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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
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Population
Barrack Heights has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the suburb of Barrack Heights' population is estimated at around 6,116 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 113 people (1.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,003 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,112 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,527 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb of Barrack Heights' population expected to shrink by 43 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to grow by 128 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Barrack Heights, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Barrack Heights experienced around 10 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past 5 financial years up to FY26. This totals an estimated 51 homes. By FY26 so far, 4 approvals have been recorded. The population has declined over recent years but housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.
New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $386,000. There have also been $93,000 in commercial approvals this financial year. Compared to Rest of NSW, Barrack Heights has significantly less development activity, 81.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, though construction activity has intensified recently, still under the national average indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 36.0% detached houses and 64.0% medium and high-density housing, a considerable change from the current housing mix of 88.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Barrack Heights shows characteristics of a low density area with around 314 people per dwelling approval.
With population expected to remain stable or decline, Barrack Heights should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Barrack Heights
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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
Barrack Heights has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Four projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include the Playground Renewals & Upgrades Program at Jilba Park and Collins Reserve, The Waterfront Shell Cove, The Links Hotel, and the Albion Park Quarry Extraction Area Stage 7 Extension. Relevant details about these projects are outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services
A $782 million major health infrastructure project delivering a new seven-storey greenfield hospital at Dunmore. Key features include an expanded emergency department with a rooftop helipad, specialized elective surgery theatres, mental health inpatient units, and comprehensive outpatient services. The project also encompasses the new Warrawong Community Health Centre and upgrades to Wollongong and Bulli Hospitals to enhance the Illawarra Shoalhaven health network.
Shellharbour City Centre Masterplan
The Shellharbour City Centre Masterplan is a 125-hectare state-led rezoning project aimed at transforming the CBD into a high-density economic and social hub. The proposal facilitates approximately 5,000 new homes, including key worker and social housing, through the redevelopment of the former Shellharbour Hospital and TAFE sites. As of May 2026, the project is advancing toward the public exhibition of the rezoning proposal scheduled for Q2 2026, with finalisation targeted for late 2026 to support the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041.
Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone
NSW's first urban Renewable Energy Zone is in early planning, with EnergyCo coordinating development of a declared REZ intended to provide 1 GW of network capacity. Current work focuses on community and industry engagement, network planning with Endeavour Energy, use of existing energy, port and transport infrastructure, and integration of rooftop solar, batteries, community-scale batteries and future low-carbon industries such as green hydrogen and green steel.
Shellharbour Village Cultural Precinct
The Shellharbour Village Cultural Precinct is a strategic priority aimed at redeveloping the existing library and museum sites into a state-of-the-art regional creative hub. The project includes a contemporary performing arts center, convention spaces, and a digital gallery. It is designed to be a landmark destination that integrates innovative technology with accessible creative spaces for local and visiting artists, fostering community engagement and tourism in the Shellharbour Village area.
Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone
The Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone is a 1,022 square kilometre area of Commonwealth waters in the Pacific Ocean, located at least 20 km offshore between Wombarra and Kiama in New South Wales. It was officially declared by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy on 15 June 2024 as Australia's fourth offshore wind zone. The zone has a potential generation capacity of around 2.9 GW, theoretically enough to power approximately 1.8 million homes, and was projected to support an estimated 1,740 construction jobs and 870 ongoing jobs. Due to a sharp drop in water depths off the coast, only floating wind turbine technology is considered viable for the zone. Feasibility licence applications were open from 17 June to 15 August 2024. Initial proponents Oceanex Energy and Equinor opted not to apply, instead focusing on the Hunter Offshore Wind Zone where they were awarded a feasibility licence for the Novocastrian project. Spanish developer BlueFloat Energy became the sole feasibility licence applicant but formally withdrew its application in January 2026, citing global commercial pressures and the wind-down of its Australian operations by parent Quantum Capital. On 23 January 2026, the Federal Government confirmed no feasibility licences would be granted in the Illawarra zone. The zone remains declared and could reopen for feasibility applications if competitive interest returns. In the meantime, the area is open for Research and Demonstration (R&D) licence applications to trial offshore renewable technologies including floating wind, wave and tidal current systems.
The Waterfront Shell Cove
The Waterfront Shell Cove is a 2.1 billion AUD master-planned coastal community developed by Frasers Property Australia in partnership with Shellharbour City Council. The project features a 270-berth marina, a vibrant town centre, and approximately 3,250 homes. Significant milestones in 2026 include the ongoing construction of the Vela Apartments (completion late 2026) and the official ground-breaking of the Shellharbour Boathouse in April 2026, which will provide dry-stack storage and marine maintenance services upon its scheduled opening in July 2027.
Rail Service Improvement Program (Mortdale-Kiama)
The Rail Service Improvement Program (formerly More Trains, More Services) is a multi-billion-dollar NSW Government initiative to modernize the rail network for the Mariyung fleet. The Mortdale to Kiama package involves infrastructure upgrades including the Mortdale Maintenance Centre (active maintenance and shunting works in February 2026), platform extensions at Kiama (completed), and ongoing signaling, power supply, and station improvements at Thirroul and Shellharbour Junction to enable increased service frequency on the T4 Illawarra and South Coast lines.
Shellharbour Mobile Tiny Homes Pilot Program
State-first two-year pilot program allowing mobile tiny homes on existing residential properties without development applications. Council approved September 23, 2025. Planning Proposal to amend Shellharbour LEP 2013 requires NSW Government approval and 28-day public consultation (up to 6 months process). Program provides affordable rental housing through moveable dwellings on trailers registered under Road Transport Act 2013, subject to strict conditions including minimum setbacks, connection to essential services, and fire safety compliance. Addresses housing crisis where median house price is $1 million.
Employment
Employment conditions in Barrack Heights face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally
Barrack Heights has a balanced workforce consisting of white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area. The unemployment rate was 13.7% as of an unspecified date, with an estimated employment growth of 1.1% over the past year.
As of December 2025, 2440 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 9.8%, above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 55.8% compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 16.8% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.
Construction is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.4%. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 1.1% alongside labour force increasing by 0.6%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment contract by 1.2%, labour force fall by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Barrack Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch
AreaSearch's data from financial year 2023 shows Barrack Heights' median income is $50,901 and average income is $62,426. This is below Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. By March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $56,154 (median) and $68,868 (average), based on a 10.32% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates Barrack Heights' incomes rank between the 14th and 23rd percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket comprises 31.1% of residents (1,902 individuals), similar to regional levels at 29.9%. Housing affordability is severe, with only 81.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 20th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Barrack Heights is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
Dwelling structure in Barrack Heights, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Barrack Heights was at 37.2%, with the rest either mortgaged (29.0%) or rented (33.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,863, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent was recorded at $380, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Barrack Heights' mortgage repayments were similar to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Barrack Heights has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households account for 73.8% of all households, including 26.5% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 19.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 24.3% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Barrack Heights faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally
The area's university qualification rate is 10.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 7.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (32.4%). Educational participation is high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.9% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.
Educational participation is notably high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.
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
Barrack Heights has 51 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 39 different routes that together facilitate 694 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 126 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature, and cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 95%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 16.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.
The service frequency averages 99 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Barrack Heights is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
Health data indicates significant health challenges in Barrack Heights, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.
Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 52% (~3,158 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.7% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 10.1%). Conversely, 62.5% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Barrack Heights has 21.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,339 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
In terms of cultural diversity, Barrack Heights records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Barrack Heights had cultural diversity above average, with 20.5% born overseas and 14.0% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 57.2%, compared to 55.9% in Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (28.3%), Australian (27.0%), and Scottish (6.6%).
Notably, Macedonian (3.6%) was overrepresented compared to regional levels (0.4%), as were Spanish (0.9%, vs 0.3%) and Serbian (0.9%, vs 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Barrack Heights's median age exceeds the national pattern
Barrack Heights has a median age of 41 years, which is lower than the Regional NSW average of 43 but higher than the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 13.3% of the population in Barrack Heights, compared to Regional NSW, while the 55-64 cohort makes up 11.6%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 12.2% to 13.3%, and the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 12.6% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Barrack Heights' age profile. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 13%, adding 103 residents to reach 917. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 65-74 cohorts.