Shortland - Jesmond

Shortland - Jesmond lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Shortland - Jesmond's population is around 14,279 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,686 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,593 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,955 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 284 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,123 persons per square kilometer. Shortland - Jesmond's growth rate of 13.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area's growth rate of 5.1%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 94.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Exceptional growth is predicted over the period, placing Shortland - Jesmond in the top 10 percent of Australian non-metropolitan areas. The area is expected to increase by 7,725 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 51.8% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Shortland - Jesmond among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Shortland - Jesmond has received around 65 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals 325 homes from FY-17 to FY-21. As of FY-26, there have been 52 approvals recorded. On average, 4.5 people move into the area each year for every dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25.

This indicates that supply is lagging behind demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost of new homes in the area is $238,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options for purchasers. In the current financial year, Shortland - Jesmond has recorded $51.2 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. The construction rates per person in the area are similar to those in the Rest of NSW, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas. Recent construction comprises 15.0% standalone homes and 85.0% medium and high-density housing.

This shift towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. It also reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The current housing mix in Shortland - Jesmond is 66.0% houses. However, the trend towards denser development indicates a considerable change from this current mix. The area has approximately 350 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its established status. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Shortland - Jesmond is forecasted to gain 7,401 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth in the area.

Shortland - Jesmond has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects that may affect the region. Notable ones include Shortland Waters Retirement Village, 9 Gothic Street Student Accommodation, Callaghan Campus Heart, and 93 Blue Gum Road Co-Living Development. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment drivers in Shortland - Jesmond are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Shortland - Jesmond has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 6.3% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4% over the past year.

As of that date, 7,617 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 2.5% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area shows strong specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.5% compared to the regional 5.3%.

Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.4% and labour force increased by 3.9%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5% with a slight contraction in labour force and a smaller increase in unemployment at 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-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 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Shortland - Jesmond's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Shortland - Jesmond SA2 had median taxpayer income of $46,309 and average income of $55,191. These figures are lower than national averages of $49,459 (median) and $62,998 (average). As of September 2025, estimated incomes based on Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $52,149 (median) and $62,151 (average). Census 2021 data indicates Shortland - Jesmond's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 9th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 32.8% of population (4,683 individuals) earn within $1,500-$2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 77.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 16th percentile.

Shortland - Jesmond displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Shortland - Jesmond, as per the latest Census, consisted of 65.8% houses and 34.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 70.5% houses and 29.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Shortland - Jesmond was at 21.7%, with the rest either mortgaged (24.3%) or rented (54.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,700, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,962. The median weekly rent figure was $365, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Shortland - Jesmond's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,700 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less at $365 than the national figure of $375.

Shortland - Jesmond features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 56.8 percent of all households, including 18.9 percent couples with children, 23.3 percent couples without children, and 12.3 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 43.2 percent, with lone person households at 30.4 percent and group households comprising 12.7 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Rest of NSW average.

Shortland - Jesmond faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

Shortland-Jesmond residents aged 15+ have 24.1% university degree holders compared to NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 32.4%, with advanced diplomas at 7.9% and certificates at 24.5%. Educational participation is high, with 45.7% currently enrolled in formal education: 26.2% in tertiary, 7.2% in primary, and 4.7% in secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 45.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 26.2% in tertiary education, 7.2% in primary education, and 4.7% pursuing secondary education.

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

The analysis indicates that there are 107 active transport stops operating within Shortland-Jesmond. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. They are serviced by 76 individual routes, collectively providing 5,049 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates transport accessibility as excellent, with residents typically located 148 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 721 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 47 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Shortland - Jesmond is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Shortland - Jesmond faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but to a higher degree among older cohorts. Approximately 48% (~6,796 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of NSW's 55.6%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 11.9% and 9.4% respectively. Sixty-six percent declare no medical ailments, compared to Rest of NSW's 64.9%. The area has 11.0% (1,567 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of NSW's 16.7%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Shortland - Jesmond was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Shortland-Jesmond was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 25.9% of its population born overseas and 22.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Shortland-Jesmond, comprising 41.9% of its population. Islam is overrepresented compared to regional averages, making up 7.5% of the population, significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 1.7%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (26.4%), English (26.2%), and Other (12.5%), with 'Other' being substantially higher than the regional average of 6.4%. Notably, Macedonian (0.4% vs 0.8%), Samoan (0.3% vs 0.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (3.8% vs 3.2%) groups are overrepresented in Shortland-Jesmond compared to regional averages.

Shortland - Jesmond hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Shortland - Jesmond has a median age of 27, which is younger than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's figure of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, Shortland - Jesmond has a higher percentage of residents aged 15-24 (29.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (4.9%). This 15-24 concentration is above the national average of 12.5%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Shortland - Jesmond's median age decreased by 1.3 years to 27 from 28. The 25 to 34 age group grew from 19.7% to 23.6%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 10.1% to 11.7%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 6.2% to 4.9% and the 5 to 14 age group decreased from 8.2% to 7.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Shortland - Jesmond's age profile will change significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 2,896 people (86%) from 3,371 to 6,268. Meanwhile, the number of residents aged 85 and above is expected to fall.