Robertson (NSW)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Robertson 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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Robertson (NSW) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 1,988 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a decrease of 29 people (1.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,017 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,981 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 22 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 51.0% 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with the area's population expected to reduce by 163 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 27 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Robertson, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Robertson experienced limited development activity over the past five years, averaging approximately three approvals per year. This totals 18 approvals during this period. Such low levels are typical in rural areas due to modest housing needs and construction activity constrained by local demand and infrastructure capacity.

It is important to note that with such a small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics. Robertson exhibited notably less construction activity compared to the Rest of NSW during this period. Development levels were also below national averages. Recent development in Robertson consisted solely of detached houses, reflecting its rural character where larger properties are common.

The estimated population per dwelling approval was 575 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. Population projections suggest stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers.

Robertson has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A total of one project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Notable projects include Calderwood Valley Master-Planned Community, West Dapto Urban Release Area Water & Wastewater Servicing, Kiama to Bomaderry Rail Improvements, and Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan 2041. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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The exceptional employment performance in Robertson places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Robertson has an educated workforce. In the construction sector, unemployment stands at 0.9%, with estimated employment growth of 3.7% over the past year.

As of September 2025, 1,017 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%. This is below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is at 59.5%. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical employment, with a share 1.8 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance employs only 11.9% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison. Over the past year, employment increased by 3.7%, while labour force grew by 3.6%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.5% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections vary significantly by industry sector. Applying these projections to Robertson's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Robertson suburb's income level is above national average, as per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers is $46,646, with average income at $71,568. This compares to Rest of NSW's median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. With Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes are approximately $50,779 (median) and $77,909 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows Robertson's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between 49th and 50th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 32.3% of residents (642 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, mirroring surrounding region's 29.9%. After housing expenses, 86.1% of income remains for other expenses. Robertson's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Robertson is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Robertson's dwelling structure, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 99.3% houses and 0.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 90.6% houses and 9.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Robertson was 47.1%, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's figure. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 38.5%, while rented dwellings were at 14.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $443, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $430. Nationally, Robertson's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Robertson has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 75.5% of all households, including 29.6% couples with children, 35.1% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.5%, with lone person households at 22.1% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Robertson exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is notably high at 29.3%, surpassing both the Rest of NSW average (21.3%) and the SA4 region average (22.4%). Bachelor degrees are most common among residents aged 15+, with 19.0% holding such qualifications, followed by postgraduate degrees (7.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, held by 42.8% of residents aged 15+; advanced diplomas account for 13.8%, while certificates make up 29.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Robertson has 72 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 18 different routes that together offer 217 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located 142 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 31 trips per day across all routes, which equates to roughly 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Robertson are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Robertson's health indicators show below-average results, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. The area has a high rate of private health cover, at approximately 55% of its total population (around 1,097 people), compared to 64.6% in the rest of NSW.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.8% and 8.6% of residents respectively. However, 66.1% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 64.8% in the rest of NSW. Robertson has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 24.9% (495 people), than the rest of NSW's 27.7%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Robertson are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Robertson is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Robertson's population was found to be predominantly Australian-born, with 83.3% born in Australia, and 90.2% being citizens. English was the primary language spoken at home by 96.3%. Christianity was the predominant religion in Robertson, making up 58.1%, compared to 57.0% across the Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.2%), Australian (29.9%), and Irish (10.7%). Notably, Hungarian ancestry was overrepresented at 0.5% in Robertson compared to 0.3% regionally, Scottish ancestry was slightly underrepresented at 9.0% versus 9.6%, and Macedonian ancestry was also overrepresented at 0.4% compared to 0.2%.

Robertson hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Robertson's median age in 2021 was 47 years, significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and substantially exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile showed that those aged 55-64 were particularly prominent, comprising 15.9% of the population, while those aged 25-34 made up only 7.9%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.9% to 8.0%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.7% to 11.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 15.6% to 13.0%. By 2041, Robertson is projected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 98%, reaching 55 people from an initial 27. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 86% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.