Hill Top - Colo Vale
Statistical Area - sa2

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 6594 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 201 people (3.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6393 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6566 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 231 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 37 persons per square kilometer. Hill Top - Colo Vale's 3.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 2.9%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 81.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in the top quartile of national regional areas, with Hill Top - Colo Vale expected to increase by 1936 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, reflecting an increase of 28.8% 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 seen approximately 19 dwellings granted development approval annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides this data on a financial year basis: 95 dwellings approved over the past five years, from FY2021 to FY2025, with an additional two approved so far in FY2026. On average, each dwelling has resulted in 2.4 new residents annually over these five years, indicating solid demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $400,000, aligning with broader regional development trends.

This financial year has seen $550,000 worth of commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus in the area. Compared to the rest of NSW, Hill Top - Colo Vale shows significantly reduced construction activity, at 55.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this level is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 93.0% detached dwellings and 7.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population count of 491 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Hill Top - Colo Vale is projected to grow by 1,900 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Hill Top - Colo Vale has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Key projects comprise Illawarra Offshore Wind Area, Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan Infrastructure, South Pacific Offshore Wind Project, and Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, with the subsequent list detailing those likely to be most pertinent.

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

Employment conditions in Hill Top - Colo Vale rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Hill Top Colo Vale has a diverse workforce with equal representation of white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% as of June 2025.

Employment grew by 2.7% in the past year. The area's unemployment rate is 2.5% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is high at 68.0%. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction employment is particularly strong, with a share 1.5 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence, at 12.1% compared to 16.9% regionally. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.7%, labour force grew by 2.6%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.1%, labour force grow by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Statewide in NSW as of Sep-25, employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.5%, and employment growth is 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Hill Top Colo Vale's employment could grow by approximately 5.9% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

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

Hill Top - Colo Vale had exceptionally high national income levels according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Its median income among taxpayers was $51,888 and average income stood at $112,224, compared to Rest of NSW's figures of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $57,388 (median) and $124,120 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Hill Top - Colo Vale clustered around the 57th percentile nationally. Income distribution showed that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominated with 38.0% of residents (2,505 people), similar to the broader area where 29.9% occupied this bracket. High housing costs consumed 16.3% of income, yet strong earnings placed disposable income at the 61st percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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

Housing in Hill Top - Colo Vale, as per the latest Census report, was predominantly composed of houses at 99.0%, with other dwellings making up the remaining 1.0%. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's housing composition of 90.6% and 9.4% respectively. Home ownership in Hill Top - Colo Vale stood at 30.8%, with mortgaged properties at 55.2% and rented dwellings at 14.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, below the Non-Metro NSW average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Hill Top - Colo Vale was recorded as $430, matching the Non-Metro NSW figure. Nationally, Hill Top - Colo Vale's 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 account for the remaining 20.3%, with lone person households at 18.2% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 45.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 35.5%.

Educational participation is 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. The area has two public schools - Hill Top Public School and Colo Vale Public School, serving a total of 277 students. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited, with only 4.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.3, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Hill Top-Colo Vale has 125 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 26 unique routes that facilitate 1,870 weekly passenger journeys in total. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents generally situated within 200 metres of the closest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages at 267 trips per day, translating to roughly 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Hill Top - Colo Vale are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Hill Top - Colo Vale, where common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. The area has an exceptionally high rate of private health cover at approximately 76% of its total population of 5,024 people, compared to 66.3% across the Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.3 and 8.6% of residents respectively, while 67.3% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.8% across the Rest of NSW.

The area has 15.1% of residents aged 65 and over (992 people), which is lower than the 27.7% in the Rest of NSW, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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, found below average in cultural diversity, has 87.9% of its population born in Australia, with 93.1% being citizens and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 56.2%, compared to 57.0% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.9%), Australian (30.6%), and Scottish (8.2%).

Notable divergences include Maltese at 1.1% (vs regional 0.5%), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.3%), and Macedonian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).

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 Rest of NSW's average of 43 and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38. The 35-44 age group represents 14.5%, higher than Rest of NSW, while the 65-74 cohort stands at 8.7%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group grew from 12.2% to 14.5% of the population, whereas the 45-54 cohort declined from 14.1% to 11.9%. By 2041, forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Hill Top-Colo Vale. Notably, the 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 53%, adding 505 people and reaching 1,462 from 956. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 6% (50 people).