Hill Top (Wingecarribee - NSW)

Population growth drivers in Hill Top are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Hill Top (Wingecarribee - NSW) is around 2,918. This reflects a growth of 126 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,792. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,836 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 77 persons per square kilometer. Hill Top's growth rate of 4.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.6%. Natural growth contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is forecasted to experience a significant population increase, growing by 799 persons and recording a gain of 24.6% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Hill Top, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Hill Top recorded approximately 6 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 30 homes were approved, with another 3 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built gained an average of 2.8 new residents per year over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $400,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. This financial year has seen $175,000 in commercial approvals registered, reflecting Hill Top's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Hill Top has significantly less development activity, 67.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, development levels are also lower, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent development in Hill Top has been entirely standalone homes, preserving its low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population count of 1139 people per dwelling approval reflects the area's quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Hill Top to grow by 717 residents through to 2041. 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 has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Tahmoor South Coal Project, South Pacific Offshore Wind Project, Sydney-Canberra Rail Connectivity And Capacity, and Paling Yards Wind Farm, with the following list detailing those most likely to be relevant.

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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 performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Hill Top's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector stands out with a high representation rate of 18%. Its unemployment rate was 1.8% in December 2025, below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and employment growth was estimated at 1.8% over the past year based on AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of December 2025, 1,511 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate of 69.1%, higher than Regional NSW's 61.3%. Home-based work accounted for 17.0% of jobs according to Census responses, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. Manufacturing is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.9% compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8%, labour force grew by 2.8%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate compared to Regional NSW's job market changes during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Hill Top's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Hill Top suburb is $53,091, with an average of $114,827, based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is notably higher than Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $57,795 and an average of $125,001, considering Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that incomes in Hill Top cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. The majority (38.6%, or 1,126 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band, reflecting regional patterns where 29.9% occupy this range. Housing costs consume 17.5% of income in Hill Top, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Hill Top's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 98.9% houses and 1.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hill Top was 26.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 60.8% and rented ones at 13.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Hill Top was $435, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Hill Top's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 78.3% of all households, including 38.4% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 13.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.7%, with lone person households at 19.4% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Hill Top faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

In the region, university qualification rates are notably lower than the NSW average, at 12.7%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common university qualifications, with 9.1% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 45.6% of residents aged 15 and above possessing vocational credentials.

Advanced diplomas account for 9.9%, while certificates make up 35.7%. Educational participation is high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Hill Top has 44 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 13 different routes that together offer 134 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 213 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 97%. On average, there are 2.0 vehicles per dwelling in Hill Top, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 17% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 19 trips per day, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per stop.

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

Hill Top faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 72% of the total population (2,105 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 9.5 and 9.2% of residents respectively. However, 66.5% of residents declare themselves 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 13.4% of residents aged 65 and over (391 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Hill Top is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Hill Top was found to have a below average cultural diversity level, with 87.8% of its population born in Australia, 93.7% being citizens, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Hill Top, comprising 53.4% of the population. However, Judaism had an overrepresentation, making up 0.1% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.1%), Australian (31.4%), and Scottish (8.0%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Hungarian was overrepresented at 0.4% in Hill Top versus 0.2% regionally, Maltese at 1.0% versus 0.4%, and Macedonian at 0.4% compared to its regional representation of 0.4%.

Hill Top's population is younger than the national pattern

Hill Top's median age is 34, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's figure of 38. Compared to Regional NSW's average, Hill Top has an over-represented 35-44 cohort at 16.5% and an under-represented 65-74 age group at 7.4%. Between 2021 and the present day, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.6% to 16.5%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Hill Top's age profile will change significantly. The 35-44 age group is projected to expand by 188 people (39%) from 481 to 670, while the 55-64 cohort grows by a modest 2% (7 people).