Nhill Region

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

Nhill Region's population was approximately 6,879 as of February 2026. This figure represents a decrease of 77 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,956. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,725 in June 2024 and an additional 104 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.60 persons per square kilometer. While Nhill Region experienced a 1.1% decline since the census, the SA3 area achieved 1.0% growth, indicating divergent trends. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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. Future population dynamics anticipate lower quartile growth outside capital cities, with the area expected to increase by 125 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total decrease of 0.4% over the 17 years.

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 averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21 and FY25, 74 homes were approved, with an additional 6 approved so far in FY26. The average construction cost of these dwellings is $377,000, slightly above the regional average.

In terms of commercial development, $11.8 million in approvals have been registered this financial year. Compared to Rest of Vic., Nhill Region records about 62% of building activity per person and ranks among the 38th percentile nationally for dwelling approvals. The area's new building activity comprises 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% attached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low density character. With an estimated 440 people per dwelling approval, Nhill Region reflects a quiet development environment.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, the region may experience less housing pressure in the future.

Nhill Region 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 four projects likely to impact the area: Warracknabeal Energy Park, Wimmera Plains Energy Facility, Horsham SmartWater & Integrated Water Management Project, and SEC Renewable Energy Park - Horsham. The following list 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.

The employment environment in Nhill Region shows above-average strength when compared nationally

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. This is 1.8% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is somewhat below standard at 57.5%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%.

According to Census responses, 17.3% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong with an employment share 4.2 times the regional level. Construction, however, is under-represented at 5.6% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 10.4%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.3%, employment declined by 2.2%, resulting in a fall in unemployment rate by 2.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment fell by 0.7%, labour force contracted by 0.6%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Nhill Region. Applying these projections to the local employment mix, local employment is estimated to 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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Nhill Region SA2 had lower incomes than average nationally. The median income was $50,079 and the average was $60,568. Rest of Vic., however, had a median income of $50,954 and an average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $54,211 (median) and $65,565 (average). Census 2021 data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Nhill Region fall between the 11th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show 27.2% of the population (1,871 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. 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). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure comprised 90.1% houses and 9.9% 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 $1,430. The median weekly rent figure was $170, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Nhill Region's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Nhill Region features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average 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 is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (27.6%). A total of 23.7% of the population is actively 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 analysis of public transport in the Nhill Region indicates that there are currently 14 active transport stops operating. These stops are serviced by four individual routes, collectively providing 47 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 539 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transport remains car at 84%, with 13% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 17.3% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages six trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately three 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

The health data indicates significant challenges for the Nhill Region. AreaSearch's assessment shows high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% (~3,384 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.2%) and mental health issues (8.7%). Conversely, 60.4% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Vic's 63.4%. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The region has 28.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,923 people), higher than Rest of Vic's 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, with national rankings higher than the general population.

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 lower cultural diversity level compared to the average, with 89.9% of its population being Australian citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 93.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Nhill Region, accounting for 57.6% of the population, which is higher than the regional average of 47.3%. The top three ancestry groups in Nhill Region were Australian (31.7%), English (31.7%), and German (10.8%), with German being significantly higher than the regional average of 3.5%.

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented in Nhill Region at 8.1%, compared to the regional average of 8.8%.

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 above the national average of 38. The region's strongest age group representation is 65-74 at 15.1%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s percentage, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 9.7%. This 65-74 concentration is higher than the national figure of 9.5%. Post-2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 9.6% to 10.9%, and the 65-74 cohort increased from 14.0% to 15.1%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 16.1% to 14.8%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Nhill Region's age profile by 2041. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow strongly, adding 184 people (25%) from 744 to 929. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts.