West Albury

West Albury is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The estimated population of West Albury as of February 2026 is around 3,755 people. This figure reflects a decrease of 117 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a total population of 3,872 in the suburb. The current resident population estimate of 3,731 by AreaSearch, based on examination of the latest ERP data release from the ABS in June 2024 and validation of additional 12 new addresses since the Census date, indicates this decrease. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 694 persons per square kilometer for West Albury, which is generally consistent with averages observed across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was identified as the primary driver behind recent population growth in the suburb.

For projection purposes, AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts and aggregated SA2-level projections, West Albury is expected to experience population growth just below the national regional median, with an anticipated increase of approximately 396 persons by 2041, representing a total gain of around 9.9% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in West Albury is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

West Albury has seen limited development activity in recent years, with an average of 2 approvals per year over the past five years, totalling 13. This low level of development is typical of rural areas where housing demand is modest and construction activity is constrained by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It's important to note that with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures can vary significantly based on individual projects.

West Albury has much lower development activity compared to the rest of NSW and nationally. New developments in the area consist of 50% detached houses and 50% attached dwellings, a shift from the current housing stock which is 79% houses. This focus on higher-density living aims to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval in West Albury is 1268 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, West Albury is expected to grow by 372 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Looking ahead, West Albury is expected to grow by 372 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

West Albury has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Riverina Highway Sewer West Upgrade, Oddies Creek Splash Park, Albury Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), and Albury Social Housing Redevelopment Projects. 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.

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

West Albury has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 6.5% as of December 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. By this date, 1,875 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.5 percentage points higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in West Albury was fairly standard at 64.5%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census responses indicated that only 11.5% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents included health care and social assistance, education and training, and retail trade.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry and fishing showed lower representation at 1.4%, compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. During the year to December 2025, labour force decreased by 2.0% alongside a 3.3% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 1.3 percentage points, according to AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within West Albury. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, were mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. National employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to West Albury's employment mix suggested that local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though it is important to note that this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not take into account localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows median income in West Albury is $49,163 and average income is $62,195. This is lower than Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $53,519 and average income $67,705, based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, West Albury's personal income ranks at the 48th percentile ($794 weekly) and household income at the 25th percentile. The largest income segment comprises 28.5% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,070 residents). Housing costs are modest with 87.8% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranks at the 30th percentile nationally and West Albury's SEIFA income ranking is in the 5th decile.

West Albury is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In West Albury, as recorded in the latest Census, 79.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 20.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments and other types. This compares to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Albury stood at 41.3%, similar to Regional NSW, with mortgaged properties at 27.2% and rented dwellings at 31.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,365, lower than the Regional NSW average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in West Albury was $255, compared to $330 in Regional NSW. Nationally, West Albury's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,365 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

West Albury features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 63.9% of all households, including 22.0% couples with children, 29.2% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.1%, with lone person households at 33.1% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in West Albury fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 26.3%, exceeding the SA4 region average of 18.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (24.8%).

Educational participation is high at 27.6%, including 9.5% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 75 active stops operating in West Albury, offering mixed bus services. These are served by 12 routes, providing a total of 234 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 144 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward; cars remain dominant at 96%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.2 per dwelling, below regional average. In 2021 Census data (possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions), only 11.5% of residents work from home.

Service frequency averages 33 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in West Albury is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

West Albury faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both younger and older age cohorts exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions. Only approximately 52% (~1,935 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low. Mental health issues impact 10.4% of residents, while arthritis affects 10.1%. In comparison, 60.6% of West Albury residents claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population in the area faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. West Albury has a higher proportion of seniors (26.8%, or 1,006 people) than Regional NSW (23.4%). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

West Albury's cultural diversity was below average, with 89.3% being citizens, 86.9% born in Australia, and 93.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 56.9%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.2%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (10.1%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 5.5% (vs regional 3.1%), Hungarian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%), and Australian Aboriginal at 3.5% (vs regional 4.6%).

West Albury hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

West Albury's median age is 45 years, which is slightly higher than Regional NSW's median of 43 years, and considerably older than the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Regional NSW average, West Albury has a notably higher percentage of people aged 85 and above (5.5% locally), while those aged 45 to 54 are under-represented (8.8%). Between 2021 and present day, the population of people aged 25 to 34 has increased from 10.6% to 12.7%. Conversely, the population of people aged 55 to 64 has declined from 14.4% to 12.7%, and those aged 45 to 54 have decreased from 10.3% to 8.8%. Demographic modeling suggests that West Albury's age profile will change significantly by the year 2041. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to grow significantly, increasing by 125 individuals (61%) from 206 to 332. Conversely, population declines are projected for the age groups of 5 to 14 years and 65 to 74 years.