Area profile · Rest of NSW
Hill Top - Colo Vale has an estimated 6,638 residents, up 3.8% since the 2021 Census, with 158 projects tracked in the area around Hill Top - Colo Vale.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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The Hill Top - Colo Vale Statistical Area (Lv2) is located 86 kilometres southwest from Sydney CBD. AreaSearch estimates its population at approximately 6,638 as of Aug 2026, following an estimated rise of 245 people (3.8%) since the 2021 Census count of 6,393 people. This change draws on the ABS estimated resident population of 6,602 as of June 2025 and 263 validated new addresses since the Census date. The area shows moderate population expansion, and its residents are somewhat younger than the typical Australian area, with a median age of 37.
The area's profile includes strong mortgage holder representation, a leading share of detached housing, a notable construction employment base, above-average household size, an elevated proportion of children aged 0 to 4, and pronounced manufacturing employment. Hill Top and Colo Vale, in NSW, Australia, are set amid the Southern Highlands' natural scenery of greenery, rolling hills and expansive national parks.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
The Hill Top - Colo Vale Statistical Area (Lv2) is located 86 kilometres southwest from Sydney CBD. AreaSearch estimates its population at approximately 6,638 as of Aug 2026, following an estimated rise of 245 people (3.8%) since the 2021 Census count of 6,393 people. This change draws on the ABS estimated resident population of 6,602 as of June 2025 and 263 validated new addresses since the Census date. The area shows moderate population expansion, and its residents are somewhat younger than the typical Australian area, with a median age of 37.
The area's profile includes strong mortgage holder representation, a leading share of detached housing, a notable construction employment base, above-average household size, an elevated proportion of children aged 0 to 4, and pronounced manufacturing employment. Hill Top and Colo Vale, in NSW, Australia, are set amid the Southern Highlands' natural scenery of greenery, rolling hills and expansive national parks.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 5,404 in 2001 and 6,602 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 6,638 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 35 to 44, 14.9%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 38%.
Hill Top - Colo Vale ranks in the 89th percentile nationally for employment drivers and the 71st for population growth.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Hill Top - Colo Vale is $682 a week, up 5.2% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 18% above Regional NSW. The gross rental yield across all dwellings is 3.8%.
18% above Regional NSW on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $505 in 2017, $728 in 2026; Units (dashed orange line): $322 in 2017, $473 in 2026. The latest is to Jun 2026.
Some rents are estimated from nearby areas.
Yield is indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools.
| Address | Sale price | Settled | Address type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 Old Hume Highway, Yerrinbool NSW 2575 | $712,500 | 29 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 9 Ash Street, Colo Vale NSW 2575 | $1,300,000 | 23 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 38 Ella Street Hill Top NSW 2575 | $1,100,000 | 22 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 15 Wyong Street Hill Top NSW 2575 | $850,000 | 1 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 8 Parklands Glade Balmoral Village NSW 2571 | $1,200,000 | 30 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 18 Old Hume Highway, Yerrinbool NSW 2575 | $611,000 | 30 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 34 Jasmine Street, Colo Vale NSW 2575 | $440,000 | 30 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 101 Wattle Ridge Road Hill Top NSW 2575 | $1,700,000 | 18 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 79 Sunrise Road, Yerrinbool NSW 2575 | $850,000 | 18 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 18 Everest Street, Yerrinbool NSW 2575 | $530,000 | 17 Sep 2026 | Street address |
The 10 most recent of the 47 residential sales recorded since 8 Apr 2026 (the latest settled 29 Oct 2026), newest first. The median of these 47, houses and units together, was $960,000 (a different set from the medians above). Source: NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch, to October 2026. Commercial, vacant land and nominal sales are left out. Unit means the address has a unit number; a street address has none.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $682 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +5.2% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, all dwellings | 3.8% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median house price | $925k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date | |
| Median price, latest residential sales | $960,000 | Median of the 47 most recent residential sales, settled 8 Apr 2026 to 29 Oct 2026, NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent, houses | $728 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +9.8% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, houses | 4.1% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median rent, Southern Highlands | $730 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Southern Highlands, over 12 months | +8.7% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Regional NSW | $580 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Regional NSW, over 12 months | +6.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, NSW | $715 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, NSW, over 12 months | +5.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 70 tracked applications: 18 approved, 21 under assessment, 31 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
Add retailers, health, schools and development applications around Hill Top - Colo Vale, then export the list.
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AreaSearch tracks 158 projects in and around Hill Top - Colo Vale, 46 of them under construction.
The $8.66 million Mittagong Playhouse Restoration and Refurbishment project is restoring the heritage-listed Mittagong Memorial Hall, including the historic School of Arts and former council administration buildings, to provide a modern, accessible performing arts and community venue.
New purpose-built NSW Ambulance station on Great Southern Road, Bargo, delivered under the NSW Government's $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program.
Underground longwall extension of the Tahmoor Colliery into the Bargo area, approved by the Independent Planning Commission in April 2021 (SSD-8445) and modified through to May 2025. The project was approved to extract up to 33 Mt of ROM coking coal from the Bulli seam via longwall mining, extending mine life to approximately 2032.
A draft planning proposal for 24 Wallaroo Road, Buxton, covering Lots 18-26, Section 6, DP 2444. The proposal sought to amend Wollondilly Local Environmental Plan 2011 by changing the existing large lot residential zoning and reducing the minimum lot size to permit a dwelling on each of the nine lots.
Retirement lifestyle resort of 135 independent living units across a 17 hectare site fronting Centennial Road, Bowral. The former Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School buildings have been refurbished into resort facilities including a restaurant, cafe, pool, gym, cinema, library, chapel and 24/7 concierge.
NSW Government High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) Partner School upgrade at Bowral High School, funded under a $50 million state program across 13 schools.
A luxury retirement living community on a 17ha historic site, featuring 135 independent living units, refurbished heritage buildings, and extensive resort-style amenities including a restaurant, cafe, lounge bar, pool, gym, cinema, wellness centres, and more.
Construction of an earthen embankment dam wall to form a stormwater detention basin across Mittagong Creek, designed to mitigate local flooding issues in Bowral by storing approximately 320 million litres of stormwater during high rainfall events.
Construction of a new multi-purpose sports hall with stage, indoor courts and external courts, plus a playground and external hard courts, at Wollondilly Anglican College in Tahmoor. Designed by Stanton Dahl Architects and built by Reitsma Constructions for the Anglican Schools Corporation.
Wingecarribee Shire Council is progressing the detailed design of a duplicate trunk water main between the Wingecarribee Water Treatment Plant at Bowral and the Hill Road Reservoir at Moss Vale. The project will improve water supply security, network resilience and capacity for future population growth.
The $55 million Bowral and District Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2 refurbishes existing campus infrastructure to consolidate modern outpatient, allied health, and clinical support facilities.
Council-developed inclusive adventure playground named Murraural Playspace. Community facility designed for all abilities providing recreational opportunities for families and children in Corbett Gardens.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
AreaSearch has tracked 70 substantial development applications lodged in and around Hill Top - Colo Vale over the past 5 years, 60 in the last 12 months; 21 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 2, 2022 3, 2023 1, 2024 2, 2025 2, 2026 (to Nov) 60.
Key application 17B Wilson Drive, Colo Vale Retail | $672k | 1 dwelling | 2 storeys Under Assessment
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 70 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 60 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 3.2 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 43rd percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 21 | ABS building approvals | 33rd percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 18 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 21 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 include: Tahmoor South Coal Project (Approved) and Maldon to Dombarton Freight Rail Line (Proposed). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Key infrastructure sectors impacting the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 include Energy and Transport & Logistics.
While specific investment values are not publicly disclosed for all projects impacting the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2, the area shows active development across multiple infrastructure categories within 15km.
Infrastructure development activity impacting the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 currently ranks below national averages at the 39th percentile.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity is lower than average in Hill Top - Colo Vale compared with local real estate markets nationally.
Dwelling approval activity in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 area has seen 39 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2's current population of 6,638 has been supported by 21 approvals on average over recent years.
The Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 has seen 3.2 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 5.7 approvals in Regional NSW. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 442 people in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2, compared to one for every 183 in Regional NSW.
The long-run outlook for development is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2's approval levels have been below the yearly average of 21, indicating a recent decline in approval activity.
Over the past five years, the population in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 has grown by approximately 230 people, while 103 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 2.2 people added for each new dwelling approval. This indicates solid population growth supported by housing development activity.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Population growth drivers in Hill Top - Colo Vale are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,638 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +3.8% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 30th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 38 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 22nd percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +0.7% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +0.8% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 6,393 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 245 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +0.7% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +0.7% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 174.38 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 was estimated to be approximately 6,638 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 6,602 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The hill top - colo vale sa2 has added approximately 245 people and shown a 3.83% increase from the 6,393 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 is estimated at 38 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.8% per annum.
Population growth in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 is driven by: Natural increase (81.7%), Overseas migration (18.3%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Natural increase, contributing 81.7% of overall population gains.
Hill Top - Colo Vale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 36 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 33rd percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 15.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 19.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 25.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 52.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 37 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 6.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 13.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 12.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 12.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 14.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 12.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 12.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 8.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 5.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 1.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 at 36 years as at August 2026. That is down from the 2021 Census figure of 37 years, with AreaSearch updating the age profile for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 36 years as at August 2026, Hill Top - Colo Vale is 7 years younger than the Regional NSW 2021 Census average (43 years) and 2 years younger than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 35 - 44 group, making up 14.9% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 65 - 74 group, making up 8.9% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 show significant variance compared to Regional NSW. The most under-represented age groups are 85+ year-olds (1.4% vs 2.9%) and 75-84 year-olds (5.0% vs 8.2%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 19.8% of the population in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 15.2% of the population in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 as at August 2026.
The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $58,862 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 49th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $77,303 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,937 | 2021 Census, weekly | 61st percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $819 | 2021 Census, weekly | 52nd percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 23.6% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $2,104 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 17.4% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 is approximately $62,617. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $58,862.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 is approximately $82,235. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $77,303.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 is approximately $62,617 compared to $59,289 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $58,862 and $55,733 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 is approximately $82,235 compared to $73,521 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $77,303 and $69,112 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2's households (~37.9% / 828 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 37.9% of households. In comparison, Regional NSW's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 29.9% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 is $1,937/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 is $2,104/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 is $819/wk.
The Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2's income level is higher than average nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-24. The Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2's median income among taxpayers is $58,862 and the average income stands at $77,303, which compares to figures for Regional NSW's of $55,733 and $69,112 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.38% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $62,617 (median) and $82,235 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 is $7,029 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The hill top - colo vale sa2's disposable income is $7,029 compared to $5,252 for Regional NSW, based on AreaSearch analysis.
The labour market strength in Hill Top - Colo Vale positions it well ahead of most Australian regions.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 2.0% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 67.2% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 3,510 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 5,163 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 3,582 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of June 2026, the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 has approximately 3,510 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 2.0%. This very low unemployment rate indicates a tight labour market with strong demand for workers. The area ranks in the top 25% nationally for employment performance, indicating a robust job market.
As of June 2026, the unemployment rate in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 stands at 2.0%, which is 2.1 percentage points below Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%. This lower unemployment rate suggests stronger local employment conditions. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are construction (14.3% of employment), health care & social assistance (12.1%), and retail trade (11.0%). Other significant employers include manufacturing and education & training.
Over the past year to June 2026, the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 has experienced stable employment levels while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decreased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 is 67.2%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This healthy participation rate reflects good employment opportunities and workforce engagement. The local rate leading the Regional NSW average of 60.6%, indicating stronger workforce attachment in the local area.
The hill top - colo vale sa2 shows notable specialisation in construction, which employs 14.3% of the local workforce compared to 9.7% across Regional NSW. This moderate specialisation indicates some local strength in the sector. The area also shows above-average employment in 3 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
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The hill top - colo vale sa2's employment market shows strong performance nationally, ranking in the top 25% of areas assessed by AreaSearch. This indicates robust employment conditions and economic vitality compared to other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region experienced 13.1% growth, ranking 4th out of 37 regions nationally.
Education in Hill Top - Colo Vale: university qualifications 15.0%, school advantage index (ICSEA) 947.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 10.2% | 2021 Census | 15th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 2.7% | 2021 Census | 26th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 15.0% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 35.5% | 2021 Census | 95th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 2.1% | 2021 Census | 39th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 10.2% | 2021 Census | 39th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 39.5% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 28.4% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 2.6% | 2021 Census | 21st percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 10.2% | 2021 Census | 51st percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 8.4% | 2021 Census | 59th percentile nationally |
15.0% of people aged 15 and over in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in Regional NSW.
39.5% of people aged 15 and over in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 39.1% in Regional NSW.
The hill top - colo vale sa2 ranks in the 26th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 are: Certificate (35.5%), Bachelor Degree (10.2%), Advanced Diploma (10.2%).
28.4% of the population in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, including 10.2% in primary school, 8.4% in secondary school, 2.6% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 is 947, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 2 schools within the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 277 students.
The hill top - colo vale sa2 includes 2 primary schools.
Hill Top - Colo Vale features high concentrations of family households and couples with children but relatively few lone person households, with a larger average household size than Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.8 people | 2021 Census | 75th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 18.2% | 2021 Census | 21st percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 39.4% | 2021 Census | 78th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 27.3% | 2021 Census | 53rd percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 12.0% | 2021 Census | 66th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 2.2% | 2021 Census | 30th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 2,182 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 2,266 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 79.7% | 2021 Census | 80th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.8 per family | 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 had 2,182 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 3.8% to an estimated 2,266 households today.
The average household size in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 is 2.8 people. This compares to 2.4 in Regional NSW and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 79.7% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (18.2%), group households (2.2%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 1,739 family households, couples with children account for 39.4% of all households, couples without children at home 27.3%, and single parent families 12.0%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Regional NSW, the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 shows distinct household patterns. Family households are notably over-represented at 79.7% (versus 68.8% in Regional NSW). Conversely, lone person households are under-represented at 18.2% compared to 27.9% in Regional NSW. This family-oriented profile influences local demand for family homes, schools, and children's services.
Families in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 have an average of 1.8 children, matching the Regional NSW average of 1.8. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 49.3% of the adult population are currently married, while 34.5% have never married. This compares to 45.6% married and 34.3% never married across Regional NSW.
Single-person households represent 18.2% of all households in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2, notably lower than the average for Regional NSW of 27.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.2% of households, below the Regional NSW average of 3.3%. This lower rate suggests less student or young professional shared accommodation.
Hill Top - Colo Vale is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 12.1% | 2021 Census | 19th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 4.3% | 2021 Census | 18th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 95.7% | 2021 Census | 81st percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 93.1% | 2021 Census | 95th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 87.9% | 2021 Census | 80th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 3.4% | 2021 Census | 77th percentile nationally |
Hill Top - Colo Vale was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.9% of its population born in Australia, 93.1% being citizens, and 95.7% speaking English only at home.
The main religion in Hill Top - Colo Vale was found to be Christianity, which makes up 56.2% of people in Hill Top - Colo Vale. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Hill Top - Colo Vale are English, comprising 31.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 30.6% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Hill Top - Colo Vale (vs 0.4% across Regional NSW), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.2%) and Macedonian at 0.3% (vs 0.4%).
12.1% of the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 13.0% across Regional NSW.
4.3% of the population in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 7.1% in Regional NSW.
3.4% of the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 4.6% in Regional NSW.
93.1% of the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 89.2% in Regional NSW.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Hill Top - Colo Vale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 14.0% | 2021 Census | 10th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 30.8% | 2021 Census | 42nd percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 99.0% | 2021 Census | 95th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $2,000 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 64th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 55.2% | 2021 Census | 93rd percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 0.2% | 2021 Census | 4th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $430 | 2021 Census, weekly | 75th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 22.2% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 64th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 23.8% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 47th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.8 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 47th percentile nationally |
In the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2, 30.8% of homes are owned outright, 55.2% are owned with a mortgage, and 14.0% are rented.
According to the latest data, 99.0% of dwellings in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 are houses.
In the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2, 0.5% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 0.2% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 stands at 30.8%, compared to 39.6% in Regional NSW.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 is $2,000, compared to $1,733 in Regional NSW.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 is $1,364, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 23.8% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 22.2% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 23.8% of income on repayments (vs 27.9% in Regional NSW), while renters spend 22.2% of income on rent (vs 23.0% in Regional NSW).
The dwelling mix in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 consists of 99.0% detached houses, 0.2% semi-detached dwellings, 0.5% apartments, and 0.3% other dwelling types.
Housing in Hill Top - Colo Vale consumes approximately 16.3% of median household income ($8,387 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Hill Top - Colo Vale show attached dwellings contributing 5% of approvals compared to 1% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 95% of applications versus 99% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. Density increases remain below national trends.
Health performance in Hill Top - Colo Vale is lower than the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 56.0% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 63rd percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 67.3% | 2021 Census | 38th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 5.4% | 2021 Census | 50th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 72.9% | 2021 Census | 27th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 1.7% | 2021 Census | 67th percentile nationally |
Around 56.0% of people in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 52.2% in Regional NSW.
In the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2, 5.4% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 6.8% of people in Regional NSW require similar assistance.
8.6% of people in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 8.4% of the population across Regional NSW is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 4.3% of the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 population, while in Regional NSW, 4.7% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
3.3% of people in the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 have heart disease. Across Regional NSW,4.4% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2, 56.0% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Regional NSW sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 52.2%.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 68 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 68th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 144 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 85th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 2,008 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 50th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 46 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 28 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 2.0 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 18.5% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 144 public transport stops within the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2.
The Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 has 2,008 weekly trips across 28 routes, averaging 286 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 192 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest school is 2.0 km away and the nearest child care centre 2.1 km.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 144 stops nearby, 2,008 weekly trips, access rating 68 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 50 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 50th percentile nationally |
| Nearest school | 2.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest child care | 2.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 3.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 3.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest pharmacy | 3.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 8.9 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 9.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 10.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 10.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 14.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 15.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 2 long day care centres with 69 places in Hill Top - Colo Vale, about 6.5 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Hill Top - Colo Vale is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Hill Top - Colo Vale.
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity is lower than average in Hill Top - Colo Vale compared with local real estate markets nationally.
Hill Top - Colo Vale has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39th percentile nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Hill Top - Colo Vale's resilient property market has recorded 115 sales in the 12 months to September 2026, comprising 92% residential and 8% vacant land transactions.
Population growth drivers in Hill Top - Colo Vale are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
Hill Top - Colo Vale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern.
The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment.
The labour market strength in Hill Top - Colo Vale positions it well ahead of most Australian regions.
Education in Hill Top - Colo Vale: university qualifications 15.0%, school advantage index (ICSEA) 947.
Hill Top - Colo Vale features high concentrations of family households and couples with children but relatively few lone person households, with a larger average household size than Regional NSW.
Hill Top - Colo Vale is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics.
Hill Top - Colo Vale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to Regional NSW.
Health performance in Hill Top - Colo Vale is lower than the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be in line with the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Hill Top - Colo Vale has an estimated 6,638 residents, up 3.8% since the 2021 Census, with 158 projects tracked in the area around Hill Top - Colo Vale.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Hill Top - Colo Vale.
Data currency
Refreshed . Sales to Oct 2026, rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026 and taxable income FY 2024. Housing and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 14 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb or locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (114021285). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, infrastructure projects, employment, households, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Hill Top - Colo Vale from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Hill Top - Colo Vale with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
