Hillarys
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Hillarys' population, as of November 2025, is approximately 11,923. This figure represents an increase of 723 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,200. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 11,918 in June 2024 and the addition of 48 validated new addresses post-census. This results in a population density of 1,901 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hillarys' growth rate of 6.5% since the census is within 2.4 percentage points of the SA3 area's rate of 8.9%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate post-2032 growth, AreaSearch employs growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends suggest a median national area increase, with Hillarys expected to grow by 804 persons to 2041, recording a total gain of 6.7% over the 17-year period.

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

Hillarys averaged approximately 27 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with a total of 139 homes approved during this period and an additional 12 approved in FY-26. On average, each dwelling constructed has resulted in around 3.7 new residents per year over these five years. This demand significantly exceeds the supply of new dwellings, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The construction value of new properties averages $326,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $23.0 million, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Perth, Hillarys has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 26th percentile nationally for areas assessed, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This activity reflects market maturity and potential development constraints.

New building activity comprises 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Hillarys' suburban identity with a focus on family homes suited to space-seeking buyers. With around 762 people per approval, Hillarys indicates a mature, established area. Projections suggest Hillarys will grow by approximately 799 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Hillarys Cycle Network Expansion, Hillarys Boat Harbour Activation Master Plan, Martinique Mews Hillarys, and Sorrento Coastal Path Extension. 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.

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

Hillarys has a well-educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 1.4% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.1%. As of June 2025, 6,983 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 2.4 percentage points below Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Education & training had particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Transport, postal & warehousing had limited presence with 2.6% employment compared to 4.7% regionally. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census working population count to local population ratio. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 4.1% while labour force increased by 4.0%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 3.7% and labour force growth of 3.8%, with a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Hillarys. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with significant variation between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Hillarys' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Hillarys had a median income of $62,871 and an average income of $84,058 among taxpayers. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Perth's median of $58,380 and average of $78,020. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $71,799 (median) and $95,994 (average), based on a 14.2% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census figures, Hillarys ranks highly nationally for household, family, and personal incomes, between the 77th and 90th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 27.8% of locals (3,314 people) fall into the $4000+ category, unlike surrounding regions where 32.0% are in the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Economic strength is evident with 41.5% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. Hillarys' 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

In Hillarys, as assessed in the latest Census, 89.6% of dwellings were houses while 10.5% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Perth metro had 88.7% houses and 11.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hillarys stood at 45.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.0% and rented ones at 13.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,400, higher than Perth metro's average of $2,080. Weekly rent median in Hillarys was $490, compared to Perth metro's $400. Nationally, Hillarys' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,400 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 83.3% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.7.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 35.1% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Western Australia average of 27.9%. This rate also surpasses that of the SA4 region at 29.0%, indicating a strong emphasis on higher education in the community. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 24.4% of residents holding them, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%).

Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 32.4% of residents aged 15+ possessing them. This includes advanced diplomas held by 12.6% of residents and certificates by 19.8%. Educational participation is high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (9.6%), secondary education (9.5%), and tertiary education (6.0%). The area has two schools serving a total of 2,376 students: Hillarys Primary School and St Mark's Anglican Community School. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages with an ICSEA score of 1100, reflecting high academic achievement. The educational mix includes one primary school and one K-12 school.

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

Public transport analysis shows 53 active transport stops operating within Hillarys. These are served by a mix of buses, with 6 individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes offer 1,593 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 239 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 227 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 30 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hillarys's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Hillarys with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (7,439 people), compared to 59.3% across Greater Perth and the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.3 and 6.2% of residents respectively.

72.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.5% across Greater Perth. Hillarys has 22.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,692 people), which is higher than the 20.1% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Hillarys 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

Hillarys has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 10.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 35.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hillarys, comprising 56.0%, compared to 49.6% across Greater Perth. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.8%), Australian (22.6%), and Irish (8.1%).

Notably, South African (1.8%) and Polish (1.1%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Hillarys compared to regional averages of 1.8% and 0.9%, respectively.

Hillarys hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Hillarys has a median age of 44, which exceeds Greater Perth's figure of 37 and is substantially higher than the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group is strongly represented at 12.9%, compared to Greater Perth, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.4%. Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.9% to 8.0% of Hillarys' population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 15.8% to 13.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Hillarys' age profile will significantly evolve. Leading this shift, the 75-84 group is projected to grow by 81%, reaching 1,728 people from 955. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 93% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.