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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
An assessment of population growth drivers in Avondale reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Avondale's population is estimated at around 1,941 people. This reflects an increase of 246 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,695 people in the Avondale (NSW) statistical area (Lv2). The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,874 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024 and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 106 persons per square kilometer. Avondale's growth rate of 14.5% since the 2021 Census exceeded the non-metro area's growth rate of 5.7%. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 40.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where data was not available, 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. According to these projections, the Avondale (NSW) (SA2) is expected to expand by 230 persons to reach a population of 2,171 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 1.6% in total over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in Avondale according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
Avondale has seen around 13 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 69 homes. In FY26 so far, there have been 5 approvals. The average population growth per dwelling built in Avondale between FY21 and FY25 was 0.4 people per year. This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more buyer choices while supporting potential population growth above projections.
New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $350,000. Additionally, there have been $8.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating Avondale's primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of NSW, Avondale has recorded somewhat elevated construction activity, with 27.0% more construction per person over the past five years. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, recent construction activity has eased recently.
The current construction comprises 30.0% standalone homes and 70.0% medium and high-density housing. This shift towards higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 72.0% houses. This indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. Avondale reflects a transitioning market with around 232 people per approval. Future projections estimate Avondale will add approximately 30 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Avondale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally
Nine projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area, with key projects including Cleveland Road Upgrade - Stage 1 (Fowlers Road South), West Dapto Sports Hub and Community Centre, Forestview at St Luke's Village, and West Dapto Urban Release Area. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Regional Multi-Sports, Aquatics & Leisure Facility
The Regional Multi-Sports, Aquatics & Leisure Facility is a priority advocacy project for Shellharbour City Council aimed at addressing the long-term sporting and recreational needs of the Illawarra region. The proposed development involves a phased approach to create an all-purpose indoor and outdoor hub, featuring a state-of-the-art aquatic center and multi-sport courts. The project is designed to serve as a headquarters for regional sports associations and host major events, ensuring equitable access for diverse community groups. Current efforts focus on securing state and federal funding while progressing a comprehensive business case and community consultation to ensure financial sustainability.
West Dapto Urban Release Area
The West Dapto Urban Release Area (WDURA) is the largest urban growth project in New South Wales outside the Sydney metropolitan region, spanning approximately 3,000 to 4,500 hectares. The long-term master plan facilitates the delivery of 19,500 new dwellings to house an estimated 59,000 residents over a 50-year horizon. As of early 2026, major infrastructure works are active, including the Cleveland Road Stage 1 upgrade (widening to four lanes) and the West Dapto Road upgrade, with the latter scheduled to reopen to traffic in July 2026. The precinct features eight future centers, including three major town centers at Bong Bong, Darkes, and Marshall Mount, alongside extensive community facilities, schools, and sustainable stormwater networks. The project is supported by the West Dapto Development Contributions Plan 2024, which seeks to secure over $1.57 billion in infrastructure funding.
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.
Forestview at St Luke's Village
A new social and affordable housing development at St Luke's Village providing 51 homes primarily for women over 55, featuring tailored support coordinators, lifetime tenancy guarantees, and integration with the broader retirement living community to reduce social isolation and promote dignity for residents.
M1 Princes Motorway South-Facing Ramps at Dapto
Transport for NSW is planning new south-facing entry and exit ramps to better connect Dapto and nearby suburbs to the M1 Princes Motorway. Options under investigation include locations at Kanahooka Rd, Fowlers Rd or Emerson Rd. Community consultation in late 2023 to early 2024 showed strong support. Planning is ongoing with matched NSW and Australian Government funding for planning and further design.
Forest Reach
Forest Reach is a masterplanned residential community nestled at the foothills of the Illawarra Escarpment, 18 kilometres from Wollongong CBD. The development comprises approximately 530 residential lots, 108 townhomes, and a 236-home land lease community for over 50s, totaling around 874 dwellings across 115 hectares. The community features multiple precincts including Crest View, Cascade Crossing, and Eucalyptus, with two proposed local parks, 4.74 hectares of riparian corridors, and over 22 kilometres of walking and bike paths. Originally developed by Stockland, the project was acquired by AVID Property Group in May 2025, with first residents already moved in and ongoing staged development. The estate includes significant bulk earthworks involving 1.5 million cubic metres of material reworking.
Tallawarra Lands Master Planned Development
A 320-hectare master planned community on the western shore of Lake Illawarra with residential land, local centres, employment lands, tourism uses and public open space including 2.6 km of activated foreshore. Current DA (Northern Precinct) proposes subdivision of 431 residential lots, three super lots, new east-west road link, Gilba Road upgrades, drainage and revegetation works, to be delivered in three phases.
Cleveland Road Upgrade - Stage 1 (Fowlers Road South)
Stage 1 of the Cleveland Road Upgrade involves widening 440 metres of Fowlers Road (South) from two to four travel lanes, including kerb and gutter construction, stormwater drainage, street lighting, and new shared paths. This project forms part of the long-term West Dapto Access Strategy to support housing growth and improve connectivity in the West Dapto Urban Release Area. The upgrade is essential infrastructure to support the development of 3,000 new homes and connect emerging communities to major arterials like the M1 and Princes Highway.
Employment
AreaSearch assessment indicates Avondale faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets
Avondale's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 7.6%.
Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable. As of September 2025825 residents are employed, but this is 3.8% higher than Rest of NSW's unemployment rate of 3.8%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Avondale is similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.
Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.5% compared to the regional 5.3%. There are 0.7 workers per resident in Avondale, suggesting a higher level of local employment opportunities. Over the past year, labour force increased by 0.1%, but employment decreased by 0.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data from 25-Nov 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 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Avondale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming no changes in population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Avondale had a median income among taxpayers of $56,379 and an average income of $69,504. These figures are slightly above the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $61,374, with average income estimated at $75,662. From the 2021 Census, incomes in Avondale rank modestly, between the 33rd and 37th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The predominant income cohort spans 32.1% of locals (623 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with surrounding regional trends at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 37th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Avondale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region
The dwelling structure in Avondale, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 71.5% houses and 28.5% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's 85.5% houses and 14.5% 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 was $1,903, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Avondale was $300, lower than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $365. Nationally, Avondale's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,903 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $300 versus the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Avondale has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average 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 comprise the remaining 26.7%, with lone person households at 25.5% and group households making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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 NSW's 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 them.
This includes 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%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Analysis of public transport in Avondale shows 16 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops are served by a mix of buses along six individual routes, collectively providing 267 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 178 meters from the nearest transport stop.
Service frequency averages 38 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Avondale is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
Avondale faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Approximately 54% (~1,056 individuals) have private health cover, slightly higher than Rest of NSW at 52.0%.
The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (9.9%) and mental health concerns (9.5%). About 63.7% report no medical ailments, similar to the 63.9% in Rest of NSW. Around 18.0% (~349 people) are aged 65 or above. Health outcomes for seniors largely align with general population trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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 lower 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, at 56.1%, compared to 58.1% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.6%), Australian (27.2%), and Scottish (7.5%).
Notably, Spanish (1.2%) and Hungarian (0.6%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.9% and 0.3%, respectively, while Macedonian was underrepresented at 1.9% versus the region's 3.8%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Avondale's population is slightly older than the national pattern
The median age in Avondale is 40 years, which is slightly below Rest of NSW's average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The percentage of people aged 25-34 in Avondale is notably higher at 16.3% compared to the Rest of NSW average, while those aged 15-24 are under-represented at 9.1%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 11.1% to 12.9%, and the 25-34 cohort has increased from 15.1% to 16.3%. Conversely, the 15-24 age group has declined from 10.4% to 9.1%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 11.1% to 9.9%. Population forecasts for Avondale indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 48 people (15%), from 316 to 365. Meanwhile, the 75-84 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.