Hillside (Vic.)

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Based on an evaluation of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new address files validated by Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Hillside (Melton - Vic.) is estimated to be approximately 17,335 as of May 2026. This represents a minor rise of 4 people (0.0%) since the 2021 Census, when the population was recorded at 17,331 individuals. The shift is calculated from the resident population of 17,315, which Districts estimated after analyzing the June 2025 ERP data release from the ABS and identifying 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 2,114 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical average for national locations assessed by Districts. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in the area, accounting for roughly 52.0% of total population gains during recent times.

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Hillside has a skilled workforce, with the construction sector showing particularly strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 3.5%, and an estimated 2.0% increase in employment over the past year, according to Districts data aggregated from statistical areas. As of March 2026, 10,721 residents are employed, which is an unemployment rate 1.3% lower than the Greater Melbourne rate of 4.8%, while workforce participation is significantly higher than average at 76.7% compared to 70.2% in Greater Melbourne. According to Census responses, a moderate 23.5% of residents worked from home, though the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

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According to the aggregation of the most recent postcode-level ATO data released by Districts for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of Hillside recorded a median income of $58,079 and an average income of $68,402. These figures align with national averages and compare to median and average levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the 2023 financial year, current figures would be roughly $63,666 for the median and $74,982 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census shows that household income is in the 77th percentile ($2,190 weekly), whereas personal income is in the 50th percentile. In terms of income distribution, the largest cohort accounts for 37.4% of residents (6,483 people) who earn between and which is consistent with the broader regional trend where fall into the same bracket. After accounting for housing costs, residents keep of their income, indicating strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income index places it in the th decile.

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At the time of the latest Census, the housing composition in Hillside consisted of 88.1% separate houses and 11.8% other housing types (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to the Melbourne metropolitan breakdown of 67.9% separate houses and 32.1% other housing types. Home ownership in Hillside matched the Melbourne metropolitan average of 31.6%, while the remaining properties were either mortgaged (53.4%) or rented (14.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,900 was below the Melbourne metro average of $2,000, and the median weekly rent of $380 was lower than the Melbourne metro figure of $390. On a national level, mortgage payments in Hillside are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceed the national average of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of households at 86.0%, consisting of couples with children at 52.2%, couples without children at 19.6%, and one-parent families at 13.1%. Non-family households account for the remaining 14.0%, with single-person households representing 12.9% and group households comprising 1.1% of the total. The median household size of 3.2 individuals is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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Educational attainment in the area is lower than average, with university graduation rates at 23.2%, which is significantly below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This presents both a difficulty and an opening for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 16.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational and technical training is highly represented, with 33.1% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 22.2%.

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An analysis of public transport reveals that there are 51 active transit stops operating within Hillside, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 5 distinct routes, which together accommodate 1,623 passenger trips per week. Transport access is classified as good, with residents living an average of 276 meters from the nearest stop. Because it is a residential suburb, the majority of working residents travel outside the area, and cars remain the primary mode of travel at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per household, which is higher than the regional average. A total of 23.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 rules).

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Health statistics show positive trends for Hillside residents, with Districts' analysis of mortality rates and health conditions indicating results that align closely with national averages. The prevalence of common medical issues is low in the general population, although it is higher than the national average among older, vulnerable groups, while private health insurance coverage is slightly ahead of the average SA2 region at approximately 54% of the total population (~9,338 people). This compares to a rate of 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

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Hillside displays higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 31.2% of the population born outside Australia and 36.2% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 65.9% of residents in Hillside. This compares to a rate of 43.0% across Greater Melbourne.

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Hillside has a median age of 37, matching the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and close to the national figure of 38 years. The 55 - 64 age group is highly represented at 14.0% compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25 - 34 bracket is less common at 12.5%. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 55 to 64 has increased from 11.6% to 14.0% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 2.6% to 3.9%. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort has dropped from 14.2% to 11.3%, and the 45 to group has decreased from to . Looking forward to demographic forecasts project major changes in Hillside's age distribution. Led by this shift, the cohort aged to will increase by ( people), growing from to .

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Hillside currently has an estimated 884 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 532 children aged 0-2 and 355 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 4% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 10% by 2041 (to approximately 974 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,560. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.6 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.