Nhill Region

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

Nhill Region's population is approximately 6,784 as of November 2025. This figure shows a decrease of 172 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,956. The change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 6,727 in June 2024 and the validation of 56 new addresses after the census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.60 persons per square kilometer. The region's population decline of 2.5% since the census is similar to the SA3 area's decline of -0.2%. 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 a weighted aggregation method to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is projected to expand by 125 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall 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, six 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. New properties are constructed at an average value of $377,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus 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 count of 440 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Nhill Region is expected to grow by 66 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 46thth 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.

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 Region exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Nhill Region has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, well-represented essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 2.0%. As of September 2025, 3,197 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate 1.8% lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation is somewhat below standard 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. The area has a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 4.2 times the regional level, while construction shows lower representation at 5.6% versus the regional average of 10.4%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.3%, employment declined by 2.2%, causing unemployment to fall by 2.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Nhill Region's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.1% over ten years.

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

Nhill Region SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $46,852 and an average income of $57,329 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was lower than the national average, with Rest of Vic.'s median income being $48,741 and average income being $60,693. By September 2025, estimates based on a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth suggest the median income would be approximately $52,549 and the average income would be around $64,300. The 2021 Census data showed household, family, and personal incomes in Nhill Region fell between the 11th and 20th percentiles nationally. In terms of earnings, 27.2% of the community (1,845 individuals) earned between $1,500 and $2,999, which is similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represented 30.3%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 93.9% income retention, total disposable income ranked at only the 22nd percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in the Nhill Region, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, consisted of 95.5% houses and 4.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 93.0% houses and 6.9% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Nhill Region was higher than that of Non-Metro Vic., at 57.4%. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (25.8%) or rented (16.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $737, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,043. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $170, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $215. Nationally, Nhill Region's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 constitute 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 account for 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 average for the Rest of Vic.

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 prevalent, with 36.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (27.6%). Currently, 23.7% of the population is engaged in formal education, with 8.6% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The public transport analysis indicates that there are 14 active transport stops operating within the Nhill Region. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. The region is served 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 transport stop. Service frequency averages 10 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 weekly trips per individual 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 for Nhill Region indicates significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 48% (~3,276 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.2%) and mental health issues (8.7%), while 60.4% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Vic's 61.2%. The region has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.9% (1,892 people), compared to Rest of Vic's 25.2%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in certain 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 had a cultural diversity index below average. Its population comprised 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 identifying as such, 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%, while regionally it stood at 9.0%.

Nhill Region ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

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