Albany

An assessment of population growth drivers in Albany reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

According to evaluation of ABS demographic updates for the surrounding region, combined with address records verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Albany has a projected residency of approximately 1,897 as of May 2026. This indicates a rise of 494 individuals (35.2% growth) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,403 individuals. The estimate is derived from a resident headcount of 1,894, which AreaSearch calculated using the ABS ERP release from June 2025 alongside an additional 13 validated new addresses registered since the Census date. This population level translates to a density of 967 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical averages recorded in AreaSearch assessments. The suburb of Albany's 35.2% expansion rate relative to the 2021 Census exceeded the SA3 region's rate of 8.8% and outperformed the nationwide average, establishing it as a regional growth leader. The primary driver of these gains was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 61.0% of the overall population growth in recent times.

AreaSearch incorporates ABS and Geoscience Australia demographic forecasts for each SA2 region, published in 2024 with 2022 serving as the baseline year. For SA2 territories lacking this data, and to project trends beyond 2032, growth rates across age brackets from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023 using 2022 data) are applied. Factoring in these demographic shifts, the suburb of Albany is projected to experience population growth slightly below the median for national regional zones, adding 212 residents by 2041 based on compiled SA2 statistics, which represents an overall growth rate of 11.0% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Albany among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS building approvals, distributed from statistical zone records, shows that Albany averages approximately 18 approved residential developments annually. This includes an estimated 90 homes authorized over the previous 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 28 approvals recorded during FY-26 so far. Because an average of 5.2 net residents relocated to the locality annually for every completed dwelling during those 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), the incoming housing volume is lagging behind demand. This imbalance typically intensifies buyer rivalry and drives up prices. Newly built properties show an average construction value of $501,000, which points to developers focusing on high-end homes for the premium market.

Albany exceeds the Rest of WA benchmark in per-capita residential construction by 110.0%, providing purchasers with a broader range of options despite a recent moderation in building speed. This level is far higher than the national average, pointing to strong developer optimism in the area. Recent completions consist of 82.0% detached houses and 18.0% semi-detached or multi-unit dwellings, reinforcing the low-density character of the neighborhood with a high proportion of family-sized homes built for buyers desiring extra space. The ratio of roughly 174 people per approval is typical of a developing district.

Long-term forecasts indicate Albany will add 209 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. Provided current construction paces continue, the forthcoming housing supply is positioned to easily satisfy demand, maintaining favorable conditions for purchasers and potentially facilitating growth exceeding current demographic projections.

Albany has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

An area's performance is heavily guided by local infrastructure adjustments, major developments, and urban planning schemes. AreaSearch has identified a total of 2 key projects that are expected to influence the local area. Principal developments include Yakamia/Lange Structure Plan, Albany Waterfront Redevelopment, Mount Lockyer Primary School Rebuild, and South Regional TAFE - Albany Trade Workshop, with the list below highlighting the most significant undertakings.

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

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Albany ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Albany is characterized by a highly educated labor force with solid representation in essential services, showing an unemployment rate of just 1.6% according to AreaSearch's compilation of regional statistical data. As of March 2026, there are 977 employed residents. This unemployment rate is 1.9% below the Regional WA level of 3.5%, while workforce participation is notably lower, standing at 59.0% compared to 65.6% across Regional WA. According to Census replies, a minor 9.1% proportion of the local workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been affected by COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

The primary sectors of employment for local workers are health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food. The neighborhood exhibits a strong specialization in health care & social assistance, employing a share of the workforce that is 2.1 times the regional average. Conversely, the mining sector has a minimal footprint, employing 2.3% of workers compared to 11.7% across the region. With a ratio of 1.6 workers for every local resident at the time of the Census, the locality serves as a employment center, containing more jobs than residents and drawing commuting workers from nearby districts.

Based on AreaSearch's examination of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from regional reporting zones, the local workforce contracted by 0.5% during the 12 months ending March 2026, while employment fell by 1.2%, which caused the unemployment rate to climb by 0.7 percentage points. For comparison, Regional WA saw a job contraction of 0.1%, labor force expansion of 0.3%, and an unemployment rate rise of 0.4 percentage points. National forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 provide additional context regarding future employment demand in Albany. These five and ten-year forecasts have been correlated with local workforce data to project future growth. Nationally, employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though these growth trajectories vary widely by industry. Applying these sectoral forecasts to the local employment mix suggests Albany's job base would expand by 7.1% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, noting this is a basic weighted projection for illustration and does not incorporate local demographic forecasts.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to the latest ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, personal income levels in Albany are exceptionally high on a national scale. The median income among local taxpayers is $59,614, while the average income is recorded at $75,137, compared to Regional WA figures of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index rise of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current projections estimate these figures at approximately $66,130 for the median and $83,349 for the average as of March 2026. Census statistics show personal earnings at the 64th percentile ($883 weekly), whereas household earnings fall in the 25th percentile. Income distribution details show that the $800 - 1,499 range is the most common, accounting for 26.6% of residents (504 people), which contrasts with the broader region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the largest at 31.1%. Disposable income after housing costs stands at 86.2%, which sits in the 28th percentile nationally, while the area's SEIFA index for income places it in the 7th decile.

Albany is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The housing landscape in Albany at the latest Census consisted of 87.8% separate houses and 12.2% alternative housing structures like townhouses and apartments, compared to 88.5% separate houses and 11.6% alternative housing structures across Regional WA. Outright home ownership in Albany was significantly higher than the Regional WA benchmark, standing at 47.1%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (23.6%) or renters (29.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment was higher than the regional average of $1,560 at $1,700, and the median weekly rent was $325 compared to the regional figure of $265. On a national level, Albany's mortgage repayments are below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are considerably lower than the national benchmark of $375.

Albany features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Families make up the majority of households at 58.9%, which includes couples with children at 15.6%, couples without children at 35.3%, and single parent families at 6.6%. The remaining 41.1% consist of non-family households, with single person households accounting for 37.1% and group households representing 3.9% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.0 people is below the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Albany demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Levels of educational attainment in Albany are significantly higher than regional averages, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 16.4% in the SA4 region and 17.6% across Rest of WA. This educational pattern positions the local workforce well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary credential at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees (8.0%) and graduate diplomas (5.2%). Vocational and technical training is also common, with 29.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (18.0%).

A significant 22.4% of local residents are enrolled in formal education programs. This is made up of 6.9% in secondary schools, 5.7% in primary schools, and 5.0% in tertiary institutions.

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

An analysis of public transport options reveals 14 active stops in the suburb of Albany, which are serviced by a combination of buses. These stops accommodate 10 distinct routes that supply 510 passenger journeys every week. Access to transport is rated well, with local residents living an average of 259 meters from their closest stop. As the neighborhood is mostly residential, many workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice at 85%, followed by walking at 11%. The average number of motor vehicles per household is 1.2, which is lower than the regional average. A relatively small 9.1% of the workforce worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all bus routes, service frequency averages 72 trips per day, which translates to about 36 weekly trips for each transport stop.

Albany's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health indicators point to excellent outcomes throughout Albany, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of local mortality rates and chronic illness statistics, which reveal low rates of common health conditions across all age cohorts. Additionally, the rate of private health insurance is high, covering approximately 57% of the population (~1,081 people).

The most prevalent health diagnoses in the locality are arthritis and mental health conditions, affecting 11.4% and 7.8% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 64.4% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Residents under the age of 65 experience better than average health. The neighborhood has 28.3% of its population aged 65 and over (536 people), which exceeds the Regional WA average of 19.2%. Elderly residents experience very good health outcomes, with national health percentiles matching those of the general population.

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

Albany displays higher than average levels of cultural diversity, with 10.4% of residents using a non-English language at home and 31.3% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the primary religion in Albany, representing 43.2% of the population. The most pronounced religious overrepresentation is seen in Judaism, which accounts for 0.2% of residents compared to a regional average of none.

Regarding ancestral backgrounds based on parents' birthplace, the top three heritages in Albany are English at 36.5% of the population (exceeding the regional average of 31.3%), Australian at 21.8% (lower than the regional average of 28.4%), and Scottish at 9.2%. Other distinct heritages include Welsh, which is overrepresented at 0.9% of Albany (compared to 0.6% regionally), Dutch at 2.0% (compared to 1.5% regionally), and Polish at 0.8% (compared to 0.5% regionally).

Albany ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Albany has a median age of 53, which is higher than the Regional WA median of 40 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented at 19.2% compared to Regional WA, while the 5 - 14 cohort is less common at 8.0%. This local concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is higher than the national rate of 9.4%. Since the 2021 Census, younger residents moving in have reduced the median age by 1.6 years to 53. Specifically, the 35 to 44 age cohort rose from 7.6% to 10.5% of the population, and the 25 to 34 age bracket increased from 10.6% to 12.7%. In contrast, the 55 to 64 group declined from 18.3% to 16.3%, and the 65 to 74 cohort decreased from 21.1% to 19.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections point to changes in Albany, with the 25 to 34 group expected to grow fastest at 39%, adding 95 people to reach 336, while the 85+ and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to contract.