,032 (median) and $77,768 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 79th percentile ($2,212 weekly), while personal income sits at the 52nd percentile. Income brackets indicate that 37.6% of locals (6,061 people) fall within 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 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

Hillside's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 88.8% houses and 11.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 90.9% houses and 9.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillside was higher at 31.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.0% and rented at 14.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,920, above Melbourne metro's average of $1,800. Median weekly rent in Hillside was $380, compared to Melbourne metro's $351. Nationally, Hillside's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 13.4%, with lone person households at 12.4% and group households making up 1.0%. The median household size is 3.2 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 3.0.

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 - advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (22.1%). Educational participation is high at 32.1%, including primary education (10.3%), secondary education (10.0%), and tertiary education (6.0%).

Hillside's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,013 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby due to limited local capacity (6.3 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 16.3). Some families travel for schooling as a result.

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

The analysis of Hillside's public transportation system shows that there are currently 45 active transport stops in operation within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 3 individual routes providing service to the community. The combined weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 2,083.

Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents on average located approximately 289 meters from their nearest transport stop. The service frequency across all routes averages at about 297 trips per day, which translates to roughly 46 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results throughout Hillside, with younger age groups particularly experiencing low prevalence rates of common health conditions. Approximately 54% (~8,769 people) have private health cover, compared to 50.8% across Greater Melbourne.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.6 and 5.9% of residents respectively. 74.7% declare themselves completely free from medical ailments, compared to 73.7% in Greater Melbourne. Hillside has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 11.5% (1,847 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

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 showed high cultural diversity, with 30.9% born overseas and 35.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Hillside, comprising 66.1%, compared to 51.5% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (16.0%), Other (15.7%), and English (12.5%).

Notably, Maltese were overrepresented at 9.0% in Hillside versus 5.1% regionally, Macedonian at 3.6% versus 1.8%, and Croatian at 2.8% versus 1.4%.

Hillside's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Hillside's median age is 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 45-54 age group comprises 16.1%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 12.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 55 to 64 age group has risen from 11.5% to 13.7%, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 2.5% to 3.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 14.3% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Hillside's age structure. Notably, the 55 to 64 group is projected to grow by 57%, adding 1,265 people and reaching a total of 3,468 from its current figure of 2,202. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 2%, increasing by 32 people.