The Hills Shire, located in Sydney’s north-western suburbs approximately 30 kms from the central business district, has experienced significant demographic shifts over recent years. These changes are evident in population growth, cultural diversity, age distribution, and economic factors.
Population Growth
As of 2023, The Hills Shire’s estimated resident population stands at 207,959, reflecting a notable increase from 192,660 in 2021. This growth trajectory underscores the area’s appeal as a residential destination.
Cultural Diversity
The Shire’s cultural landscape has diversified considerably. In 2021, 57.5% of residents were Australian-born, while significant proportions hailed from India (6.6%) and China (6.4%). This marks a shift from 2016, when 61.7% were Australian-born, with 5.1% from China and 3.6% from India. Additionally, three in five residents have at least one parent born overseas, highlighting the area’s growing multiculturalism.
Age Distribution
The median age in The Hills Shire remained at 38 years in 2021, consistent with 2016 figures. Notably, 20% of the population was aged 60 years or older, indicating an aging demographic.
Religious Affiliation
Religious affiliations have also evolved. In 2021, 25.3% of residents identified as Catholic, a decrease from 28.9% in 2016. Conversely, the proportion of individuals reporting no religious affiliation increased from 21.2% in 2016 to 25.4% in 2021.
According to the 2021 Census, The Hills Shire’s religious affiliations are as follows:
- Christianity: Approximately 53.4% of residents identified with Christianity.
- No Religion: Around 27.0% of the population reported having no religious affiliation.
- Hinduism: About 7.9% of residents identified as Hindu.
- Catholicism: Specifically, 25.3% of the population identified as Catholic, which is higher than the national average of 20.0%.
These figures reflect the diverse religious composition of The Hills Shire community.
Economically, The Hills Shire has demonstrated robust growth. The Gross Regional Product (GRP) reached $14.84 billion in the year ending June 2023, a 6.0% increase from the previous year. The area contributes 7.8% to Greater Western Sydney’s GRP and 1.8% to New South Wales’ Gross State Product.
These demographic transformations reflect The Hills Shire’s dynamic evolution, characterised by population growth, increased cultural diversity, an aging population, shifting religious affiliations, and economic prosperity.
