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

Hill Top - Colo Vale's population was approximately 6,393 as of May 2021. By May 2026, the population had increased to around 6,611, reflecting a rise of 218 people (3.4%) since the 2021 Census. This increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,602 in June 2025 and an additional 239 validated new addresses since May 2021. The population density as of May 2026 was approximately 37 persons per square kilometer. Hill Top - Colo Vale's growth rate of 3.4% between May 2021 and May 2026 exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.6%. Natural growth contributed approximately 81.7% of overall population gains during this period.

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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics forecast a significant increase in Hill Top - Colo Vale's population, with an expected rise of 1,843 persons by 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 27.7% over the 16-year period from May 2021 to May 2041.

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 seen approximately 19 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 95 homes have been approved, with an additional 22 approved so far in FY26. On average, each dwelling has resulted in 2.4 new residents per year over these five years.

The average construction cost of new homes is $301,000. This financial year, there have been $550,000 in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of NSW, Hill Top - Colo Vale shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 55.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. The area also falls below the national average in terms of construction activity, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations.

New development consists mainly of standalone homes at 93.0%, with medium and high-density housing making up the remaining 7.0%. This maintains the area's traditional low-density character, appealing to those seeking family homes with space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 491 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, Hill Top - Colo Vale is projected to gain around 1,834 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Hill Top - Colo Vale has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting the region: Tahmoor South Coal Project. Other key projects include Maldon to Dombarton Freight Rail Line, Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan 2041, and South Pacific Offshore Wind Project. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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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 with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 1.7% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.8%.

There are 3,544 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, lower than Regional NSW's 3.9%. Workforce participation is high at 68.0% compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census data, 18.5% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Construction has a significant share at 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance is lower at 12.1% compared to the regional average of 16.9%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8%, labour force by 2.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2% and unemployment rise by 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Hill Top - Colo Vale. Applying these projections to the local employment mix indicates a possible increase of 5.9% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023. Hill Top - Colo Vale SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $56,104 and an average level of $93,729. Nationally, this is extremely high, comparing to $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates as of March 2026 would be approximately $61,894 (median) and $103,402 (average). Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Hill Top - Colo Vale cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 38.0% of the population, equating to 2,512 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, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 61st percentile nationally. 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

The dwelling structure in Hill Top-Colo Vale, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.0% houses and 1.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hill Top-Colo Vale was at 30.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 55.2% and rented ones at 14.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Hill Top-Colo Vale was recorded at $430, compared to Regional NSW's $330 and the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 constitute 79.7% of all households, including 39.4% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 20.3%, with lone person households at 18.2% and group households making up 2.2%. The median household size is 2.8 people, 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's university qualification rate is 15.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common among qualified residents at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 45.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (35.5%). Educational participation is high, with 28.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.2% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education.

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 indicates 133 active transport stops operating within Hill Top-Colo Vale. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. The area is served by 27 individual routes that collectively provide 1,887 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 192 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 97%.

Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 18.5% of residents work from home, potentially reflecting 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's 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 68% of the total population (4,462 people) have private health cover, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.3% and 8.6% of residents respectively. However, 67.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,001 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. National rankings are broadly in line with 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 has a cultural diversity level below average, with 87.9% of its population born in Australia, 93.1% being citizens, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 56.2% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.9%), Australian (30.6%), and Scottish (8.2%).

Notably, Maltese representation is higher at 1.1%, compared to the regional average of 0.4%. Hungarian and Macedonian representations also differ from regional averages, standing at 0.4% and 0.3% respectively.

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

The median age in Hill Top - Colo Vale is 36 years, significantly below Regional NSW's average of 43 and somewhat younger than Australia's 38 years. The 35-44 age group has a strong representation at 15.1%, compared to Regional NSW's figure. However, the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 8.5%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.2% to 15.1% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.1% to 11.7%, and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 13.9% to 12.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Hill Top - Colo Vale, with the 35 to 44 age group expected to grow by 44% (435 people), reaching 1,435 from its current figure of 999. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 6% (50 people).