Nhill Region
Statistical Area - sa2

Nhill Region has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Nhill Region's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 6,784. This figure reflects a decrease of 172 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,956. The estimated resident population of 6,727 from the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 56 validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates this decline. This results in a population density ratio of 0.60 persons per square kilometer. Nhill Region's population decrease of 2.5% since the census is comparable to the SA3 area's change of -0.2%, suggesting similar population trends across the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods.

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, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to demographic trends, national non-metropolitan areas are expected to have lower quartile growth. Based on the latest population numbers, Nhill Region is projected to expand by 125 persons to 2041, resulting in a total growth of 1.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Nhill Region has seen approximately 14 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 74 homes. As of FY26, 6 approvals have been recorded. The population decline during this period suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers. The average construction value of new properties is $377,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction.

This financial year has seen $11.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Nhill Region has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 38th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. This lower rate reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 83.0% detached dwellings and 17.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 440 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Nhill Region is expected to grow by 66 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Nhill Region has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that could impact this region. Notable projects are Warracknabeal Energy Park, Wimmera Plains Energy Facility, Horsham SmartWater & Integrated Water Management Project, and SEC Renewable Energy Park - Horsham. The following details those most 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 2.8%, Nhill Region has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Nhill Region has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar employment well represented. Essential services sectors are prominent, and the unemployment rate is 2.8%.

As of June 2025, 3,183 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is lower at 53.2%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a higher representation at 4.2 times the regional level, while construction is lower at 5.6% compared to the regional average of 10.4%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.2%, employment declined by 3.3%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.9% and a labour force decline of 0.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Nhill Region's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.4% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Nhill Region has a median taxpayer income of $46,852 and an average of $57,329 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than Rest of Vic.'s median income of $48,741 and average income of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $52,549 (median) and $64,300 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Nhill Region fall between the 12th and 21st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 27.2% of the community (1,845 individuals), similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 30.3%. Housing costs are modest with 93.9% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 22nd percentile nationally.

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

Nhill Region's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.5% houses and 4.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 93.0% houses and 6.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nhill Region stood at 57.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.8% and rented dwellings at 16.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $737, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,043. The median weekly rent figure was $170, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $215. Nationally, Nhill Region's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Nhill Region features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households compose 63.7% of all households, including 22.4% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.3%, with lone person households at 33.1% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which aligns with the Rest of Vic. average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.2%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (27.6%). Formal education is actively pursued by 23.7% of the population: 8.6% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

The Nhill Region operates a network of 9 schools educating approximately 872 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 966) and balanced educational opportunities. This includes 5 primary, 1 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools.

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

Transport analysis reveals 14 active stops operating within Nhill region. These consist of a mix of train and bus services. They are serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 75 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 544 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 10 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Nhill Region 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 the Nhill Region. Both younger and older age groups have a notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 48% (~3,276 people) of the region's total population has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.2%) and mental health issues (8.7%). Conversely, 60.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 61.2% in the rest of Victoria. The region has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.9% (1,892 people), compared to 25.2% in the rest of Victoria. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors perform better than those of the general population in various health metrics.

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

Nhill Region's cultural diversity was found to be below average. Its population composition was as follows: 89.9% citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 93.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 57.6% of people in Nhill Region identifying with it, compared to 51.6% across Rest of Vic.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.7%), English (31.7%), and German (10.8%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 8.1%, compared to the regional average of 9.0%.

Nhill Region ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Nhill Region has a median age of 50, which is higher than Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and well above the national average of 38 years. The region's 55-64 age group comprises 15.1%, compared to Rest of Vic., while the 5-14 cohort makes up 10.3%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 9.6% to 10.7% of the population, whereas the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 16.1% to 15.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Nhill Region's age profile. The 45-54 age cohort is expected to grow by 171 people (23%), from 757 to 929. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts.