Nhill

An assessment of population growth drivers in Nhill reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The population of the suburb of Nhill is estimated to be around 2,351 as of February 2026. This reflects a decrease from the previous census in 2021, which reported a population of 2,401 people. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of resident population data from June 2024 ABS ERP release, indicating a population of 2,295 plus an additional 62 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 2.5 persons per square kilometer. The primary driver of population growth in recent periods has been overseas migration.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas released in 2024, with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 for areas not covered by the first data set. Applying growth rates by age group across all areas up to 2041, the suburb is projected to expand by 76 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of approximately 0.3% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Nhill is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Nhill experiences very limited development activity, averaging approximately two approvals per year over the past five years (a total of 12 approvals). This low level of development reflects the rural nature of the area, where housing needs typically drive development rather than broader market demand. It is important to note that due to the small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Compared to other Victorian regions and national averages, Nhill has much lower development activity. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, aligning with rural living preferences for space and privacy. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 767 people, indicating a quiet, low-activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Nhill is projected to add seven residents by 2041.

Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Nhill has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that may impact this area. Notable projects include Melbourne To Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements, EnergyConnect, Mildura Passenger Rail Return, and Regional Housing Fund (Victoria). The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Nhill demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Nhill has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate in Nhill is 1.3%, lower than the Rest of Vic's rate of 3.8%. As of September 2025, there are 1,180 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.5% below the regional average.

Workforce participation is on par with the Rest of Vic's 61.4%. According to Census responses, a low 10.7% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Nhill shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share three times the regional level, while accommodation & food services show lower representation at 2.5% compared to the regional average of 6.9%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the working population count versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.3%, with employment decreasing by 3.0%, resulting in a fall in unemployment rate of 1.4 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Vic recorded an employment decline of 0.7% and labour force decline of 0.6%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Nhill's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that in Nhill, median income is $51,053 and average income is $62,469. This is lower than Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Nhill would be approximately $55,265 (median) and $67,623 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Nhill rank modestly, between the 19th and 31st percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The largest income segment comprises 32.3% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (759 residents), similar to the broader area where 30.3% fall into this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 92.6% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 31st percentile.

Nhill is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Nhill's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.1% houses and 6.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nhill stood at 49.2%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (27.3%) or rented (23.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $774, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Nhill was $200, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Nhill's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Nhill features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.9% of all households, including 24.5% couples with children, 30.9% couples without children, and 7.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.1%, with lone person households at 31.4% and group households making up 3.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.0%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (28.2%). A total of 24.9% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 8.7% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 2.2% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.9% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals three active transport stops operating within Nhill. These stops are serviced by three individual routes, collectively providing 21 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 627 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 83%, with 13% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 10.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately seven weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Nhill 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. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,212 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 11.3 and 7.7% of residents respectively. 63.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic.. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 26.8% of residents aged 65 and over (630 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Nhill records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Nhill's cultural diversity aligns with the broader regional average. 86.0% of its residents are citizens, 83.2% were born in Australia, and 85.2% speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Nhill, practiced by 61.8%, compared to 47.3% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups in Nhill are English (30.1%), Australian (29.0%), and German (10.4%), with Germans being notably more prevalent than the regional average of 3.5%. Some ethnic groups show significant variation: French residents comprise 0.6% in Nhill, compared to 0.3% regionally; South Africans make up 0.5%, versus 0.2%; and Scottish residents account for 8.0%, slightly below the regional average of 8.8%.

Nhill hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Nhill's median age is 47 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Vic. average of 43 and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 years are particularly prominent, making up 13.7% of the population, while the 35-44 year group is comparatively smaller at 9.9%. Since 2021, the 35-44 age group has grown from 8.9% to 9.9%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 11.0%. By 2041, Nhill is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 23%, reaching 318 people from the current 258. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.