Hillside

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Hillside's population is around 16,120 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 62 people (0.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,182 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,120 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,061 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 4,243 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 26.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Hillside has recorded around 34 residential properties granted approval each year, with 174 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 7 so far in FY-26. With the population declining over recent years, new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $90,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Hillside records markedly lower building activity (92.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's suburban nature, with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 5648 people per dwelling approval, Hillside reflects a highly mature market.

Looking ahead, Hillside is expected to grow by 4,243 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 17 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Woodlea Master-Planned Community, Calder Park Drive Interchange, Aintree Indoor Sports Facility, and Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Hillside ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Hillside features a skilled workforce, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.6%, and 3.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 10,103 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.2% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 24.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 5.7% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 3.7% alongside the labour force increasing by 4.2%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. This compares to Greater Melbourne, where employment grew by 2.4%, the labour force expanded by 2.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Hillside. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Hillside's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Hillside SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $62,589 and an average of $73,055 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is higher than average nationally, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $67,753 (median) and $79,082 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household income ranks at the 78th percentile ($2,212 weekly), while personal income sits at the 52nd percentile. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 37.6% of locals (6,061 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. A significant 30.2% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. 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

Dwelling structure within Hillside, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.8% houses and 11.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Hillside was in line with that of Melbourne metro, at 31.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (54.0%) or rented (14.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Melbourne metro average at $1,920, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Hillside's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 86.6% of all households, comprising 52.9% couples with children, 19.7% couples without children, and 12.9% 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% of the total. The median household size of 3.2 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (23.3%) substantially below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 33.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (22.1%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 45 active transport stops operating within Hillside, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 1,261 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 289 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 24.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 180 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high, at approximately 55% of the total population (~8,930 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.6% and 5.9% of residents, respectively, while 74.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 12.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,948 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne, though ranking lower nationally than 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 was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 30.9% of its population born overseas and 35.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Hillside is Christianity, which makes up 66.1% of people in Hillside, compared to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Hillside are Australian, comprising 16.0% of the population, Other, comprising 15.7% of the population, and English, comprising 12.5% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 20.1%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 9.0% of the population in Hillside (vs 1.1% regionally), Croatian at 2.8% (vs 0.7%) and Macedonian at 3.6% (vs 0.7%).

Hillside's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 37, Hillside is equal to the Greater Melbourne figure of 37 and remains comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 45 - 54 age group shows strong representation at 15.9% compared to Greater Melbourne, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 12.1%. In the period since 2021, the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 11.5% to 14.1% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 2.5% to 3.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.3% to 11.3% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 16.9% to 15.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Hillside's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 55 to 64 group will grow by 53% (1,195 people), reaching 3,468 from 2,272.