Nhill Region
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Nhill Region's population was around 6,775 as of Aug 2025. This reflects a decrease since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,956 people. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 6,725 in June 2024 and an additional 53 validated new addresses since the Census date. The region's population density was 0.60 persons per square kilometer as of Aug 2025. Nhill Region's population decline of -2.6% since census was within 2.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (-0.6%). Overseas migration primarily drove population growth in recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilised VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on latest population numbers, the area is expected to expand by 125 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 1.1% in total 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 has seen approximately 14 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 74 approvals across the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, with one approval so far in FY26. The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate development activity relative to population size, benefiting buyers due to increased choices. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $570,000, which is higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen $11.8 million in commercial development approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Nhill Region records around 62% of building activity per person and ranks among the 38th percentile of areas assessed nationally, offering limited choices for buyers but supporting demand for existing homes. This lower-than-average national activity reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity consists of 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the region's traditional low density character appealing to those seeking space in family homes.

The estimated count of 440 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet development environment. Looking ahead, Nhill Region is projected to grow by 75 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the region significantly. These key initiatives include Warracknabeal Energy Park, Wimmera Plains Energy Facility (twice mentioned), and Horsham SmartWater & Integrated Water Management Project. The following details those considered most relevant.

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

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 both white and blue collar jobs, well-represented essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 2.8%. As of June 2025, 3183 residents are employed, with the region's unemployment rate at 0.9% lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

The workforce participation rate 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. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly specialized 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.

In the year to June 2025, labour force decreased by 4.2%, employment declined by 3.3%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.8 percentage points. Rest of Vic experienced a 0.9% employment decline and a 0.4% labour force decline, with unemployment rising by 0.4%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase 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, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

Nhill Region's median taxpayer income was $46,852 and average was $57,329 in financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of Vic.'s median being $48,741 and average at $60,693. Based on a 10.11% increase since FY2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 are approximately $51,589 (median) and $63,125 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Nhill Region fall between the 12th and 21st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 27.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. Housing costs are modest with 93.9% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at 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 evaluation, comprised 95.5% houses and 4.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure consisted of 93.0% houses and 6.9% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Nhill Region was 57.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (25.8%) or rented (16.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $737, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $170. Nationally, Nhill Region's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with 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 account for 63.7 percent of all households, including 22.4 percent that are couples with children, 32.6 percent that are couples without children, and 7.7 percent that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.3 percent, with lone person households at 33.1 percent and group households comprising 3.1 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, matching 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%). A total of 23.7% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 8.6% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

The region has a network of 9 schools educating approximately 872 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 966) offering balanced educational opportunities. These schools include 5 primaries, 1 secondary, and 3 K-12 institutions.

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

Transport analysis shows 14 active stops operating in Nhill Region. These include both train and bus services. Nine routes serve these stops, offering a total of 75 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents located an average of 544 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency across all routes averages 10 trips per day, 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 indicates significant health challenges in Nhill Region, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 48% (~3,272 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.2%) and mental health issues (8.7%). About 60.4% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of Vic's 61.2%. The region has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.9% (1,889 people), compared to Rest of Vic's 25.2%. Senior health outcomes show some challenges but perform better than the general population in certain 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 exhibited lower cultural diversity with 89.9% citizens and 89.6% born in Australia, while 93.4% spoke English only at home. Christianity dominated as the main religion, comprising 57.6%, slightly higher than the regional average of 51.6%. In terms of ancestry, Australian (31.7%), English (31.7%), and German (10.8%) were the top groups represented.

Notably, Scottish ethnicity was overrepresented in Nhill Region 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 above the national average of 38. The age group of 55-64 shows strong representation at 15.1%, compared to Rest of Vic., while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 10.3%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 9.6% to 10.7% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 16.1% to 15.1%. Demographic modeling indicates that Nhill Region's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow strongly, increasing by 172 people (23%) from 756 to 929. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts.