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, Shortland's population is estimated at around 5,195. This reflects a 658 person increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,537 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 5,061 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 201 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 791 persons per square kilometer. Shortland's 14.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area's 5.1%. 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 a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is predicted to increase by 2,874 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 51.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Shortland among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis indicates Shortland recorded approximately 32 residential properties approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 162 homes were approved, with an additional 25 in FY-26. Each year, about 3.2 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

This supply lagging demand suggests heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average value of $264,000, below the regional average, offering more affordable housing options. In FY-26, $31.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Rest of NSW, Shortland shows moderately higher new home approvals (27.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

New building activity comprises 15.0% standalone homes and 85.0% townhouses or apartments, shifting from the area's existing housing composition of 70.0% houses. With around 190 people per dwelling approval, Shortland exhibits growth area characteristics. Future projections estimate Shortland adding 2,678 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Shortland Waters Retirement Village, 9 Gothic Street Student Accommodation, Callaghan Campus Heart, and Boatman Creek Flood Improvements. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Employment performance in Shortland has been broadly consistent with national averages

Shortland's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.5%.

As of June 2025, 2618 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, 0.5 percentage points below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was 58.5%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Major employment sectors included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services, while agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented at 0.5% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5%, labour force grew by 3.0%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.1%, labour force grow by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Shortland's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Shortland had a median taxpayer income of $54,845 and an average income of $65,365. Nationally, these figures are approximately average, with Rest of NSW reporting $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be around $61,761 (median) and $73,608 (average). Census 2021 data indicates Shortland's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 23rd and 25th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 33.3% of locals (1,729 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the broader area where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are 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

Shortland's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 69.9% houses and 30.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 70.5% houses and 29.5% 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, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,962. The median weekly rent figure in Shortland was $377, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Shortland's mortgage repayments were lower than 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% that are couples with children, 27.8% that are couples without children, and 12.6% that are single parent families. Non-family households account for 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 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 educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 20.2%, significantly lower than the NSW 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. Shortland's 4 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 459 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates varied educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 918. The educational mix includes 2 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. School places per 100 residents are at 8.8, below the regional average of 15.5, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to their parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 43 active transport stops in Shortland. These are mixed bus services operating through 21 different routes, offering a total of 403 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living 148 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 57 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 9 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 indicated by health data. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups.

The rate of private health cover is higher than the average SA2 area, at approximately 53% (~2,742 people), compared to 55.6% across Rest of NSW. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in Shortland, affecting 12.3 and 9.8% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.9% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 64.9% across Rest of NSW. As of 2016 Census data, 16.9% (~877 people) of Shortland's residents are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors in the area generally align with those of the wider 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 culturally diverse 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 at 2.6%, compared to 1.7% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.3%), English (29.2%), and Scottish (8.3%). Notably, Welsh (0.7%) and Samoan (0.4%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.8% and 0.1%, respectively. Additionally, the representation of Australian Aboriginal was higher at 4.6% compared to 3.2%.

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

Shortland's median age is 31, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 shows strong representation at 25.2% compared to Rest of NSW, while the 45-54 cohort is less prevalent at 6.8%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is notably higher than the national average 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 in this period include the growth of the 25-34 age group from 20.7% to 25.2%, and an increase in 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 82%, adding 1,077 people, reaching a total of 2,387 from the current figure of 1,309. In contrast, the 85+ group is expected to contract by 21 residents.