Hillarys

An assessment of population growth drivers in Hillarys reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

AreaSearch indicates that the population of Hillarys stands at approximately 12,146 as of May 2026. Compared to the 11,200 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census, this represents a growth of 946 residents (8.4%). This shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 12,127 alongside 52 validated new addresses registered after the Census. Consequently, the local density reaches 1,937 persons per square kilometer, outstripping the typical density across national locations analyzed by AreaSearch. The post-census expansion of 8.4% trails the countrywide benchmark (9.3%) by only 0.9 percentage points, highlighting solid growth characteristics. The main driver of this expansion was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 86.3% of the total population increase in recent times.

For each SA2 region, AreaSearch incorporates projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia that were published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. Where these figures are unavailable, and to calculate expansion after 2032, AreaSearch utilizes cohort-specific growth rates from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Future projections suggest that population growth will rank slightly under the national median, with the locality projected to add 798 residents by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP data, which translates to a 6.4% total increase over the 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Hillarys recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

In Hillarys, building approvals have averaged 27 new dwellings annually, with 139 residential units authorized over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 27 approved during FY-26 so far. With an influx of 4 new residents per completed dwelling over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, demand outpaces local supply, a scenario that typically spurs price appreciation and heightens competition among buyers, while new builds average a construction cost of $326,000. Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $23.0 million have been documented this financial year, indicating a moderate level of business-related construction.

Hillarys records roughly three-quarters the volume of new dwelling approvals per capita compared to Greater Perth, placing it in the 24th percentile of all analyzed locations nationally, which restricts options for prospective buyers and bolsters demand for existing residences. This rate of construction is also lower than the national average, reflecting a mature market that may face development bottlenecks. The composition of new residential builds stands at 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving a suburban character that appeals to buyers seeking spacious family homes. Representing approximately 775 people for every approved dwelling, Hillarys presents as a mature, settled community.

Projections indicate that Hillarys will gain 779 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. Current levels of construction appear to align well with future demand, promoting balanced market conditions and minimizing the risk of rapid price inflation.

Hillarys has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 12thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major works, and planning updates are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects expected to influence the local area. Principal developments include The Harbour Hillarys, the Hillarys Cycle Network Expansion, the Westfield Whitford City Expansion, and the Hillarys Boat Harbour Activation Master Plan, with specific details of relevant projects listed below.

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Hillarys performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

The local workforce is highly educated, featuring a strong presence of professionals, a low unemployment rate of 1.6%, and estimated annual job growth of 3.8%. A total of 7,056 residents were employed as of March 2026, while the local unemployment rate sits 2.6% below the 4.2% rate of Greater Perth, and participation matches the metropolitan average of 70.2%. Census data reveals that a moderate 14.6% of working residents operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The local concentration in education & training is notable, tracking at 1.3 times the wider regional benchmark. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing represents a small share of the workforce at 2.6% compared to 4.7% regionally. Although there are local jobs available, the ratio of Census workers to the resident population suggests a high proportion of people travel outside the area to work.

Analysis of SALM and ABS data by AreaSearch shows that during the 12 months ending March 2026, both employment and the labor force expanded by 3.8%, leaving the unemployment rate virtually unchanged. Over the same period, Greater Perth saw employment grow by 2.0% and the labor force expand by 2.5%, corresponding to a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Long-term employment forecasts released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia help illustrate prospective demand trends for Hillarys. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local industry mix to model growth trajectories. Globally, national employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sectors vary. Applying these industry projections to the local employment distribution suggests Hillarys could see employment rise by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, noting this is a basic weighted extrapolation that does not integrate local population dynamics.

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

Based on the most recent postcode ATO statistics released for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the Hillarys SA2 recorded a median income of $65,383 and an average income of $86,697. These levels are among the highest nationwide, compared to a median of $60,748 and an average of $80,248 in Greater Perth. Incorporating Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current projections estimate these figures at roughly $72,529 for the median and $96,173 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census confirms high household, family, and individual incomes, placing the area between the 77th and 90th percentiles nationally. The largest income group contains 27.8% of local residents (3,376 individuals) who earn in the $4000+ bracket, contrasting with the broader metropolitan area where the largest cohort of 32.0% earns in the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Financial strength is evident, with 41.5% of households earning more than $3,000 per week, which encourages strong consumer spending. Residents retain 88.1% of their earnings after housing expenses, indicating high discretionary spending power, and the area ranks in the 9th decile for the SEIFA income index.

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

At the time of the last Census, the housing stock in Hillarys consisted of 89.6% separate houses and 10.5% alternative dwellings like semi-detached homes and apartments, compared to 77.8% separate houses and 22.1% alternative dwellings across metropolitan Perth. Home ownership was significantly higher than the metropolitan benchmark, with 45.4% of residents owning outright, while the remaining homes were mortgaged (41.0%) or rented (13.5%). The median mortgage payment in the area was registered at $2,400 monthly, which is considerably higher than the Perth average of $1,907, and the median weekly rent stood at $490 compared to the metropolitan median of $350. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Hillarys exceed the Australian median of $1,863, and rent prices are notably higher than the countrywide average of $375.

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

Family units make up 83.3% of all households, consisting of 40.9% couples with children, 32.9% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 16.7% of the total, with single person households accounting for 15.3% and group housing representing 1.5%. The average household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Hillarys shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The educational profile of the area is distinct, with university graduation rates at 35.1% of residents aged 15 and over, exceeding the WA average of 27.9% and the SA4 regional average of 29.0%. Within this group, bachelor degrees are held by 24.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 6.9% and graduate diplomas at 3.8%. Technical and trade qualifications are also common, with 32.4% of the population aged 15 and over holding vocational certificates, split between advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 19.8%.

Enrolment rates are high in the community, with 29.3% of residents actively participating in formal study. This student cohort includes 9.6% in primary schools, 9.5% in secondary education, and 6.0% in higher education institutions.

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

Public transport services in Hillarys include 54 active bus stops. These stops are served by 6 distinct routes, which accommodate 1,597 weekly passenger journeys. Transport links are accessible, with residents living an average of 239 meters from their nearest stop. Because of the residential nature of the suburb, most workers travel out of the area, with private vehicles remaining the primary commute mode at 82%, followed by train travel at 13%. Dwelling vehicle ownership averages 1.9 cars, exceeding the regional benchmark. Additionally, 14.6% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic conditions.

Service frequency averages 228 daily trips across the transit network, translating to roughly 29 weekly trips for each stop.

Hillarys's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health data reveals strong outcomes in Hillarys, based on AreaSearch analysis of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates, showing a low incidence of common health issues across all demographics. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 63% of the population (7,688 residents) having cover, compared to 59.0% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 7.3% and 6.2% of residents respectively, while 72.9% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. The working-age population is healthy, with a low rate of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and older make up 23.0% of the population (2,792 people), compared to 16.1% in Greater Perth, and seniors in the area show health outcomes that align with the positive trends seen in the wider local population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Hillarys was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Hillarys shows higher cultural diversity than most benchmarked locations, with 10.7% of the population speaking a non-English language at home and 35.4% born overseas. The primary religious affiliation is Christianity, representing 56.0% of the population, compared to 45.0% across the Greater Perth area.

The top three ancestral origins reported are English at 31.8%, Australian at 22.6%, and Irish at 8.1%. Several backgrounds show higher local representation compared to the wider region, including South Australian at 1.8% of the population (compared to 1.0% regionally), Welsh at 1.0% (compared to 0.7%), and Polish at 1.1% (compared to 0.7%).

Hillarys hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age of 44 in Hillarys is higher than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age bracket is well represented at 12.7% compared to Greater Perth, while the 25 - 34 cohort is smaller at 7.3%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has increased from 4.9% to 8.3%, and the 15 to 24 group rose from 12.7% to 14.1%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 bracket fell from 15.8% to 13.6%, and the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 13.6% to 12.6%. Projections indicate that by 2041, the age structure will change significantly. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 66% (666 residents), rising from 1,011 to 1,678. Residents aged 65 and over represent 89% of the projected population growth, while the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age brackets are expected to decrease in size.