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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Albion Park Rail has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch
As of May 2026, the population of Albion Park Rail is estimated to be around 6900, a decrease of 20 people from the 2021 Census figure of 6920. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 6883 in June 2025 and 86 new addresses validated since the Census date. The population density is approximately 963 persons per square kilometer, consistent with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods for Albion Park Rail. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former data.
Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas from years 2032 to 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, Albion Park Rail is expected to grow by 95 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 1.1% over the 16-year period.
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 saw approximately 36 new homes approved each year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 181 homes were approved between Financial Year 2021 and 2025, with 9 more approved in FY-26 so far. The average construction cost value for these properties was $325,000.
In the current financial year, there have been $16.0 million in commercial development approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial growth. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Albion Park Rail has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 75th percentile nationally when measured against other areas assessed. The area's new developments consist of 17.0% standalone homes and 83.0% medium and high-density housing, showing a shift from the existing housing composition, which is currently 78.0% houses. The location has approximately 161 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts suggest Albion Park Rail will gain 78 residents by 2041.
Given current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Albion Park Rail
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Albion Park Rail has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 21 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Regional Multi-Sports, Aquatics and Leisure Facility, Albion Park Rail Industrial Estate Development, Shellharbour Airport Master Plan Upgrades, and Park Central Bulky Goods Complex. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Regional Multi-Sports, Aquatics and Leisure Facility
The Regional Multi-Sports, Aquatics and Leisure Facility is a priority advocacy project for Shellharbour City Council. The proposal involves a phased development of an all-purpose indoor and outdoor hub, featuring a state-of-the-art aquatic center and multi-sport courts to serve the Illawarra region. As of May 2026, the project remains in the advocacy and planning phase, with Council actively seeking state and federal funding to progress the comprehensive business case and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
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
The labour market performance in Albion Park Rail lags significantly behind most other regions nationally
Albion Park Rail has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 10.1% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 1.4%. As of December 2025, 3024 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 6.2%, above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.
Workforce participation is similar to Regional NSW at 60.5%. According to Census responses, 15.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with healthcare notably concentrated at 1.2 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.3% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%.
Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 1.4%, while labour force rose by 0.4%, reducing unemployment by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment contracted by 1.2%, labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Albion Park Rail's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Albion Park Rail's median income among taxpayers is $54,718. The average income in the suburb was $63,951 during this period. Both figures were lower than national averages. Regional NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 for the same year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes in Albion Park Rail as of March 2026 would be approximately $60,365 and $70,551 respectively. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Albion Park Rail all fall between the 16th and 29th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominated with 34.5% of residents (2,380 people). This is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region where 29.9% of residents fell into the same category. Housing affordability pressures were 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region
Albion Park Rail's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 78.1% houses and 21.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Regional NSW's 78.6% houses and 21.4% 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, higher than Regional NSW's $1,733. Median weekly rent was $390, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Albion Park Rail's mortgage repayments were lower than 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 higher-than-average median household size
Family households comprise 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 account for 27.7%, with lone person households at 25.0% and group households making up 3.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
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 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+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (36.4%). Educational participation is high, with 26.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.1% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 3.0% in tertiary education.
Educational participation is notably 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 good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Albion Park Rail has 83 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 50 individual routes, collectively facilitating 1,785 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 115 meters from the nearest stop. The area, predominantly residential, sees most residents commuting outward; cars remain the dominant mode at 94%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 15.6% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.
Service frequency averages 255 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 21 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, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.
Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at approximately 52% of the total population (~3,604 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 11.3% and 11.0% of residents respectively. However, 57.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population experiences notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,511 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally aligned with the broader 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's population, as of the 2016 Census, was predominantly born in Australia at 84.3%, with 91.1% being Australian citizens and 93.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the prevalent religion in Albion Park Rail, comprising 55.5% of its population, slightly lower than the Regional NSW average of 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups are English (30.8%), Australian (30.0%), and Scottish (7.6%).
Notably, Spanish (0.8%) and Maltese (1.3%) populations in Albion Park Rail are higher compared to Regional NSW averages of 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively, while Macedonian is slightly higher at 0.6%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Albion Park Rail's median age exceeds the national pattern
The median age in Albion Park Rail was 40 years as of a certain date, which is slightly below Regional NSW's average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. Comparing the local area with Regional NSW, the 25-34 age group constituted 16.5% of the population, higher than the regional average, while those aged 45-54 made up only 10.0%, lower than the regional norm. Between the 2021 Census and a specified later date, the proportion of people aged 25 to 34 increased from 13.3% to 16.5%, while those aged 75 to 84 rose from 6.6% to 8.0%. Conversely, the share of individuals aged 55 to 64 decreased from 13.4% to 11.9%, and those aged 45 to 54 fell from 11.4% to 10.0%. Population projections for a specific future year indicate significant demographic shifts in Albion Park Rail, with the 75-84 age cohort expected to grow by 116 people (21%) from 552 to 668. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.