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 Nhill, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, was around 2,335 as of November 2025. This is a decrease of 66 people from the previous figure of 2,401 in the 2021 Census, marking a decline of approximately 2.7%. The estimated resident population (ERP) of Nhill was 2,310 as of June 2024, according to AreaSearch's examination of the latest ABS ERP data release and an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of approximately 2.5 persons per square kilometer for the suburb. The population decline in Nhill since the census is within 2.5 percentage points of the SA3 area's decline, indicating similar demographic challenges across the region. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for driving population growth in the area during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering these projected demographic shifts, the suburb is expected to expand by approximately 82 persons to reach a total population of around 2,417 by 2041, reflecting an increase of about 1.2% over the 17-year period.

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 with an average of one approval per year over five years (nine approvals). This low level is typical in rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is restricted by local demand and infrastructure capacity. Notably, the small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Compared to other regions, Nhill has significantly less construction activity than Rest of Vic., and its development pattern is well below national averages. All new constructions in Nhill have been standalone homes, preserving its rural nature with an emphasis on space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 767 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. Future projections indicate a resident increase of 28 by 2041 (AreaSearch quarterly estimate).

Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Nhill has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly influence a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Notable projects comprise Melbourne To Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements, EnergyConnect, Regional Housing Fund (Victoria), and Victorian Renewable Energy Zones, with the following list detailing those most likely to be relevant.

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.

Employment performance in Nhill exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Nhill has a diverse workforce with both white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 1.9%, as of June 2025, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

There are 1,180 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 1.9% lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong, with an employment share 3.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food services employ only 2.5% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 6.9%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.1%, with employment down by 3.6%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point drop in unemployment. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.9%, the labour force fell by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Nhill. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Nhill's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Nhill is lower than average nationally. The median assessed income is $51,053 and the average income stands at $62,469. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., which has a median income of $48,741 and an average income of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Nhill would be approximately $57,261 (median) and $70,065 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Nhill rank modestly, between the 19th and 31st percentiles. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.3% of residents (754 people), similar to regional levels where 30.3% occupy 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 dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 93.1% houses and 6.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s figures were also 93.0% houses and 6.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nhill stood at 49.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.3% and rented ones at 23.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $774, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,043. Median weekly rent in Nhill was recorded as $200, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $215. Nationally, mortgage repayments averaged $1,863 and rents were $375.

Nhill features high concentrations of lone person households, with a higher-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 account for the remaining 35.1%, with lone person households at 31.4% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.2.

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 prevalent, with 36.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (28.2%). A total of 24.9% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 8.7% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 2.2% in tertiary education.

Nhill's three schools have a combined enrollment of 337 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 973) with balanced educational opportunities, including two primary and one K-12 school.

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

Transport analysis indicates three active stops in Nhill offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by eight routes, collectively offering 34 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited with residents typically located 627 meters from the nearest stop.

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

Health performance in Nhill is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Nhill, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,203 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area's 48.8%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (11.3%) and asthma (7.7%), while 63.9% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.2%. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 26.7% (623 people), higher than Rest of Vic.'s 25.2%. Health outcomes among seniors show some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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 region, with 86.0% citizens, 83.2% born in Australia, and 85.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Nhill at 61.8%, compared to 51.6% across Rest of Vic. The top three ancestry groups are English (30.1%), Australian (29.0%), and German (10.4%).

Notably, French (0.6%) and South African (0.5%) groups are overrepresented in Nhill compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 0.1%, respectively. Scottish ancestry is slightly underrepresented at 8.0% compared to the region's 9.0%.

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 years and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 85+ make up a prominent 5.1%, while the 35-44 group comprises only 9.5%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.1% to 10.9% of the population. By 2041, notable shifts in age composition are expected. The 45 to 54 group is projected to grow by 21%, reaching 322 people from 266. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.