Russell Vale

Russell Vale is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for Russell Vale and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of 1 November 2025 the suburb's estimated population is around 1,610. This reflects an increase of 17 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,593. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,604, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Education and Workforce data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 728 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Russell Vale's 1.1% growth since census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.0%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in June 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 July 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of locations outside of capital cities is expected, with the suburb expected to increase by 101 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 5.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Russell Vale had minimal residential development activity from 2015 to 2019, with an average of two dwelling approvals per year (totaling 14 dwellings). This low level is typical of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It's important to note that yearly growth figures can vary considerably due to the small number of approvals.

Compared to Rest of NSW, Russell Vale had much lower development activity during this period. Nationally, its activity level was also below average. In Russell Vale, 33.0% of new building activity involved detached houses, while 67.0% comprised townhouses or apartments. This shift from the current pattern of 79.0% houses suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Russell Vale had approximately 226 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Russell Vale is projected to add 82 residents by 2041.

Development has been keeping pace with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Russell Vale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects potentially impacting this region. Notable ones include Woonona Place, The Plaza Woonona Specialist Retail and Recreational Centre, Russell Vale Underground Expansion Project, and Bulli Hospital Site Redevelopment.

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 analysis reveals Russell Vale significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Russell Vale's workforce is skilled with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.3% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.0%. The area had an unemployment rate of 2.3%, below Rest of NSW's 3.7%, and workforce participation was 59.8%. Key industries included health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction showed strong specialization with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 0.0% compared to the region's 5.3%.

Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.0% and labour force by 1.7%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a rise in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Russell Vale. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Russell Vale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Russell Vale's median income among taxpayers was $54,029 in financial year 2022. Its average income stood at $74,323 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW which were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $60,820 (median) and $83,695 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Russell Vale ranked at the 42nd percentile, family incomes at the 47th percentile, and personal incomes at the 44th percentile. Income distribution data shows that 30.7% of Russell Vale's population fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range in 2021, with this cohort representing 29.9% in the region. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Russell Vale, with only 82.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 47th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the fifth decile.

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

Russell Vale's housing structure, as per the latest Census, had 79.4% houses and 20.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Non-Metro NSW's 58.9% houses and 41.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Russell Vale stood at 36.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.9% and rented ones at 20.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,189. Median weekly rent in Russell Vale was $400, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure but exceeding the national average of $375. Nationally, Russell Vale's median mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 75.3% of all households, including 35.8% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.7%, with lone person households at 21.7% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 19.9%, significantly lower than the SA3 area average of 33.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (32.4%). Educational participation is high, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (12.1%), secondary education (9.2%), and tertiary education (3.2%). Russell Vale Public School serves the local area, enrolling 263 students as of a recent count. The school focuses on primary education, with ICSEA score of 1040, indicating typical Australian school conditions and balanced educational opportunities. Secondary options are available in nearby areas.

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

Russell Vale has six active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by twenty different bus routes that together facilitate 514 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is deemed good, with residents on average located just 271 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 73 trips across all routes, which amounts to approximately 85 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Russell Vale is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Russell Vale faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent, particularly among older age cohorts.

Approximately 56% (~906 people) have private health cover, a high rate compared to other areas. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.2%) and mental health issues (7.9%). However, 66.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of NSW average of 68.6%. As of June 30, 20XX, 17.7% (~284 people) are aged 65 and over, presenting specific health challenges requiring additional attention compared to younger residents.

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

Russell Vale had a cultural diversity index of 9.9%, with 89.9% of its population born in Australia, 93.5% being citizens, and 95.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 50.6% of people in Russell Vale, compared to 51.0% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.7%), Australian (31.3%), and Scottish (9.7%).

Notably, Welsh (1.1%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.8%, as were French (0.6% vs 0.5%) and Macedonian (0.3% vs 1.5%).

Russell Vale's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Russell Vale is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Russell Vale has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 (15.8%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (9.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15 to 24 grew from 10.6% to 13.0%, while the 5 to 14 age group declined from 17.1% to 15.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Russell Vale's age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 24%, reaching 195 people from 157. The combined 65+ age groups will account for 53% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.