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 16,121, a decrease of 61 people from the 2021 Census figure of 16,182. This decline represents a 0.4% change since the census date. The estimated resident population in June 2024 was 16,121, as per ABS data and address validation. This results in a population density ratio of 2,061 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods 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 forecasted in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed, with Hillside expected to grow by 4,243 persons, reflecting a total increase of 26.3% over the 17 years based on the 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 FY-21 to FY-25174 homes were approved, with an additional 6 approved so far in FY-26.

The population decline over recent years has been accompanied by adequate development activity relative to other areas, benefiting buyers and offering more affordable housing options with new homes averaging $90,000 in construction cost value, below regional norms. 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 supply also reflects market maturity and possible development constraints when compared nationally. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining Hillside's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 5648 people per dwelling approval, Hillside indicates a highly mature market.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Hillside is expected to grow by 4242 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Hillside has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely influencing the region. 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.

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

Hillside's workforce is skilled with notable representation in construction. Its unemployment rate was 3.5% in the past year, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Employment growth was estimated at 4.6% over this period. As of September 2025, 10,119 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, below Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Workforce participation in Hillside was 69.9%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors include construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance.

Construction employs 1.5 times the regional level but professional & technical services employ only 5.7% of local workers, lower than Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment increased by 4.6% over the year to September 2025 while labour force grew by 5.2%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from November 25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts suggest total employment will grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hillside's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 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

The Hillside SA2's income level is higher than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. The median income among taxpayers in Hillside SA2 is $58,873 and the average income stands at $69,337. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Hillside SA2 would be approximately $66,032 (median) and $77,768 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 78th 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, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 30.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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 per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 88.8% houses and 11.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 90.9% houses and 9.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillside was at 31.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.0% and rented ones at 14.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,920, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,800. The median weekly rent figure in Hillside was recorded at $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 at 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, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (22.1%). Educational participation is high, with 32.1% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.3% in primary, 10.0% in secondary, and 6.0% in 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 moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows 45 active stops operating in Hillside, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by three distinct routes, collectively facilitating 2,083 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically situated 289 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 297 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 across Hillside, with younger cohorts particularly experiencing a low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 54% (~8,769 people) have private health cover, higher than the 50.8% average in Greater Melbourne.

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

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 shows significant cultural diversity, with 30.9% born overseas and 35.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hillside, accounting for 66.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 51.5%. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (16.0%), Other (15.7%), and English (12.5%).

Notably, Maltese representation is higher at 9.0% than the regional average of 5.1%, Croatian is 2.8% compared to 1.4%, and Macedonian is 3.6% versus 1.8%.

Hillside's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Hillside's median age is 37, matching Greater Melbourne and closely resembling Australia's 38 years. The 45-54 age group comprises 16.1%, higher than Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 12.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 55 to 64 age group grew 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 shifts in Hillside's age structure. The 55 to 64 group is set to grow by 57%, adding 1,265 people and reaching 3,468 from the current 2,202. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort will grow by a modest 2%, increasing by 32 people.