Hillarys

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Hillarys's population is around 11,971 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 771 people (6.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,200 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,918 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 48 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,909 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 overseas migration, which contributed approximately 82.4% 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, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 804 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 6.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Hillarys has averaged around 27 new dwelling approvals per year, with 139 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 17 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 3.7 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $326,000. Additionally, $23.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against Greater Perth, Hillarys has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 25th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New building activity shows 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. At around 762 people per approval, Hillarys shows a mature, established area.

Looking ahead, Hillarys is expected to grow by 751 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Hillarys has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 11thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 16 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Hillarys Cycle Network Expansion, The Harbour Hillarys, the Hillarys Boat Harbour Activation Master Plan, and the Harbour Rise Masterplanned Community (final stages), 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 analysis of employment trends sees Hillarys performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Hillarys possesses a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 1.5%, and 4.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,012 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.6% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Perth's 71.9%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Meanwhile, transport, postal & warehousing has a limited presence with 2.6% employment compared to 4.7% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 4.3% while the labour force increased by 4.2%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.3% and labour force growth of 2.6%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Hillarys. 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 Hillarys's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% 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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Hillarys SA2's median income among taxpayers is $65,383, with an average of $86,697. This is among the highest in Australia, and compares to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $71,673 (median) and $95,037 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Hillarys, between the 77th and 90th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 27.8% of locals (3,327 people) in the $4000+ category, unlike trends in the surrounding region where 32.0% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Economic strength emerges through 41.5% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Hillarys, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.6% houses and 10.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Hillarys was well beyond that of Perth metro, at 45.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.0%) or rented (13.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Perth metro average at $2,400, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $490, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Hillarys's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 83.3% of all households, comprising 40.9% couples with children, 32.9% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 16.7%, with lone person households at 15.3% and group households comprising 1.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people 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 area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (35.1% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the WA average of 27.9% and that of the SA4 region (29.0%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 32.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (19.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 9.5% 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

Public transport analysis reveals 54 active transport stops operating within Hillarys, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 1,597 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 239 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 82%, with 13% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 14.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 228 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Hillarys, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (7,577 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth, while the national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.3% and 6.2% of residents, respectively, while 72.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 23.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,827 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 10.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 35.4% born overseas. The main religion in Hillarys is Christianity, which makes up 56.0% of the population. This compares to 45.0% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Hillarys are English, comprising 31.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 22.6% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: South Australian is notably overrepresented at 1.8% of Hillarys (vs 1.0% regionally), Welsh at 1.0% (vs 0.7%) and Polish at 1.1% (vs 0.7%).

Hillarys hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

With a median age of 44, Hillarys notably exceeds the Greater Perth figure of 37 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 12.9% compared to Greater Perth, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.2%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.9% to 8.7% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.8% to 13.8% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 13.6% to 12.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Hillarys's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 65% (681 people), reaching 1,728 from 1,046. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 90% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.