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

As of Nov 2025, the population of the Shortland statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 5,357 people. This reflects an increase of 820 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,537 people, indicating an 18.1% growth. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,070 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 201 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 816 persons per square kilometer. The Shortland's growth exceeded that of the non-metro area (5.7%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 95.0% 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 Shortland (SA2) is predicted to experience exceptional growth in the top 10 percent of Australia's non-metropolitan areas over the period from Nov 2025 to 2041, with an expected increase of 2,859 persons reflecting a total increase of 46.7%.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Shortland has recorded around 33 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 167 homes were approved, with an additional 25 approved so far in FY26. This results in an average of about 3.1 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed over this period.

However, supply is substantially lagging demand, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost value for new properties in Shortland is around $264,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In terms of commercial development, approximately $14.0 million in approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Shortland shows moderately higher new home approvals, with 31.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This balance supports buyer choice while maintaining current property values.

New building activity in Shortland comprises approximately 14.0% standalone homes and 86.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend towards 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 composition, which is currently 70.0% houses. This change indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 137 people per dwelling approval, Shortland exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Shortland is expected to grow by approximately 2,501 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 identified 11 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are 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.

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

Shortland has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 3.7% as of September 2025. This is 0.1% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

The estimated employment growth over the past year was 3.9%. Workforce participation in Shortland is 58.5%, compared to 56.4% in the Rest of NSW. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food sectors.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing sector has only 0.5% representation in Shortland's workforce, compared to 5.3% in the Rest of NSW. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.9%, while labour force increased by 4.5%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contraction of 0.5% and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will 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 Shortland's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, suburb of Shortland had median income among taxpayers of $54,845 with average level standing at $65,365. This is slightly lower than national average and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates 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 23rd and 25th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows predominant cohort spans 33.3% of locals (1,783 people) in $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring broader area where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.3% of income remaining, ranking at 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 evaluation, consisted of 69.9% houses and 30.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 70.5% houses and 29.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Shortland was at 27.2%, with the rest mortgaged (33.9%) or rented (38.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,679, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,962. The median weekly rent was $377, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Shortland's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,679 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $377 than 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 making up 8.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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 NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the 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, with 30.2% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.7% in tertiary, 7.3% in primary, and 5.1% in secondary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 45 active public transport stops in Shortland. These are served by buses operating along 20 routes, offering a total of 381 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 148 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 54 trips daily 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Its private health cover rate is approximately 53%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Rest of NSW's 56.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 12.3% and 9.8% of residents respectively. Around 60% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to approximately 65% in Rest of NSW. The area has a senior population of around 17%, totaling 905 people aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly comparable to those of the general population.

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 showed low cultural diversity, with 86.3% being citizens, 85.0% born in Australia, and 88.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion at 50.0%. Islam was overrepresented at 2.6%, compared to 1.7% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (29.3%), English (29.2%), and Scottish (8.3%). Notable ethnic group divergences included Welsh at 0.7% (vs regional 0.8%), Samoan at 0.4% (vs 0.1%), and Australian Aboriginal at 4.6% (vs 3.2%).

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

Shortland's median age is 31, which is younger than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and below Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 25.2% of Shortland's population compared to Rest of NSW, while the 45-54 cohort makes up 6.8%. This concentration in the 25-34 age group is higher than the national figure of 14.5%. Between 2021 and the present day, Shortland's median age has decreased by 1.6 years from 33 to 31, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes include an increase in the 25-34 age group from 20.7% to 25.2%, and the 35-44 cohort from 11.0% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 8.0% to 6.8%, and the 65-74 group has dropped from 9.6% to 8.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that Shortland's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 76% (1,029 people), reaching 2,379 from 1,349. In contrast, the 85+ group is expected to contract by 22 residents.