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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Population
Nhill Region has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch
Nhill Region's population was approximately 6,704 as of May 2026, reflecting a decrease of 252 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 6,956 people in the region. This decrease is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,698 as of June 2025 and an additional 105 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was 0.60 persons per square kilometer. The region's population decline of -3.6% since the census is similar to the SA3 area's change of -1.6%. Overseas migration primarily drove 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, the region is expected to expand by 123 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 1.8% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
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, 11 approvals have been recorded. The population decline during this period suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choices for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $377,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction.
In FY26, there have been $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 is lower than national levels, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development in Nhill Region 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 per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Nhill Region is expected to grow by 117 residents through to 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Nhill Region
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
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 five projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Warracknabeal Energy Park, Wimmera Plains Energy Facility, Grampians Health Horsham Campus Redevelopment, and Horsham SmartWater & Integrated Water Management Project. The following list details those most relevant.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Grampians Health Horsham Campus Redevelopment
Staged redevelopment of the Grampians Health Horsham Campus (Wimmera Base Hospital) following the 2018 Masterplan and the 2023 to 2043 Grampians Health Infrastructure Plan. Key priorities are expanding the Emergency Department with a fast-track clinic and short-stay area, modernising aged care and inpatient bedrooms with single rooms and ensuites, and upgrading wider clinical infrastructure to lift capability across mental health, dementia care, maternity and rehabilitation services. A new Emergency Department is being planned to open in 2027. The Department of Health has run an Entity Services Plan process for the Horsham catchment to inform investment priorities ahead of further master planning. Recent works include new endoscopy equipment, a refurbished Yandilla ward, and the transition of Horsham renal services to an independent Grampians Health renal hub from mid 2025. Linen processing has been consolidated to Ballarat after the Horsham plant reached end of life. The site serves a catchment of about 54,000 people across the Wimmera and Southern Mallee, treating more than 10,000 inpatients and 16,000 emergency presentations a year.
South West Renewable Energy Zone
The South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) is a pillar of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, facilitating the state's transition to clean energy. Formally declared in 2024, the REZ integrates massive transmission projects like Project EnergyConnect and VNI West to unlock 3.56 GW of renewable capacity. Major sub-projects including the Bullawah Wind Farm and Pottinger Energy Park are progressing through procurement and early works as of mid-2026. The infrastructure includes the expansion of the Buronga substation, the largest of its kind in Australia, and the construction of the new Dinawan substation to support regional energy security.
SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28
SA Water's record $3.3 billion capital delivery program for the 2024-28 regulatory period, covering water and wastewater infrastructure across South Australia. The program targets water main replacements, sewerage network upgrades, dam upgrades, water tank refurbishments, and treatment process upgrades across metropolitan and regional areas. A central $1.5 billion component supports the South Australian Premier's Housing Roadmap, expanding network capacity to unlock up to 40,000 new allotments, with major focus on Adelaide's northern growth corridors including Angle Vale, Riverlea, and Roseworthy. Six major framework partners (Fulton Hogan Utilities, John Holland and Guidera O'Connor JV, McConnell Dowell and Diona JV, BMD, Diona, and Leed Engineering and Construction) are delivering works across approximately 120 projects. In Year 1 (to June 2025), $681.6 million in capital was invested. The program runs to June 2028.
Wimmera Plains Energy Facility
A 312MW wind farm with an integrated 100MW/400MWh battery energy storage system, located on around 3,800 hectares of farming land approximately 15km north-east of Horsham, adjacent to the Jung township in western Victoria. The facility will comprise up to 52 wind turbines with a maximum blade-tip height of 247 metres. A Section 72 amendment to the Ministerial Permit was granted in December 2024, adding the Jung land parcel for ancillary infrastructure, formally including the BESS, and updating turbine specifications. Federal approval under the EPBC Act was granted in August 2024, with the assessment process completed in just over a month. The project will connect to an existing 220kV transmission line that traverses the site, requiring no new transmission infrastructure. It will continue to operate alongside ongoing cropping activities, occupying less than 3 percent of the total site. Once operational it is expected to power around 202,000 Victorian homes and offset approximately 1.2 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year. Construction is expected to commence in late 2025 and take two to three years.
Mildura Passenger Rail Return
Long-running advocacy and planning initiative to reinstate passenger rail services between Mildura and Melbourne, restoring a connection that ended in 1993. Mildura remains the largest Victorian regional centre without a passenger rail link. The current focus, as of 2026, has shifted to a staged 'Rails to Recovery' concept circulated by the Rail Revival Alliance Victoria, proposing a standard-gauge locomotive-hauled shuttle between Mildura and Maryborough, connecting with the existing V/Line VLocity service to Melbourne via Ballarat. Two active Victorian Parliament petitions are pushing for the trial: a Legislative Assembly e-petition closing 10 May 2026 and Legislative Council Petition #730 closing 28 February 2026. Mildura MP Jade Benham has renewed parliamentary calls and is meeting rail stakeholders to identify practical pathways. Mildura Rural City Council continues to advocate for the project under its Mildura Future Ready strategy. Significant infrastructure considerations remain, including upgrades at around 145 level crossings, rolling stock provisioning, and operating model. The Victorian Government has not committed funding for delivery as of early 2026.
Victorian Renewable Energy Zones
The Victorian Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) represent a strategic 15-year roadmap to upgrade the state electricity grid as it transitions from coal to renewable energy. Managed by VicGrid, the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan identifies six onshore zones (Central Highlands, Central North, Gippsland, North-West, South-West, and Western/Grampians) and a Gippsland Shoreline zone for offshore wind. The plan coordinates the connection of approximately 25GW of new solar, wind, and storage capacity by 2035, requiring nearly 800km of transmission upgrades. As of early 2026, VicGrid is finalizing the declaration of these zones following extensive community consultation on draft REZ orders, which closed in March 2026.
Horsham SmartWater & Integrated Water Management Project
Innovative recycled water infrastructure project that supports agricultural research and provides drought-proofing for green spaces in Horsham. The completed project delivers 126 megalitres of recycled water annually through a network of pipes connecting to parks, ovals, cemetery, and racecourse, reducing reliance on drinking water for irrigation. Includes Dissolved Air Flotation treatment facility and pipeline infrastructure.
SA Housing Trust Maintenance Contracts Review and Service Program
Statewide maintenance and service contracts for SA Housing Trust public housing properties, covering reactive maintenance, vacancy restoration and minor works across metropolitan and regional South Australia. The program is delivered by Spotless Facility Services, RTC Facilities Maintenance and Torrens Facility Management. A 2024 SA Government review examined payment, timeliness, dispute resolution and contract performance issues, and the government provided additional funding to accelerate maintenance and upgrades on vacant public housing homes.
Employment
Nhill Region ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance
Nhill Region has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. As of December 2025, unemployment rate is 1.6%.
Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.5%. Residents' unemployment rate is 2.0% lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, but workforce participation is lower at 57.7%. Around 17.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Agriculture, forestry & fishing sector has a significant share of employment, at 4.2 times the regional level.
Conversely, 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 December 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 0.5%, labour force decreased by 2.2%, resulting in a unemployment fall by 2.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a potential increase of 5.4% over five years and 12.1% over ten years for Nhill Region, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch
The Nhill Region SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $50,079 and an average of $60,568 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was lower than the national average, compared to Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Using a Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $54,897 (median) and $66,395 (average). From the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Nhill Region fell between the 11th and 20th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile showed that 27.2% of individuals earned between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the surrounding region at 30.3%. While housing costs were modest with 93.9% of income retained, total disposable income ranked at the 22nd percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Nhill Region is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Nhill Region's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.5% houses and 4.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Vic.'s 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 ones at 16.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $737, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in the area was $170, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Nhill Region's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $737 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
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% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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 prevalent at 10.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (27.6%). A total of 23.7% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Public transport analysis shows 14 active transport stops operating within the Nhill Region. These stops are served by 4 individual routes, collectively offering 47 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 539 meters from the nearest transport stop. In this primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 84%, while 13% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 17.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.
Service frequency averages 6 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
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. AreaSearch's assessment shows high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts.
Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 3,298 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis, affecting 12.2% of residents, and mental health issues, impacting 8.7%. Notably, 60.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. The working-age population faces substantial health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of 2021, the area has 28.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,917 people), higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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 the average, with 89.9% of its population being Australian citizens, born locally and speaking English predominantly at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Nhill Region, accounting for 57.6%, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic.. In terms of ancestry, Australians topped the list at 31.7%, followed by those of English descent also at 31.7%, and Germans at 10.8%, 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%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Nhill Region ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide
Nhill Region has a median age of 50, which is higher than Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and also above the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 15.2% of the region's population, compared to Regional Vic., while the 35-44 cohort makes up 10.4%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is higher than the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 14.0% to 15.2%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.7% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Nhill Region's age profile. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow by 198 people (28%), from 715 to 914. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts.