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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.
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2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Bellambi is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends
As of May 2026, the population of the suburb of Bellambi is estimated at around 4,456 people. This reflects an increase of 417 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,039 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 4,434, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 77 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,945 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bellambi's growth rate of 10.3% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (4.7%) and the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 128 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 2.4% in total over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in Bellambi according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
Bellambi has recorded approximately 24 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 121 homes. In FY-26 so far, 88 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 0.9 people move to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand. The average construction cost value of new homes is $517,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment.
This financial year has seen $1.2 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Bellambi maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. The majority of new building activity consists of townhouses or apartments (56%), with standalone homes making up 44%.
This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Bellambi reflects a transitioning market with around 259 people per approval. By 2041, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects an increase of 106 residents in Bellambi. Based on 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
Development applications around Bellambi
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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
Bellambi has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Corrimal Transport Oriented Development Area, The Works Corrimal, 79 Dobbie Avenue Townhouses, and Murray Road Shared Path and Corrimal Station Connections. The following list details those 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
Bellambi Estate Renewal Project
A long-term urban renewal led by Homes NSW to transform the Bellambi social housing estate into a modern community. The project proposes delivering up to 2,500 new social, affordable, and market homes, with at least 30 percent dedicated to social housing. Key features include building heights ranging from 3 to 6 storeys, a new local center with retail and services, a public plaza, improved streetscapes, and upgraded community open spaces. The project aims for a 30 percent tree canopy cover and is currently in the assessment phase following public exhibition of the rezoning proposal in early 2026.
Russell Vale Underground Expansion Project (Energy Storage Transition)
Following the February 2024 closure of the coal mine expansion due to regulatory and safety concerns, the site is being repurposed for renewable technology. In September 2025, Wollongong Resources and Green Gravity signed a binding agreement to deploy a world-first gravitational energy storage trial in the #4 mine shaft. The project uses excess solar and wind power to lift 60-80 tonne weights, releasing the stored energy back to the grid during peak demand. The site is currently undergoing engineering studies and regulatory approvals for production trials scheduled for 2026.
Elements at IRT Towradgi Beach
A major redevelopment of the IRT Towradgi Retirement Village site. While a 2025 proposal for an 87-unit seniors living community (Elements at IRT Towradgi Beach) was not approved by the Wollongong Local Planning Panel in April 2026 due to site constraints including flooding, IRT Group is currently exploring alternative development pathways to deliver diverse and accessible housing on the land.
Corrimal Transport Oriented Development Area
The Corrimal Transport Oriented Development (TOD) program enables high-density residential growth within 400m of the station. The flagship project, 'The Works Corrimal' (formerly Corrimal Coke Works), is a masterplanned precinct delivering roughly 850 dwellings and 9ha of parkland. As of 2026, construction is progressing on Stage 1 (179 apartments), while Stage 2A is undergoing assessment for built form variations. The development integrates heritage preservation of historic chimneys and coke ovens with modern apartments and a retail plaza.
Electrify 2515 Community Pilot
The Electrify 2515 Community Pilot is an $11.8 million Australian-first initiative providing subsidies and expert support to 500 households across the 2515 and 2516 postcodes in northern Illawarra, NSW, to replace gas appliances with efficient electric alternatives, install smart energy management devices, and access home battery subsidies. Delivered by Rewiring Australia, Brighte, and Endeavour Energy with $5.4 million in ARENA funding, the project collects real-world data on consumer behaviour, grid impacts, and barriers to electrification to inform nationwide household energy transition policy. Stage one (60 homes) was completed by mid-2025. The main rollout of 440 homes is underway (September 2025 to August 2026). In March 2026, the pilot expanded southward into Bulli (2516 postcode), with more than 100 households now participating across Austinmer, Clifton, Coledale, Scarborough, Thirroul, Wombarra, and Bulli. Research and analysis continues until September 2027.
More Trains More Services Stage Two - Mortdale to Kiama Capital Works
A comprehensive rail infrastructure package delivered to enable the rollout of the Mariyung intercity fleet. Works included major upgrades to the Mortdale Maintenance Centre (including a new bogie exchange system), platform extensions at Kiama and other stations, and the construction of new stabling yards at Waterfall and Kiama. As of April 2026, the project has reached operational completion with the Mariyung fleet officially entering service on the South Coast Line.
Balgownie Mountain Bike Trail Network
The Balgownie Mountain Bike Trail Network is the second major component of the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Project, a $13.4 million initiative delivered by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Wollongong City Council. Stage 1 of the wider network (Kembla Mountain Bike Trails, approximately 20 km) officially opened in September 2025. The Balgownie trails are still progressing through final environmental and heritage approvals, with construction expected to commence in 2026 and opening targeted for 2027. When the full network is complete, it will deliver approximately 70 km of sustainable, purpose-built trails catering for all skill levels, from beginner-friendly green and blue trails to technically challenging black runs. Supporting infrastructure includes parking, amenities, wayfinding, and bike cleaning stations.
The Works Corrimal
A 600 million dollar urban renewal of the 18-hectare former Corrimal Coke Works site. The master-planned community is set to deliver approximately 850 dwellings, including apartments and townhouses, across several character zones. The project features a heritage precinct preserving the iconic 1912 brick chimney, a village green, and over nine hectares of public open space including a rehabilitated riparian corridor. Stage 1, comprising 181 apartments, is currently under construction by Growthbuilt with completion targeted for mid-2027. The development is aiming for a 5-Star Green Star rating and incorporates extensive sustainable landscaping.
Employment
Employment drivers in Bellambi are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia
Bellambi has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 9.4% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.2%. As of December 2025, 1,879 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 5.5%, higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.
Workforce participation was lower at 56.5% compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. Census data indicated that 26.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment among Bellambi residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, the area had a high concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.
Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 0.5% of Bellambi's workforce compared to 5.3% in Regional NSW. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 3.2% while labour force increased by 1.8%, leading to a decrease in unemployment of 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with an increase in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though industry-specific projections varied significantly. Applying these projections to Bellambi's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data
Bellambi's income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ending June 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers was $44,384 and the average income stood at $56,139. For Regional NSW, these figures were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on a 10.32% increase since financial year ending June 2023 as per Wage Price Index growth, current estimates for Bellambi would be approximately $48,964 (median) and $61,933 (average) by March 2026. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Bellambi all fall between the 12th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 27.1% of Bellambi's population (1,207 individuals) fall within the $400 - $799 income range, differing from surrounding regions where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Bellambi, with only 78.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Bellambi displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
Bellambi's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 51.4% houses and 48.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bellambi stood at 20.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.1% and rented ones at 54.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, exceeding Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Bellambi was $252, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Bellambi's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $252 compared to the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Bellambi features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 63.4% of all households, including 21.2% couples with children, 20.1% couples without children, and 20.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.6%, with lone person households at 33.4% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational outcomes in Bellambi fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment
The area's university qualification rate is 19.3%, significantly lower than the SA3 area average of 33.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 29.9%. Educational participation is high, with 30.4% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (10.1%), secondary (8.8%), and tertiary (4.2%).
Educational participation is notably high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Bellambi has 28 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 46 different routes, collectively facilitating 1,904 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 136 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, primarily using cars (90%). Vehicle ownership averages one car per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 26.5% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.
On average, there are 272 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 68 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Bellambi is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts
Bellambi faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions impact both younger and older age groups, with a relatively low private health cover rate of approximately 49% (around 2,191 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.6% and 10.2% of residents respectively, while 60.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW.
The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 18.7% (833 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
In terms of cultural diversity, Bellambi records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Bellambi's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 86.4% citizens, 79.9% born in Australia, and 88.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion at 49.1%. Islam is overrepresented at 2.5%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.8%.
Top ancestry groups are English (28.7%), Australian (27.2%), and Other (7.8%). Notable divergences include Welsh at 0.8% (vs regional 0.5%), Australian Aboriginal at 6.0% (vs 4.6%), and Spanish at 0.6% (vs 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Bellambi's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms
Bellambi has a median age of 38, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 but matches the national norm of 38. The age group of 25-34 years shows strong representation in Bellambi at 15.5%, compared to Regional NSW. The 65-74 age group, however, is less prevalent at 10.3%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.6% to 6.7% of Bellambi's population, while the 25 to 34 cohort has risen from 14.4% to 15.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 13.1% to 11.8%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 12.4% to 11.2%. Demographic modeling indicates that Bellambi's age profile will significantly change by 2041. Leading this shift, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 14%, reaching 789 people from the current 690. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 age cohorts.