Shellharbour - Oak Flats

SA2

Rest of NSW / Kiama - Shellharbour

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Data Sources ABSValuer GeneralRental BoardACARA Newest Sep 2026 · Refreshed ABS QuickStats 107031142 How we calculate this
Chart Color Schemes
Loading map data ...
Statistical Area (SA2) Boundary Analysis

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.

0 People

est. as @ -- *

ABS ERP | -- people | --

2021 Census | -- people

Land Area
--
Land Area
Population Density
--
Density
Unemployment Rate
--
Unemployment
Development
--
Resi Approvals
Get My Report

Sales ActivityProperty Sales Trends in Shellharbour - Oak Flats

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

The median house price in Shellharbour - Oak Flats is $1.05m, with units at $829k. House values have moved 4.7% a year compounded over five years.

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.

Median Price
$0
1yr Sales Volume
0
Find a Recent Sale
Type Specified (1) | Limit 50

Sales Detail

Loading rental data…

DemographicsPopulation Growth in Shellharbour - Oak Flats

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

Shellharbour - Oak Flats has an estimated 11,115 residents, up from 10,590 at the 2021 Census — a change of 525 people, or 5.0%. Growth has averaged 1.0% a year over five years. 288 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Overseas migration accounts for 52.2% of that increase. That puts 1,837 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.

Detail

According to research conducted by AreaSearch, the population residing in Shellharbour - Oak Flats stands at roughly 11,115 as of Aug 2026. This represents an addition of 525 people (5.0%) compared to the 10,590 people recorded in the 2021 Census. Such demographic movement is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population figure of 11,008 alongside 288 validated new addresses registered following the Census. Density sits at 1,837 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality ahead of national benchmark levels evaluated by AreaSearch. The post-census expansion of 5.0% trails Rest of NSW (5.1%) by merely 0.1 percentage points, highlighting solid local momentum.

Inflow from abroad served as the primary growth catalyst, generating roughly 52.2% of recent net gains, while interstate relocation and natural increase likewise delivered positive contributions. Projections published by ABS/Geoscience Australia in 2024 using 2022 as baseline data have been incorporated by AreaSearch across SA2 boundaries. Where local coverage is absent, state government figures issued in 2022 using 2021 as a base year are applied instead. Age-specific growth trajectories derived from these series are additionally projected forward across all localities between 2032 to 2041. Long-term modeling places the area among the top quartile of regional Australian locations for expansion, with forecasts anticipating an influx of 2,361 persons by 2041 based on recent annual ERP statistics, which equates to an overall gain of 20.3% across the 16 years.

Frequently Asked Questions - Population

What is the latest population estimate for the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
Total population for the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 was estimated to be approximately 11,115 as at Aug 26. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 11,008 from the ABS up to June 2025.
How has the population in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 changed since 2021?
The shellharbour - oak flats sa2 has added approximately 525 people and shown a 4.96% increase from the 10,590 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
What is the population density in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
The population density in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is estimated at 1,837 persons per square kilometer based on the latest population estimate.
How much has the population grown over the past 10 years in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.8% per annum.
What are the main drivers of population growth in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
Population growth in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is driven by: Overseas migration (52.2%), Natural increase (24.5%), Interstate migration (23.3%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 52.2% of overall population gains.

Residential SupplyHousing Development & Building Approvals in Shellharbour - Oak Flats

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

367 new dwellings have been approved in Shellharbour - Oak Flats over the past five years, an average of 73 a year. That places the area in the 68th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 7 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 73 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 19% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.

Detail

Residential building activity across Shellharbour - Oak Flats has generated an average of roughly 73 approved dwellings annually, amounting to 367 homes across the past 5 financial years. With 1.4 new residents arriving annually per newly approved dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), local supply and demand dynamics remain healthy and stable, while the average expected construction cost for new residences sits at $377,000, aligning with regional standards. Concurrently, non-residential building activity registered $22.3 million in commercial approvals during the current financial year, signaling moderate non-residential investment.

On a per-capita basis, Shellharbour - Oak Flats generates roughly 75% of the building volume seen across Rest of NSW, ranking within the 74th percentile among national statistical divisions. Recent building approvals show 19.0% allocated to detached houses and 81.0% focused on attached formats. This shift toward medium-density housing introduces more accessible price brackets for first-home buyers, downsizers, and property investors. It also represents a clear structural pivot from established residential stock (where separate houses make up 76.0%), reflecting tighter supplies of greenfield land alongside changing lifestyle needs and affordability considerations. With roughly 160 people per approval, the district retains a low-density character. Longer-term demographic modeling indicates that Shellharbour - Oak Flats will expand by 2,253 residents through to 2041 (benchmarked against the newest quarterly release from AreaSearch). Residential building rates are tracking steadily alongside demographic demand, though prospective purchasers may face heightened market competition as the local community grows.

Frequently Asked Questions - Development

How many dwelling approvals have occurred in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 recently?
Dwelling approval activity in the the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 area has seen 147 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2's current population of 11,115 has been supported by 73 approvals on average over recent years.
How does the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2's development activity compare to the broader region?
The Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 has seen 0.68 approvals per 100 people in recent years, compared to 0.56 approvals in the broader region. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 160 people in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2, compared to one for every 183 in the broader region.
Is the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 keeping up with housing demand?
With the population expected to increase by 2,253 people by 2041, around 1,127 new dwellings will be necessary. Recent approval levels appear broadly sufficient to meet these forecasts, considering the census average of 2.0 persons per dwelling.
What has been the trend in development approvals over the past five years in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2's approval levels have been consistent with the yearly average of 73, showing stable development patterns.
How many dwellings will be needed to accommodate future population growth in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
The population in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is expected to grow by 2,253 people by 2041, necessitating approximately 1,127 new dwellings. This calculation is based on the current census average of 2.0 persons per dwelling in the area.
How does recent development compare to population growth in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
Over the past five years, the population in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 has grown by approximately 837 people, while 367 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 2.3 people added for each new dwelling approval. This indicates solid population growth supported by housing development activity.
Are there opportunities for residential developers in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
With dwelling approval activity running at an average of 73 approvals per year and a population of 11,115, the market appears to be reasonably balanced between supply and demand, presenting moderate opportunities for well-positioned developments. With the population expected to increase by 2,253 people by 2041, around 1,127 new dwellings will be necessary. Current approval trends may be insufficient to meet forecast demand, indicating strong development opportunities.
Approvals Pipeline Development applications near Shellharbour - Oak Flats

Development applications around Shellharbour - Oak Flats

Development approvals is a new addition to AreaSearch. We’re actively expanding council coverage and refining the dataset — details and statuses for some councils may be partial. Check back regularly for the latest pipeline.
Applications
In this area
Est. Value
Where disclosed
Under Assessment
Awaiting determination
Determined
Approved or decided
Approvals pipeline Status, location, timing and project scale
Search

Loading development applications…

Lodged Address Description Type Distance Status

SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.

Project PipelineInfrastructure & Major Projects in Shellharbour - Oak Flats

PROFILE FAQ

AreaSearch tracks 6 current infrastructure and development projects inside Shellharbour - Oak Flats, worth an estimated $101 million. A further 105 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $15.7 billion. 33 are already under construction and 58 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.

Detail

Community development and local market trajectories are heavily guided by strategic planning, capital works, and civic infrastructure delivery. AreaSearch has highlighted 6 key initiatives with significant local relevance. Prominent among these are the Playground Renewals & Upgrades Program (Jilba Park, Collins Reserve), The Links Hotel, Albion Park Quarry Extraction Area Stage 7 Extension, and the Blackbutt Dam Modification, with further details on top projects outlined below.

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

INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
All Selected

AI Generated 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

What are some of the major infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 include: Playground Renewals & Upgrades Program (Jilba Park, Collins Reserve) (Construction); The Links Hotel (Proposed); Albion Park Quarry Extraction Area Stage 7 Extension (Dev. Approval); Blackbutt Dam Modification (Completed); and Regional Multi-Sports, Aquatics and Leisure Facility (Proposed). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
What types of infrastructure projects are impacting the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
Infrastructure development impacting the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 spans multiple sectors including Transport & Logistics, Sports & Recreation, and Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, among others.
What is the scale of infrastructure investment impacting the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
Infrastructure investment analysis indicates substantial capital deployment exceeding $1.8 billion in projects that will impact the extended area, with a notable concentration of investment within the immediate the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 vicinity.
How does the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2's infrastructure development compare to other areas?
With an infrastructure score in the top 30%, the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 demonstrates above-average development activity compared to national benchmarks.
Shellharbour City Centre Masterplan
Category: Commercial & Industrial
Stage: Approved | Est. Comp: N/A

The Shellharbour City Centre Masterplan establishes the overarching urban design and development framework across 14 precincts within the Shellharbour central business area. Formally incorporated into the Shellharbour Development Control Plan by Shellharbour City Council, the masterplan regulates building heights, active street frontages, and public realm improvements. It provides clear statutory guidance for major commercial, retail, and medium-to-high-density residential proposals.

Commercial & Industrial

The Links Hotel
Category: Tourism
Stage: Proposed | Est. Comp: 2028
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Proposed hotel development on a 6,736 sqm parcel of Council-owned land (Lot 1 DP 1098888) beside The Links Golf Course at Shell Cove, around 300 metres from the new Shellharbour Hospital. Shellharbour City Council ran an Expressions of Interest process seeking an experienced hotel developer partner to design, build and operate the hotel. Concept plans prepared by Jackson Teece Architecture call for at least 140 rooms, a restaurant and bar, meeting and event spaces, a wellness and gym area, and dedicated parking.The project aims to address a local shortage of overnight accommodation, support tourism, business travel and visiting healthcare workers and patients, and create local jobs. EOI submissions closed in October 2025 and Council has not yet announced a selected developer as of mid-2026; the hotel remains targeted to open by the end of 2028.

Tourism

Playground Renewals & Upgrades Program (Jilba Park, Collins Reserve)
Category: Sports & Recreation
Stage: Completed | Est. Comp: 2026
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Shellharbour City Council program renewing and upgrading local community playgrounds to enhance safety, accessibility, and multi-generational play. The program includes fence additions, updated inclusive play equipment, and nature play spaces across sites such as Collins Reserve and Jilba Park.

Sports & Recreation

Stockland Shellharbour Retail Park Expansion
Category: Retail
Stage: Completed | Est. Comp: 2019
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Retail park expansion and tenant remix adjacent to the main Stockland Shellharbour centre. Works since 2013 have established a major regional retail destination anchored by Myer in the mall and, at the retail park, large-format tenancies including Woolworths, Dan Murphys, Chemist Warehouse, Baby Bunting, Petbarn, Rebel, Ronis and TK Maxx. In 2025 the site added 10 Ampol AmpCharge EV bays, indicating ongoing operational upgrades.

Retail

Blackbutt Dam Modification
Category: Environmental & Disaster Management
Stage: Completed | Est. Comp: 2022
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Modifications to Blackbutt Dam by Shellharbour City Council, including lowering the water level, reconstructing the embankment and spillway, and site restoration. The project was undertaken to improve safety, meet compliance requirements from Dams Safety NSW, and resulted in the dam being de-prescribed as a declared dam in 2022. Final landscaping works were scheduled for Spring 2022.

Environmental & Disaster Management

13 Benson Avenue Residential Development
Category: Residential Development
Stage: Planning | Est. Comp: 0

Construction of an eight-storey residential flat building comprising 55 residential units, two levels of basement car parking, landscaping, drainage, a two-lot Torrens Title subdivision, and part public road and civil works in Shellharbour City Centre. The Development Application (DA0544/2021) was lodged in August 2021 and is currently still in the assessment/planning stage with Shellharbour City Council.

Residential Development

Calderwood Public School
Category: Education & Training
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2028
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

New public primary school and co-located preschool at the corner of Calderwood Road and Escarpment Drive, Calderwood. The school will accommodate 576 students across 24 permanent classrooms, 3 support learning classrooms, a library, hall, covered outdoor learning area (COLA), canteen and administration areas. The co-located public preschool will have 60 places. Construction awarded to ADCO Constructions with main works commencing June 2026, targeting Day 1 Term 1 2028 opening. Part of the NSW Government's $9 billion school infrastructure investment including $2.1 billion for regional NSW.

Education & Training

New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services
Category: Health & Medical
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2027
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

A $828.9 million regional acute healthcare facility serving the Illawarra region, featuring a 7-storey building with an expanded emergency department, elective surgical center, mental health unit, rooftop helipad, and acute medical services.

Health & Medical

Jobs & IndustryEmployment Trends in Shellharbour - Oak Flats

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

5,350 residents of Shellharbour - Oak Flats are employed, from a labour force of 5,729. Unemployment sits at 6.6%, with participation at 62.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 12,154, about 109% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.

Detail

The local labour market in Shellharbour - Oak Flats displays an even distribution between professional and vocational roles, supported by a healthy presence of essential service workers, an unemployment rate of 6.6%, and 2.5% job growth across the preceding twelve months. Employment was recorded at 5,350 residents as of March 2026, while local joblessness exceeds the 4.1% figure in Regional NSW by 2.5%, and labour force participation mirrors the wider Regional NSW mark of 60.6%. At the Census, roughly 21.1% of local workers reported working remotely, a statistic influenced by prevailing Covid-19 restrictions.

Health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade constitute the primary sources of employment for local workers. In particular, the construction industry displays strong local concentration, employing residents at 1.3 times the regional rate. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for a minimal share, absorbing just 0.4% of the workforce in Shellharbour - Oak Flats relative to 5.3% across Regional NSW. A local balance of 0.7 jobs per resident worker at the Census demonstrates an above-average availability of nearby positions. AreaSearch evaluation of ABS and SALM indicators shows that over the twelve months to March 2026, resident employment rose by 2.5% while the local workforce expanded by 2.6%, resulting in an uptick of 0.1 percentage points in the jobless rate. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced a 0.9% contraction in employment, a 0.4% reduction in the workforce, and a 0.5 percentage points increase in unemployment. Future labour demand can also be evaluated using Jobs and Skills Australia national projections from Mar-26. These five and ten-year models have been calibrated against local industry compositions. Across Australia, total employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying widely by sector. Weighting these sectoral expectations against the workforce structure of Shellharbour - Oak Flats implies local employment gains of 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years (representing an illustrative proportional extrapolation that excludes localized demographic projections).

Frequently Asked Questions - Employment

What is the employment situation in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
As of March 2026, the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 has approximately 5,350 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 6.6%. The unemployment rate is moderate, indicating some available workforce capacity. The area faces employment challenges compared to other regions nationally.
How does the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2's unemployment rate compare to the broader region?
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 stands at 6.6%, which is 2.5 percentage points above Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%. This higher unemployment rate may indicate local labour market challenges. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
What are the major employment sectors in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
The employment landscape in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (17.7% of employment), construction (13.0%), and retail trade (11.7%). Other significant employers include education & training and manufacturing.
How has employment changed recently in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
Over the past year to March 2026, the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has rise. By comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decreased and its unemployment rate rose.
What is the workforce participation rate in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
The workforce participation rate in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is 62.1%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This healthy participation rate reflects good employment opportunities and workforce engagement. The local rate leading the Regional NSW average of 60.6%, showing similar workforce dynamics to the broader region.
Which industries are over-represented in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2's employment market?
The shellharbour - oak flats sa2 shows notable specialization in construction, which employs 13.0% of the local workforce compared to 9.7% regionally. This moderate specialization indicates some local strength in the sector.
What are the employment growth prospects for the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
Based on Jobs and Skills Australia projections applied to the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2's industry mix, employment is expected to grow by 6.4% over the next five years and 13.3% over ten years. This compares to national growth expectations of 6.6% over five years. Steady growth is anticipated across multiple sectors, providing diverse employment opportunities.
How does the job market in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 compare nationally?
The shellharbour - oak flats sa2's employment market shows weaker performance compared to most areas nationally. This suggests the need for targeted economic development initiatives. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region experienced 1.6% growth, ranking 9.0th out of 37 regions nationally.
What employment opportunities exist for skilled workers in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
Skilled workers will find good opportunities in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2, with skilled sectors accounting for 33.3% of employment. Key sectors for skilled workers include health care & social assistance (17.7%), education & training (8.2%), and professional & technical (4.2%). With projected employment growth of 6.4% over five years, demand for skilled workers is expected to remain strong.

EarningsHousehold Income in Shellharbour - Oak Flats

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

Median household income in Shellharbour - Oak Flats is $1,478 a week (about $77,000 a year), with median personal income at $692 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $57,449 a year against an average of $71,494. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.

Detail

ATO postcode records compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 place earnings in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 above national benchmarks, registering a median of $57,449 alongside an average of $71,494. These results surpass Regional NSW, where median and average figures stand at $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Factoring in a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 brings current indexed estimates to approximately $63,378 (median) and $78,872 (average) as of March 2026. Looking back at the 2021 Census, individual, family, and household earnings occupy moderate percentiles nationally, ranging from the 26th to the 34th percentiles.

The single largest earnings bracket accounts for 30.4% of earners making $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,378 residents), closely aligning with the broader region where 29.9% fall into this range. Housing cost burdens are pronounced, leaving 82.7% of income disposable after housing expenses, which places the district in the 33rd percentile.

Frequently Asked Questions - Income

What is the median taxable income in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is approximately $63,378. The official ATO data from FY-23 recorded a median of $57,449.
What is the average taxable income in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is approximately $78,872. The official ATO data from FY-23 recorded an average of $71,494.
How does the median taxable income in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 compare to the region?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is approximately $63,378 compared to $57,797 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-23 shows $57,449 and $52,390 respectively.
How does the average taxable income in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 compare to the region?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is approximately $78,872 compared to $71,945 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-23 shows $71,494 and $65,215 respectively.
What are the main income cohorts in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 according to the 2021 Census?
As per the 2021 Census, the income bracket containing the largest proportion (~30.4% / 3,378 persons) of the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2's population is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
How do the main income cohorts in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 compare to the region?
The largest income cohort in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 30.4% of the population. In comparison, Regional NSW's largest income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 29.9% of its population, according to the 2021 Census.
What is the median household income in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 according to the 2021 Census?
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is $1,478/wk.
What is the median family income in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 according to the 2021 Census?
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is $1,846/wk.
What is the median personal income in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 according to the 2021 Census?
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is $692/wk.
How does the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2's income rank nationally?
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $57,449 with the average level standing at $71,494. This is above the national average and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $63,378 (median) and $78,872 (average) as of March 2026.
What is the disposable income in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
The estimated disposable income in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is $5,295 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
How does the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2's disposable income compare to the region?
The shellharbour - oak flats sa2's disposable income is $5,295 compared to $5,252 for Regional NSW, based on AreaSearch analysis.

Housing StockHousing & Dwellings in Shellharbour - Oak Flats

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

Shellharbour - Oak Flats had 3,967 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 76% detached houses and 4% apartments. 31% are owned with a mortgage, 27% rented and 42% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $425 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,950 a month. Rent absorbs 28.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 30.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.

Detail

Residential housing composition in Shellharbour - Oak Flats at the most recent Census comprised 75.5% separate houses and 24.5% semi-detached, apartment, and other property types, compared to 82.6% standalone houses and 17.4% alternate dwelling formats throughout Regional NSW. Fully owned properties accounted for 41.6% of homes, exceeding regional levels, while remaining residences were under a mortgage (31.2%) or tenanted (27.2%). Monthly median mortgage costs reached $1,950, notably higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of $1,733, while median weekly rent stood at $425 against $330 regionally. Relative to national figures, local mortgage obligations exceed the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents track considerably higher than the $375 recorded nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions - Housing

What percentage of homes are owned vs rented in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
In the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2, 41.6% of homes are owned outright, 31.2% are owned with a mortgage, and 27.2% are rented.
What percentage of dwellings in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 are houses?
According to the latest data, 75.5% of dwellings in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 are houses.
What percentage of dwellings in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 are apartments or units?
In the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2, 4.2% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 20.0% being semi-detached dwellings.
What is the level of outright home ownership in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
Outright home ownership in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 stands at 41.6%, compared to 39.6% in Regional NSW.
What is the median monthly mortgage repayment in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is $1,950, compared to $1,733 in Regional NSW.
What is the median weekly rent in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
The median weekly rent in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is $425, compared to $330 in Regional NSW.
What is the distribution of rental prices in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
In the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2, 7.7% of rentals are $0-149/week, 23.0% are $150-349/week, 67.3% are $350-649/week, 1.5% are $650-949/week, and 0.5% are $950+/week.
What is the average monthly housing cost in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is $1,109, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
What percentage of income do residents spend on housing in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
In the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 30.4% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 28.8% of their income on rent.
How crowded are homes in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
How does housing affordability in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 compare to the region?
Housing affordability in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 30.4% of income on repayments (vs 27.9% regionally), while renters spend 28.8% of income on rent (vs 23.0% regionally).
What types of dwellings are most common in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
The dwelling mix in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 consists of 75.5% detached houses, 20.0% semi-detached dwellings, 4.2% apartments, and 0.3% other dwelling types.
What is the weighted average housing cost based on tenure mix in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
Considering the housing occupancy patterns, the weighted average monthly housing cost is approximately $1,109. This accounts for outright owners paying no housing costs, mortgage holders paying $1,950/month, and renters paying $1,840/month.
How affordable is housing in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 relative to local incomes?
Housing in Shellharbour - Oak Flats consumes approximately 17.3% of median household income ($6,400 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
How do proposed developments compare to existing housing types in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
Recent development applications in Shellharbour - Oak Flats show attached dwellings contributing 81% of approvals compared to 24% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 19% of applications versus 76% of current dwellings. This suggests increasing densification. This area is seeing substantial increases in dwelling density compared to most Australian locations.

HouseholdsHousehold Composition in Shellharbour - Oak Flats

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

Shellharbour - Oak Flats counted 3,967 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.5 people each. 29% are couples with children, against 29% couples without children. 24% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.

Detail

Families constitute the clear majority of local living arrangements at 73.3%, consisting of couples with children (29.1%), couples without children (28.8%), and single parent households (13.8%). The balance of 26.7% consists of non-family living situations, led by single-person residences at 24.1% alongside group accommodations at 2.6%. The typical household comprises 2.5 people, exceeding the Regional NSW median of 2.4.

Frequently Asked Questions - Households

How many households are in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
As of the 2021 Census, the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 had 3,967 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 5.0% to an estimated 4,164 households today.
What is the typical household size?
The median household size in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is 2.5 people. This compares to 2.4 in Regional NSW and reflects the area's household composition mix.
What types of households are most common?
Family households dominate at 73.3% of all households. The remaining households consist of lone person households (24.1%), group households (2.6%), and other household types (0.0%).
How are families structured in the area?
Among the 2,907 family households, 29.1% are couples with children, 28.8% are couples without children at home, and 13.8% are single parent families. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
How does the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 compare to regional household patterns?
Compared to Regional NSW, the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 shows distinct household patterns. This family-oriented profile influences local demand for family homes, schools, and children's services.
What is the average family size?
Families in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 have an average of 1.8 children, matching the Regional NSW average of 1.8. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
What are the marriage patterns in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
Marriage patterns reveal 45.8% of the adult population are currently married, while 33.3% have never married. This compares to 45.6% married and 34.3% never married across Regional NSW.
How significant are single-person households?
Single-person households represent 24.1% of all households in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2, similar to the regional average of 27.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Are shared living arrangements common?
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.6% of households, well below the Regional NSW average of 3.3%. This low rate suggests limited student or young professional shared accommodation.
Loading household composition data...

EducationSchools & Education in Shellharbour - Oak Flats

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

15.2% of adults in Shellharbour - Oak Flats hold a university qualification, including 10.6% with a bachelor degree and 3.0% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 32.1% hold a vocational qualification. 5 schools serve the area, with 2,879 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 989 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.

Detail

Tertiary attainment levels present an area for development locally, as university degree holders make up 15.2% of the populace, lagging the NSW benchmark of 32.2%. Among higher education credentials, bachelor degrees represent 10.6%, postgraduate degrees account for 3.0%, and graduate diplomas stand at 1.6%. In contrast, technical and vocational training is widespread, with 43.3% of individuals aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (32.1%). A significant proportion of the population is engaged in study, with 26.0% attending an educational institution. This enrollment base comprises 8.9% in primary schooling, 7.4% in high school, and 3.7% in tertiary courses.

Frequently Asked Questions - Education

What percentage of people in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 have university qualifications?
15.2% of people aged 15 and over in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the broader region.
What percentage of people in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 have no formal qualifications?
41.6% of people aged 15 and over in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 39.1% regionally.
How does the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2's education level compare to national averages?
The shellharbour - oak flats sa2 ranks in the 34th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
What types of qualifications are most common in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
The most common qualifications in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 are: Certificate (32.1%), Advanced Diploma (11.2%), Bachelor Degree (10.6%).
What proportion of the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2's population is currently attending educational institutions?
26.0% of the population in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, with 8.9% in primary school, 7.4% in secondary school, 3.7% at university.
What is the ICSEA score for schools in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is 989, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
How many schools are located within the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
There are 5 schools within the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 2,879 students.
What types of schools are available in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
The shellharbour - oak flats sa2 includes 3 primary schools, 2 secondary schools.

Schools Detail

AmenitiesServices & Amenities in Shellharbour - Oak Flats

PROFILE FAQ
Explore the surrounds Search this catchment for any place type — schools, cafés, supermarkets, transport — and drop your own custom points on the map.
Open

Getting AroundTransport & Commuting in Shellharbour - Oak Flats

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

Public transport in Shellharbour - Oak Flats reaches 100 stops on 56 routes, timetabled for about 3,000 services a week. The typical home sits about 160 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.

Detail

The local transit framework across Shellharbour - Oak Flats features 100 active transport stops encompassing both bus and rail networks. These points are connected across 56 individual routes that provide a total of 2,972 weekly passenger trips. Transit access is rated as excellent, with typical walking distances of 157 meters to reach the closest boarding point. Reflecting the area's predominantly residential footprint, commuting is heavily outward-focused, with private vehicles accounting for 93% of journeys. Vehicle availability sits at 1.5 per dwelling. At the 2021 Census, 21.1% of residents indicated they worked from home, which may capture the effect of pandemic measures.

Transit services run at a combined rate of 424 trips per day across the network, translating to roughly 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

Frequently Asked Questions - Transport

How many public transport stops are in Shellharbour - Oak Flats?
There are 100 public transport stops within the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2.
How frequent are the transport services in Shellharbour - Oak Flats?
the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 has 2,972 weekly trips across 56 routes, averaging 424 trips per day.
How far are residents from public transport in Shellharbour - Oak Flats?
On average, residential properties are 157 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Transport Stops Detail

HealthcareHealth Services in Shellharbour - Oak Flats

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

62.3% of residents in Shellharbour - Oak Flats report no long-term health condition. 7.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 54.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.

Detail

Health assessments by AreaSearch based on mortality figures and long-term illness rates reveal notable health considerations in Shellharbour - Oak Flats, with medical conditions evident across the broader community and concentrated more heavily among mature demographics. Private hospital and health insurance uptake is comparatively robust, covering roughly 55% of the populace (~6,102 people), outperforming the 51.9% recorded across Regional NSW. Arthritis and mental health conditions emerge as the most widely reported chronic diagnoses, recorded by 10.9 and 9.5% of the local populace respectively, whereas 62.3% of residents stated they had no long-term illnesses, comparable to 63.3% across Regional NSW.

Working-age residents experience an elevated incidence of long-term health issues. Seniors aged 65 and over comprise 24.3% of the community (2,696 people), exhibiting some specific health needs while ranking below national benchmarks for elderly health challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions - Health

How many people in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 have private health insurance?
Around 54.9% of people in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 51.9% in the broader region of Regional NSW.
What percentage of the population requires ongoing medical assistance in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
In the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2, 7.6% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. This figure is slightly different from the regional average, where 6.8% of people in Regional NSW require similar assistance.
How prevalent is asthma in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
7.8% of people in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 8.4% of the population across Regional NSW is affected by asthma.
What percentage of people have diabetes in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
Diabetes affects 5.3% of the the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 population, while in the surrounding region, 4.7% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
What is the percentage of people with heart disease in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
4.6% of people in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 have heart disease. Across the region of Regional NSW, 4.4% of the population is affected by heart disease.
How does the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 compare to the region in terms of overall private health coverage?
In the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2, 54.9% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Regional NSW sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 51.9%.

Ancestry & LanguageCultural Diversity in Shellharbour - Oak Flats

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

Shellharbour - Oak Flats is largely Australian-born, at 79.4% of residents, with 13.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (27.8%) and Australian (26.7%). 3.0% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.

Detail

Cultural diversity within Shellharbour - Oak Flats tracks above broader benchmarks, with overseas-born individuals comprising 20.6% of residents and 13.1% utilizing a non-English language at home. Christianity forms the dominant faith tradition, embraced by 56.7% of the community in Shellharbour - Oak Flats, relative to 55.9% across Regional NSW. Examining parental heritage, the most prevalent ancestral lineages identified across Shellharbour - Oak Flats include English (27.8%), Australian (26.7%), and Other backgrounds (7.1%). Several specific ancestral communities show elevated concentrations compared to regional figures, including Macedonian at 3.4% (vs 0.4%), Spanish at 1.6% (vs 0.3% regionally), and Serbian at 0.6% (vs 0.2%).

Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity

What is the level of cultural diversity in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
Shellharbour - Oak Flats was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 20.6% of its population born overseas and 13.1% speaking a language other than English at home.
What is the most common religion in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
The main religion in Shellharbour - Oak Flats was found to be Christianity, which makes up 56.7% of people in Shellharbour - Oak Flats. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.
What are the top countries of origin in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Shellharbour - Oak Flats are English, comprising 27.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 26.7% of the population, and Other, comprising 7.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Spanish is notably overrepresented at 1.6% of Shellharbour - Oak Flats (vs 0.3% regionally), Macedonian at 3.4% (vs 0.4%) and Serbian at 0.6% (vs 0.2%).
How does the percentage of people born overseas compare to the regional average?
20.6% of the the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 13.0% regionally.
What percentage of the the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 population speaks a language other than English at home?
13.1% of the population in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 7.1% in the wider region.
How many people in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 identify as Australian Aboriginal?
3.0% of the the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 4.6% in the region.
What is the citizenship status of the population in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
90.4% of the the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 89.2% in the wider region.

Age StructureAge Profile of Shellharbour - Oak Flats

Table Chart PROFILE FAQ

The median resident of Shellharbour - Oak Flats is 43. 25.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.

Detail

The demographic structure of Shellharbour - Oak Flats aligns closely with Regional NSW benchmarks, showing a maximum variance of only 1.2 percentage points. The median age is estimated at 43 as at August 2026, matching both its 2021 Census figure and the Regional NSW Census benchmark of 43, while sitting above the national median of 38. Since the Census, the share of residents aged 45 - 64 has dropped from 26.7% to an estimated 23.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, adults aged 25 - 44 will drive the bulk of local population expansion, gaining 870 residents (32%) to reach a total of 3,556.

Frequently Asked Questions - Age

What is the median age in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 at 43 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 43 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
How does the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2's median age compare to broader areas?
At an estimated 43 years as at August 2026, Shellharbour - Oak Flats is equal to the Regional NSW 2021 Census average and 5 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
What age groups are over-represented in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 13.0% of the population.
What age groups are under-represented in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 5 - 14 group, making up 10.4% of the population.
Are there age groups with notable population variances?
No, the age distribution in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 is broadly in line with the Regional NSW region.
What is the percentage of children (0-14 years) in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 16.2% of the population in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 as at August 2026.
What is the percentage of older people (65+ years) in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2?
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 24.3% of the population in the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 as at August 2026.

Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Shellharbour - Oak Flats

Data currency Refreshed

9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.

Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.

The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section

Section Source & update cycle Currency
Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections
Population ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline.
Age profile ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate.
Development & approvals ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline
Property sales & rents Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures
Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026.
Infrastructure projects Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily Aug 2026 last month all 6 projects tracked here
Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026.
Employment ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census.
Education ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Transport ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Services & amenities Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures
Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections
Income ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail.
Health ABS, ATO Annual 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current.
Housing ABS 5-yearly (Census) 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures
Households ABS 5-yearly (Census) 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures
Cultural diversity ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures

"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.

How the numbers are built

Population

The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 288 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (10,590 at the 2021 Census → 11,115 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.

Age profile

Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".

Property sales

Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.

Rents

Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.

Development & infrastructure

Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.

Employment & income

Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.

Education, transport & amenities

School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.

Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.

Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.

Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (107031142). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.

Common questions about this page

Why can the Shellharbour - Oak Flats SA2 boundary differ from the suburb boundary?
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
Where does the data on this Shellharbour - Oak Flats page come from?
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources — including ABS, Geoscience Australia, Valuer General, Provider directories, DEWR, JSA, State Transport Departments and ACARA — then aggregates them to the boundary shown and calculates the rankings, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments.
Is the Shellharbour - Oak Flats data on this page just from the 2021 Census?
No. Most of this page is maintained well beyond the Census. Sourced entirely from current releases: development & approvals (Aug 2026), property sales & rents (Sep 2026), infrastructure projects (Aug 2026) and services & amenities (Jul 2026). Built on a Census baseline but carrying newer measures on top: population (to Aug 2026), age profile (to Aug 2026), employment (to Mar 2026), income (to FY 2023), education (to Aug 2026), transport (to Jul 2026) and health (to 2024). Population and age cohorts in particular are re-based to the latest ABS Estimated Resident Population rather than left at 2021 counts. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.

Nearby Areas