Chart Color Schemes
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Population
Albion Park Rail has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch
Albion Park Rail's population is 6,893 as of Nov 2025, a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 6,920. This change reflects an estimated resident population of 6,908 in June 2024 and 83 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 961 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.
Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to expand by 124 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 1.0% over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in Albion Park Rail according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
Albion Park Rail averaged approximately 36 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 181 homes. As of FY2025/26, 4 approvals have been recorded. The area has experienced population decline, with new supply likely keeping pace with demand, offering buyers good choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $325,000, below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options.
In FY2025/26, $16.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating moderate levels of commercial development compared to Rest of NSW. Albion Park Rail has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 75th percentile nationally for areas assessed. New building activity shows 15.0% detached dwellings and 85.0% attached dwellings, skewed toward compact living which offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This reflects a considerable change from the current housing mix of 78.0% houses due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Albion Park Rail has around 168 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low density area.
Population forecasts estimate Albion Park Rail will gain 70 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Albion Park Rail has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 21 projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Albion Park Rail Industrial Estate Development, Regional Multi-Sports, Aquatics & Leisure Facility, Shellharbour Airport Master Plan Upgrades, and Park Central Bulky Goods Complex. Below is a list of those likely to be most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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
Regional Multi-Sports, Aquatics & Leisure Facility
Phased development of an all-purpose indoor and outdoor sports facility, including aquatics, to meet growing community demand. The project is currently an advocacy priority for Shellharbour City Council, with a business case and comprehensive consultation planned to ensure financial sustainability and community needs are met. Its purpose is to serve as headquarters for sports associations and host events with equitable access for diverse groups.
Shellharbour Airport Master Plan Upgrades
Comprehensive long-term development planning for Shellharbour Airport. The Master Plan (adopted May 2024) evaluates current infrastructure and considers future needs, proposing three scenarios for expanding commercial airline operations (medium or large aircraft) and establishing a vibrant business hub. The next stage, active for up to 2 years, involves detailed safety and business cases for expanded operations, including modelling and analysis of impacts like aircraft noise and flight paths. Prior infrastructure work, including a new terminal and the initial stage of the Aviation Business Park, was part of a $20.35 million upgrade. Future upgrades could include runway lengthening, terminal enhancements, and additional parking, depending on the viability assessment.
Park Central Bulky Goods Complex
Park Central is Illawarra's newest and most central bulky goods complex comprising 10 retail outlets plus cafe across 14,000 square metres with 300 car spaces. The complex features major national retailers including Officeworks, Spotlight, Anaconda, Supercheap Auto, RSEA Safety, Autobarn, Sydney Tools, and Petstock. Located opposite Bunnings Shellharbour and within 4km of Stockland Shellharbour, it serves as the region's premier bulky goods destination.
Con O'Keefe and Russell Street Precinct Master Plan
A comprehensive master plan adopted by Shellharbour City Council in May 2024 to revitalize Con O'Keefe Park and Russell Street Precinct in Albion Park. The project includes library extension, new amenities building, community garden relocation, improved sports facilities with lighting, upgraded playgrounds, skate plaza, fitness stations, enhanced landscaping and accessibility improvements. The master plan will be delivered in stages over multiple years to serve the growing community needs.
Calderwood Public School
New public primary school with attached preschool to serve growing West Dapto/Calderwood area. Part of $1.4 billion regional schools program. Construction planned to begin 2025, completion by end of 2027.
Tripoli Way Extension
Construction of the final stage of the Tripoli Way Extension to create an uninterrupted travel route connecting Terry Street in the east to the Illawarra Highway at Broughton Avenue in the west, bypassing the Albion Park town centre. The project includes widening to four lanes to Calderwood Road and two lanes to Tongarra Road at Tullimbar. This will reduce traffic congestion on the Illawarra Highway/Tongarra Road and improve connectivity to growing communities like Tullimbar and Calderwood Valley. Early electrical works began February 2025. The full scope, including the Terry Street intersection upgrade, is now funded as part of a $74 million project.
Albion Park Rail Residential Development - Riverside Estate
Large residential development featuring 850 new homes across multiple stages. The development includes parks, walking trails along Macquarie Rivulet, and community facilities to support sustainable suburban growth.
Albion Park Rail Innovation Hub
Proposed innovation and technology hub to attract startups and established tech companies to the Illawarra region. The development includes co-working spaces, research facilities, and connections to University of Wollongong programs.
Employment
Employment conditions in Albion Park Rail face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally
Albion Park Rail has a balanced workforce consisting of white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 9.2%, indicating room for improvement compared to the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.
Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.2%. As of June 2025, 3,039 residents were employed, with workforce participation at 54.0%, lower than the Rest of NSW average of 56.4%. Major employment sectors for residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.3% compared to the regional average of 5.3%.
Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, labour force grew by 0.7%, and the unemployment rate fell by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and a labour force growth of 0.3%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Albion Park Rail's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Albion Park Rail SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,718 and an average of $63,951. This is slightly lower than the national average. Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $61,618 (median) and $72,015 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Albion Park Rail fall between the 16th and 29th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 34.5% of residents (2,378 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, reflecting regional patterns where 29.9% occupy this income range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Albion Park Rail, with only 81.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 25th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Albion Park Rail is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
Albion Park Rail's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.1% houses and 21.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is similar to Non-Metro NSW's structure of 79.0% houses and 21.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Albion Park Rail stood at 34.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.9% and rented ones at 27.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,820, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Albion Park Rail was $390, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $430. Nationally, Albion Park Rail's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Albion Park Rail has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 72.3% of all households, including 26.5% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 16.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 25.0% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Albion Park Rail faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally
The area's university qualification rate is 10.1%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common among residents with higher education qualifications at 7.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 46.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (36.4%). Educational participation is high, with 26.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.
This includes 9.1% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Albion Park Rail has 79 active public transport stops, served by 50 routes. These offer 1,821 weekly passenger trips. Residents are typically 115 meters from the nearest stop.
There are approximately 260 trips per day and 23 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Albion Park Rail is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts
Albion Park Rail faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups.
Private health cover is held by approximately 51% of the total population (~3,529 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.3% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 11.0%). Conversely, 57.3% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 65.2% in the Rest of NSW. As of 2016, 21.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,495 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, largely mirroring those of the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Albion Park Rail ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Albion Park Rail, as per the data, has a population that is predominantly Australian-born with 84.3% having been born in Australia. This is accompanied by a high citizenship rate of 91.1%. The language spoken primarily at home is English, with 93.5% reporting this.
Christianity is the dominant religion in Albion Park Rail, comprising 55.5% of its population, which is slightly lower than the regional average of 57.3%. The top three ancestry groups are English (30.8%), Australian (30.0%), and Scottish (7.6%). Notable differences exist in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Spanish is overrepresented at 0.8% compared to the regional figure of 1.0%, Maltese shows no difference with both being 1.3%, while Macedonian is underrepresented at 0.6% versus the regional average of 1.9%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Albion Park Rail's population is slightly older than the national pattern
The median age in Albion Park Rail is 40 years, slightly below Rest of NSW's average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 15.9% locally compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 45-54 age group is under-represented at 10.2%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.3% to 15.9%, and the 75-84 cohort has grown from 6.6% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 13.4% to 12.0%, and the 45-54 group has decreased from 11.4% to 10.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Albion Park Rail, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to expand by 132 people (12%), reaching 1,232 from its current 1,099. Meanwhile, the 45-54 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.