Hill Top - Colo Vale

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Hill Top - Colo Vale's population is around 6,718 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 325 people (5.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,393 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,558 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 238 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 38 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Hill Top - Colo Vale's 5.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.6%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 81.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, AreaSearch utilizes the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national regional areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 1,936 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 26.4% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Hill Top - Colo Vale according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Hill Top - Colo Vale has experienced around 19 dwellings receiving development approval annually, with 95 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 17 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.4 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $301,000. There have also been $550,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Hill Top - Colo Vale shows substantially reduced construction (55.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 93.0% standalone homes and 7.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 491 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Hill Top - Colo Vale will gain 1,776 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Hill Top - Colo Vale has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total, 1 single project has been identified by AreaSearch that is likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Tahmoor South Coal Project, Maldon to Dombarton Freight Rail Line, Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan 2041, and South Pacific Offshore Wind Project, 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 Hill Top - Colo Vale performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Hill Top - Colo Vale has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, and 1.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,544 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.2% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (68.6% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 12.1% versus the regional average of 16.9%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8% and labour force increased by 2.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Hill Top - Colo Vale. 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 Hill Top - Colo Vale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $56,104 with the average level standing at $93,729. This is extremely high nationally and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $61,075 (median) and $102,033 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Hill Top - Colo Vale cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals 38.0% of the population (2,552 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the broader area where 29.9% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 16.3% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 61st percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Hill Top - Colo Vale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Hill Top - Colo Vale, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 99.0% houses and 1.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Hill Top - Colo Vale was lagging that of Regional NSW, at 30.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (55.2%) or rented (14.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional NSW average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $430, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Hill Top - Colo Vale's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Hill Top - Colo Vale features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 79.7% of all households, comprising 39.4% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.3%, with lone person households at 18.2% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Hill Top - Colo Vale fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.0%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 45.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (35.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 133 active transport stops operating within Hill Top - Colo Vale, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 27 individual routes, collectively providing 1,887 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 192 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 97%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 18.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 269 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Hill Top - Colo Vale is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Hill Top - Colo Vale faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 68% of the total population (4,534 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.3% and 8.6% of residents, respectively, while 67.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,020 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 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 is Christianity, which makes up 56.2% of the population. 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% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.2%) and Macedonian at 0.3% (vs 0.4%).

Hill Top - Colo Vale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 36-year median age in Hill Top - Colo Vale is significantly below Regional NSW's average of 43 and similarly younger than Australia's 38 years. The 35 - 44 age group shows strong representation at 15.3% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 8.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.2% to 15.3% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.1% to 11.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Hill Top - Colo Vale. Leading the demographic shift, the 35 to 44 group will grow by 42% (434 people), reaching 1,462 from 1,027. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 5% (40 people).