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 May 2026, is approximately 16,189 people. This figure represents a slight increase from the 2021 Census count of 16,182 individuals. The change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population data for June 2025 (16,173) and four validated new addresses added since the Census date. Hillside's population density is around 2,070 persons per square kilometer, higher than many other areas assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed significantly to this growth, accounting for approximately 51.5% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by these projections, AreaSearch employs Victoria's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to reach SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas until 2041. By this year, Hillside is projected to increase its population by 4,361 individuals, reflecting a total growth of 26.8% over the 16-year period 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 approved approximately 34 residential properties annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 174 homes were approved, with an additional 20 approved in FY26 as of now.

The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate development activity relative to other areas, benefiting buyers due to more affordable housing options, with new homes averaging $90,000 in construction cost value. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hillside has significantly less development activity, being 92.0% below the regional average per person. This limited supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Nationally, Hillside's development activity is also lower, indicating a mature market with potential development constraints. All recent developments have been detached houses, maintaining Hillside's traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

With approximately 5648 people per dwelling approval, Hillside reflects a highly mature market. By 2041, Hillside is projected to grow by 4345 residents according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that could impact 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 likely most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Hillside exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Hillside's workforce is skilled with notable representation in construction. Its unemployment rate was 3.6% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.7%.

As of that date, 10,103 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation in Hillside was 77.5%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 24.0% of residents worked from home as of December 2025. Dominant employment sectors included construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance.

Construction employment share was 1.5 times the regional level. Professional & technical services employed just 5.7% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 3.7%, labour force by 4.2%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hillside's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

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

The Hillside SA2 had a higher income level than the national average according to AreaSearch data from the ATO for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $62,589 and the average income stood at $73,055. This compares to figures for Greater Melbourne of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $68,610 (median) and $80,083 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows 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 (6,087 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to Greater Melbourne where this cohort represents 32.8%. A substantial presence of higher earners is noted, with 30.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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

Dwelling structure in Hillside, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.8% houses and 11.1% other dwellings. In Melbourne metro, this was 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillside was 31.8%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. Dwellings were either mortgaged (54.0%) or rented (14.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hillside was $1,920, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent was $380 compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Hillside's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure 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% that are couples with children, 19.7% that are couples without children, and 12.9% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 13.4%, with lone person households at 12.4% and group households comprising 1.0%. 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 has university qualification rates at 23.3%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 33.0% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 22.1%. Educational participation is high, with 32.1% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.3% in primary, 10.0% in secondary, and 6.0% in tertiary education.

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

Hillside has 45 active public transport stops, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by four different routes, collectively facilitating 1,261 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically situated 289 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Hillside residents commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode at 92%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 2.0, surpassing regional averages. According to the 2021 Census, 24% of residents work from home, potentially reflecting COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency across all routes averages 180 trips daily, equating to roughly 28 weekly trips per individual 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 shows superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 55% (~8,968 people) of Hillside's population has private health cover, a rate significantly higher than the national average. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.6% and 5.9% of residents respectively. A total of 74.7% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes for the under-65 population are better than average. Hillside has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 12.3% (1,988 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. However, this percentage is still higher than the national average when considering only 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 showed high diversity with 30.9% born overseas and 35.8% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 66.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 43.0%. Top ancestry groups were Australian (16.0%), Other (15.7%), and English (12.5%), lower than regional averages of 20.1% for English.

Notably higher representations in Hillside included Maltese at 9.0% (regional: 1.1%), Croatian at 2.8% (regional: 0.7%), and Macedonian at 3.6% (regional: 0.7%).

Hillside's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Hillside has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne and closely aligning with Australia's median age of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 14.0% of Hillside's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's figure. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up 12.4%, lower than Greater Melbourne's percentage. Between 2021 and present, the 55-64 age group has risen from 11.5% to 14.0%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 2.5% to 3.9%. During this period, the 5-14 cohort declined from 14.3% to 11.3%, and the 45-54 group decreased from 16.9% to 15.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Hillside's age structure. Notably, the 55-64 age group is expected to grow by 53%, adding 1,204 people and reaching a total of 3,477 from its current figure of 2,272.