Shalvey

Shalvey 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 November 2025, the estimated population of Shalvey is around 3,632, reflecting an increase of 177 people since the 2021 Census. The suburb's population in 2021 was reported as 3,455. This growth, a 5.1% increase, exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The estimated resident population (ERP) of Shalvey is based on ABS data released in June 2024 and includes an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 2,298 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods in Shalvey.

Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas for Shalvey. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 369 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 10.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Shalvey shows around 5 new homes approved annually. Between Financial Year 21 (FY-21) and FY-25, approximately 28 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of 0.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The supply of new dwellings is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average value of new dwellings developed is $216,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Commercial approvals this financial year amount to $19,000, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Shalvey has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person.

Nationally, it places among the 28th percentile of areas assessed, offering more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining Shalvey's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 600 people per approval, Shalvey shows itself to be a mature, established area. Future projections estimate Shalvey will add 377 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Shalvey has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

AreaSearch has identified two projects that could impact the area: M12 Motorway (Western Sydney Airport Motorway), Richmond Road Upgrade - M7 to Townson Road, Marsden Park Data Centre Campus, and Tallawong to St Marys (T2SM) Passenger Rail Corridor. These are key projects likely to have significant influence on the area's performance.

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The labour market performance in Shalvey lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Shalvey's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs across diverse sectors. Its unemployment rate was 16.2% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.7%. The area had 1,363 residents in work while its unemployment rate was 12.0% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 41.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing.

Shalvey showed strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level. Professional & technical services had limited presence at 3.2%, compared to 11.5% regionally. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 6.7% while labour force grew by 6.5%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Shalvey's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Shalvey's median taxpayer income is $40,554 and average income is $44,401 according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is below national averages of $56,994 (median) and $80,856 (average). By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $45,668 and average income will be around $50,000. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Shalvey fall between the 6th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals 27.5% (998 individuals) earn within the $800-$1,499 range, differing from regional trends where 30.9% fall within the $1,500-$2,999 bracket. Housing affordability is severe with only 75.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 7th percentile nationally.

Shalvey is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Shalvey's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.6% houses and 8.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 80.7% houses and 19.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Shalvey was at 18.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.2% and rented ones at 53.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, below Sydney metro's $2,000, while median weekly rent was $300 compared to Sydney metro's $350. Nationally, Shalvey's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially lower at $375.

Shalvey features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.0% of all households, including 31.2% couples with children, 17.8% couples without children, and 26.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 23.0%, with lone person households at 20.1% and group households at 2.3%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 3.1.

Shalvey faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area has lower university qualification rates at 10.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.8% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Vocational credentials are held by 34.3% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 8.0% and certificates at 26.3%. Educational participation is high at 36.5%, including 15.7% in primary education, 12.4% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Shalvey Public School and Chifley College Shalvey Campus serve a total of 603 students. The area's educational conditions index is 832. Educational provision consists of one primary and one secondary institution.

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

Shalvey has 30 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 14 different routes that together facilitate 701 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility in Shalvey is rated excellent, with residents usually located just 120 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 100 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to approximately 23 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Shalvey is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Shalvey faces significant health challenges with higher prevalence of common conditions compared to averages. Among older age cohorts, this is even more pronounced. Private health cover stands at approximately 45% (~1,619 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 47.8% and Australia's national average of 55.3%.

Asthma and mental health issues are most common, affecting 10.3% and 8.5% respectively. Conversely, 65.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 71.2% in Greater Sydney. Shalvey has 13.1% residents aged 65 and over (475 people). Health outcomes among seniors require particular focus.

Shalvey was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Shalvey was found to have a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 27.4% of its population born overseas and 27.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Shalvey, making up 56.4% of its people. However, Islam appears to be overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 8.4% of Shalvey's population versus 13.0%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian is the top group at 22.7%, substantially higher than the regional average of 17.2%. English ancestry also stands out at 20.2%, exceeding the regional average of 14.7%. However, Other ancestry is notably lower at 17.3% compared to the regional average of 23.9%. There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Samoan is overrepresented at 5.4% versus 3.6% regionally, Maori at 1.8% versus 1.2%, and Australian Aboriginal at 9.8% versus 4.4%.

Shalvey hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Shalvey's median age is 32 years, which is younger than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Shalvey has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (17.2%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (11.0%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 12.2%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 15.1% to 16.1% of Shalvey's population, while the 0 to 4 cohort has decreased from 7.8% to 7.0%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Shalvey's age profile by 2041. The 65 to 74 age group is projected to grow by 42%, adding 121 residents, reaching a total of 412. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups.