Shortland

Shortland lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Shortland's population is estimated at around 5,366 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 829 people (18.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,537 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,070, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 201 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 818 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb of Shortland's 18.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (5.9%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 95.0% 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, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the suburb of Shortland expected to increase by 2,840 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 47.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Shortland among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Shortland has recorded around 33 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 165 homes were approved, with a further 25 approved so far in FY26. On average, 3.2 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed annually over this period.

This suggests supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $264,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, Shortland has recorded $14.0 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Shortland shows moderately higher new home approvals, with 30.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values.

New building activity shows 14.0% standalone homes and 86.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing, which is currently 70.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 141 people per dwelling approval, Shortland shows characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Shortland is expected to grow by 2544 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Shortland 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 eleven projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Shortland Waters Retirement Village, Callaghan Campus Heart, 9 Gothic Street Student Accommodation, and Boatman Creek Flood Improvements. The following list details those most relevant:.

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.

Shortland has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Shortland's workforce is skilled with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8%. As of December 2025, 2,634 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.3% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was similar to Regional NSW at 61.3%. Census responses showed that 18.3% of residents worked from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 0.5% of Shortland's workforce compared to 5.3% in Regional NSW. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8%, labour force by 2.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment contracted by 1.2%, labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Shortland's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released in financial year 2023, Shortland suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $54,845. The average income stood at $65,365. This is slightly lower than the national average and compares to regional NSW levels of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Shortland would be approximately $59,704 (median) and $71,156 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Shortland all fall between the 23rd and 25th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that 33.3% of locals (1,786 people) are in the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, mirroring the broader area where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 19th percentile.

Shortland displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Shortland's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 69.9% houses and 30.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Shortland stood at 27.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.9% and rented ones at 38.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,679, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Shortland was $377, higher than Regional NSW's figure of $330. Nationally, Shortland's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Shortland features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 62.0% of all households, including 19.9% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 38.0%, with lone person households at 29.5% and group households comprising 8.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 20.2%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (29.3%). Educational participation is high at 30.2%, comprising tertiary education (10.7%), primary education (7.3%), and secondary education (5.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in tertiary education, 7.3% in primary education, and 5.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 45 active transport stops operating within Shortland, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 20 individual routes, collectively providing 381 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 148 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, with car remaining the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 18.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 54 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Shortland is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Shortland faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is higher than average at approximately 53% of the total population (~2,832 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, impacting 12.3 and 9.8% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. The working-age population has notably high chronic condition rates. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 16.9% of the population (906 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings, presenting some challenges.

Shortland ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Shortland's population was found to be predominantly culturally homogeneous, with 86.3% being citizens, 85.0% born in Australia, and 88.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 50.0% of Shortland's population. Notably, Islam was overrepresented compared to Regional NSW, making up 2.6% versus 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (29.3%), English (29.2%), and Scottish (8.3%) were the top three groups represented in Shortland. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences in representation: Welsh was overrepresented at 0.7% compared to 0.5% regionally, Samoan at 0.4% versus 0.1%, and Australian Aboriginal remained at 4.6%.

Shortland's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Shortland's median age is 31, which is significantly younger than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 25.5% of Shortland's population, higher than Regional NSW's percentage but lower compared to the national figure of 14.4%. The 45-54 cohort represents only 6.4% of Shortland's population. Between 2021 and present, Shortland's median age has decreased by 1.7 years from 33 to 31, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. During this period, the 25-34 age group grew from 20.7% to 25.5%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 11.0% to 12.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 8.0% to 6.4%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 9.3% to 7.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Shortland's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 72%, adding 989 people to reach a total of 2,358 from the current 1,368. Meanwhile, the 85+ group is expected to decrease by 15 residents.