Avondale (NSW)

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Avondale (NSW) is around 1,668. This figure represents a decrease from the 2021 Census population of 1,695 people, indicating a reduction of 27 individuals or approximately 1.6%. The current resident population estimate of 1,659 by AreaSearch, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validated new addresses since the Census date, suggests a population density ratio of 91 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration was the primary driver for population growth in recent periods, contributing approximately 40% of overall gains. AreaSearch projections for Avondale use ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered SA2 areas and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for uncovered areas.

These projections indicate that the suburb is expected to grow by approximately 194 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of around 11.1% over the 16-year period. This projected growth places Avondale's population trend just below the median for non-metropolitan areas in Australia.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Avondale recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Avondale has received approximately 13 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 69 homes since FY-21. As of FY-26, there have been 7 approvals recorded. Each new dwelling built in Avondale between FY-21 and FY-25 resulted in an average of 2.4 new residents per year. The estimated construction cost for new homes is around $350,000.

In FY-26, there have been $8.1 million in commercial approvals. Compared to the rest of NSW, Avondale has experienced elevated construction activity, with a 30% increase above the regional average per person over the past five years. Recent construction comprises 30% standalone homes and 70% medium and high-density housing, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 72% houses. Avondale has a low density population of around 246 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Avondale is projected to add 185 residents by 2041.

Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Avondale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. Nine projects identified by AreaSearch may affect this region. Notable ones are Cleveland Road Upgrade - Stage 1 (Fowlers Road South), West Dapto Sports Hub and Community Centre, West Dapto Urban Release Area, and Forestview at St Luke's Village. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Avondale faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Avondale has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 7.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 791 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 3.8% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is similar to Regional NSW at 60.5%. Census responses show that 24.0% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction has a notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.5%, compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. There is one worker for every resident, indicating local employment opportunities above the norm. Between December 2024 and November 2025, labour force decreased by 0.2% and employment decreased by 0.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Avondale'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.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Avondale had a median taxpayer income of $56,379 and an average of $69,504. These figures are slightly above national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 in Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Avondale would be approximately $62,197 (median) and $76,677 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Avondale modestly, between the 33rd and 37th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 32.1% of locals (535 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, consistent with surrounding regional trends at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Avondale, with only 83.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 37th percentile.

Avondale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Avondale, as per the latest Census evaluation, 71.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 28.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Regional NSW's dwelling structure, which was 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Avondale stood at 34.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.1% and rented ones at 26.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,903, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Avondale was $300, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Avondale's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $300 compared to the national figure of $375.

Avondale has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 73.3% of all households, including 28.8% couples with children, 28.4% couples without children, and 13.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.7%, with lone person households at 25.5% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the Regional NSW average.

Avondale shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 14.6%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 45.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (34.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (8.4%), secondary education (6.6%), and tertiary education (2.8%).

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

Avondale has 16 active public transport stops, all serving buses. Six routes operate here, offering a total of 267 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents usually located 178 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Cars are the primary mode of transportation, used by 96% of residents. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per household.

According to the 2021 Census, 24.0% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions. Buses run approximately 38 trips per day across all routes, resulting in about 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Avondale is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

AreaSearch's health assessment for Avondale indicates significant health challenges. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 54% (~907 people) have private health cover, compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The most common conditions are arthritis (9.9%) and mental health issues (9.5%), while 63.7% report no medical ailments, similar to the 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents face notable chronic condition rates. Avondale has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (310 people), lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings.

Avondale ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Avondale's population showed low cultural diversity, with 84.6% born in Australia, 91.9% being citizens, and 92.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 56.1%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.6%), Australian (27.2%), and Scottish (7.5%).

Notably, Spanish (1.2% vs regional 0.3%), Hungarian (0.6% vs 0.2%), and Macedonian (1.9% vs 0.4%) ethnic groups were overrepresented in Avondale compared to Regional NSW.

Avondale's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Avondale is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but closely aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Avondale has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (16.4%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (9.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 11.1% to 13.2%, while the 25-34 age group increased from 15.1% to 16.4%. Conversely, the 15-24 age group decreased from 10.4% to 9.2%, and the 55-64 age group dropped from 16.2% to 15.1%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Avondale's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 23%, reaching 337 people from 273. Conversely, the 15-24 and 55-64 age groups are projected to experience population declines.