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 February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Shortland is around 5,366, reflecting an increase of 829 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 18.3% increase from the previous population of 4,537. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,070, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of an additional 201 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 818 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 18.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded that of the Rest of NSW (5.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing 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, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, 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. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is predicted to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with an expected increase of 2,855 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 46.5% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Shortland recorded approximately 33 residential properties approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, about 167 homes were approved, with an additional 25 in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, each dwelling constructed accommodated roughly 3.1 new residents on average.

This supply lagged demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost of new properties was approximately $264,000, below the regional average. Commercial development approvals totalled $14.0 million in FY-26, indicating balanced commercial activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Shortland had moderately higher new home approvals (31.0% above the regional average per person over five years). This balance supports buyer choice and current property values.

Most new building activity involved townhouses or apartments (86.0%), with a smaller portion being standalone homes (14.0%). This trend indicates decreasing developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles, favouring more diverse and affordable housing options. Shortland had around 137 people per dwelling approval, indicating growth area characteristics. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates the area will grow by approximately 2,497 residents. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, intensifying buyer competition and potentially driving price increases.

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 that could impact the region. Notable initiatives 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 unemployment rate was 3.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.8%. As of September 2025, 2,672 residents were employed and the unemployment rate was 0.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of NSW at 61.5%.

In Shortland, 18.3% of residents worked from home according to Census responses. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food sectors. Agriculture, forestry & fishing sector is under-represented with only 0.5% of the workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8% and labour force increased by 4.4%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contraction of 0.5%, labour force fall of 0.1%, and unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 shows Shortland suburb had median taxpayer income of $54,845 and average income of $65,365. Nationally, median was $52,719 and average was $73,096. Rest of NSW had median at $52,390 and average at $65,215. As of September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $59,704 (median) and $71,156 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. Census 2021 data shows Shortland's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 23rd and 25th percentiles nationally. Income distribution indicates 33.3% (1,786 people) earn $1,500 - 2,999, similar to broader area at 29.9%. Housing affordability is severe with only 79.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 19th percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Shortland, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 69.9% houses and 30.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Shortland was 27.2%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (33.9%) or rented (38.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Shortland was $1,679, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733 and the national average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Shortland was recorded at $377, higher than Non-Metro NSW's $330 but close to 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%. The median household size is 2.3 people, 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 has lower university qualification rates than NSW, with 20.2% compared to the state average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (29.3%).

Educational participation is 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 shows 45 active stops operating within Shortland. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 20 individual routes that provide 381 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 148 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 94%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.2, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

A variety of health conditions impact both younger and older age groups in the area. Private health cover is higher than average at approximately 53% (2,832 people). Mental health issues affect 12.3% of residents, while asthma impacts 9.8%. In contrast, 59.9% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age adults face notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. Shortland has 16.3% (874 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but align with national rankings for 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 was found to be less diverse culturally, 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. Islam was overrepresented compared to the rest of NSW, making up 2.6% versus 0.8%.

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

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

Shortland has a median age of 31, which is lower than Rest of NSW's 43 and Australia's 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 26.0% of Shortland's population, compared to Rest of NSW's figure, while the 45-54 cohort makes up 6.5%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and the present day, Shortland's median age has decreased by 1.9 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 26.0%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 11.0% to 13.2%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 9.6% to 8.0%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 8.0% to 6.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Shortland's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 70%, adding 982 people and reaching a total of 2,378 from the current figure of 1,395. Meanwhile, the 85+ group is expected to decrease by 15 residents.