Albany

An assessment of population growth drivers in Albany reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

According to research by AreaSearch, the population of Albany stands at approximately 16,100 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,272 individuals (8.6%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 14,828 people. This shift is calculated using the estimated resident population of 16,079 published by the ABS for June 2025 alongside 6 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 525 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and space for potential future development. Over the last ten years, Albany has shown stable expansion with a 0.9% compound annual growth rate, which is higher than the broader SA4 region. Population expansion in the locality was mostly driven by overseas migration, which made up roughly 54.4% of all population increases in recent times.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For SA2 regions lacking this dataset, and to project expansion across all localities past 2032, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth rates from the latest Greater Capital Region projections released by the ABS in 2023, based on 2022 data. Future demographic patterns suggest a population rise slightly below the median for non-metropolitan Australia, with the locality projected to grow by 1,694 persons by 2041 relative to the latest annual ERP statistics, representing a total increase of 10.4% over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Albany when compared nationally

Albany averages approximately 70 building approvals for dwellings each year, with 351 residences approved during the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 78 recorded in FY-26 so far. An average of 2.5 people relocated to the area per newly built home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demonstrating solid demand that supports property values, with new homes constructed at an average cost of $358,000. Furthermore, $69.8 million in commercial developments have received approval during the current financial year, highlighting strong progress in commercial building.

Compared to Rest of WA, construction activity per person in Albany is 19.0% lower, placing it in the 56th percentile of all analyzed locations nationwide. Residential development is composed of 86.0% standalone houses and 14.0% semi-detached properties or apartments, maintaining a low density profile with a focus on detached homes that appeal to buyers wanting space. With approximately 276 people per approved dwelling, Albany represents a changing market.

Demographic projections indicate Albany will add 1,671 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. Considering current building trends, new housing supply is expected to easily accommodate this demand, creating favorable conditions for home buyers and potentially supporting population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Albany has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major planning decisions, and new developments are key factors shaping regional performance. AreaSearch has tracked 19 projects that are expected to influence the locality. Significant projects include the Spencer Park Renewal Project - Hardie Road Mixed-Use Development, the Yakamia/Lange Structure Plan, the Middleton Beach Hotel, and the Albany Waterfront Redevelopment, with the details of the most significant initiatives provided below.

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 employment landscape in Albany presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.0%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Albany has a skilled labour force with strong representation in essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of only 3.0%. In March 2026, there are 7,460 employed residents, and the unemployment rate is 0.5% lower than the 3.5% rate recorded in Regional WA, though the workforce participation rate is considerably lower at 56.1% compared to 65.6% across Regional WA. According to Census data, a modest 6.0% of employed residents worked from home, although this may have been influenced by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

The main industries employing local residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The region exhibits a distinct concentration in health care & social assistance, where the share of employment is 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, mining represents only 1.8% of the workforce, compared to the regional proportion of 11.7%. The presence of 0.7 jobs for every resident at the time of the Census indicates a higher than average availability of local employment.

Analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch shows that during the twelve months ending March 2026, the local workforce shrank by 5.1% and total employment fell by 6.4%, leading to a 1.3 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. This differs from Regional WA, which saw employment contract by 0.1%, the workforce expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide additional context for future labour demand in Albany. These five and ten-year projections are compared with the local industry profile to estimate future growth. Nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying by sector. Aligning these national sectoral projections with the local workforce structure indicates that employment in Albany is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, representing a simple weighted projection for illustration that does not incorporate local population forecasts.

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

According to the latest postcode-level ATO statistics released for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the Albany SA2 record a median income of $50,253 and an average income of $62,879. These figures sit below the national average and compare with a median of $59,973 and an average of $74,392 in Regional WA. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would stand at approximately $55,746 for the median and $69,752 for the average as of March 2026. Census data shows that personal, family, and household incomes in Albany fall between the 16th and 30th percentiles nationally. The largest income cohort consists of 27.9% of taxpayers earning between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (4,491 residents), which is similar to the regional distribution where 31.1% are in this bracket. Housing affordability presents a major challenge, with only 84.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking in the 17th percentile, while the SEIFA index for income places the area in the 4th decile.

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

At the time of the latest Census, the housing mix in Albany consisted of 85.3% separate houses and 14.7% alternative housing types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwellings, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings in Regional WA. Outright home ownership in Albany was notably higher than the Regional WA average at 39.0%, while the remaining properties were mortgaged (26.6%) or rented (34.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment was lower than the regional average at $1,439, and the median weekly rent was $300, compared to Regional WA figures of $1,560 and $265 respectively. On a national scale, mortgage repayments in Albany are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well below the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 60.1%, consisting of 19.0% couples with children, 29.5% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.9%, with lone person households representing 37.2% and group houses comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the average of 2.5 people found in Regional WA.

Albany shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Educational attainment levels in Albany are lower than regional benchmarks, with 22.4% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference points to opportunities for future educational and skill development. Bachelor degrees represent the largest university qualification at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.9%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 26.9%.

A significant portion of the community is enrolled in formal study, totaling 24.7% of the population. This group includes 8.2% in primary school, 8.1% in high school, and 2.9% studying at tertiary institutions.

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

Analysis of the public transport network shows 106 active transit stops in Albany, consisting of various bus options. These stops are connected by 10 distinct routes, facilitating a total of 510 passenger journeys each week. Transit accessibility is good, with residents living an average of 214 meters from the closest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, most workers commute out of the suburb, and private vehicles remain the primary travel mode at 92%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.2 per household, which is below the regional average. A relatively small 6.0% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

Service frequency across the network averages 72 daily trips, which translates to roughly 4 weekly trips for each transport stop. The provided map displays the 100 closest transit stops to the central coordinate of the area.

Health performance in Albany is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Albany experiences notable health issues, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, which are somewhat common across younger and older demographics. Furthermore, the rate of private health insurance coverage is relatively low at approximately 50% of the population (~8,114 people), compared to 56.4% in Regional WA and a national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent medical issues, affecting 11.0% and 10.0% of the population respectively, while 60.3% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. The population of working age experiences significant health concerns with higher rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over make up 25.9% of the population (4,163 people), exceeding the Regional WA proportion of 19.2%. Health statistics for senior residents indicate some difficulties, with national rankings aligning closely with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Albany records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cultural diversity metrics in Albany are comparable to regional averages, with 77.5% of the population born in Australia, 88.6% holding citizenship, and 92.3% using only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 44.6% of residents. The most noticeable religious overrepresentation occurs with Judaism, which is practiced by 0.1% of the population compared to 0.0% across Regional WA.

Looking at parent birthplaces, the most common ancestries in Albany are English at 35.0%, Australian at 27.6%, and Scottish at 7.7%. There are also distinct variations in other ethnic origins, with Dutch ancestry overrepresented at 2.2% of the population (compared to 1.5% regionally), Welsh at 0.8% (compared to 0.6% regionally), and Polish at 0.9% (compared to 0.5% regionally).

Albany hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Albany is 48 years, which is higher than the Regional WA average of 40 years and the national median of 38 years. Compared to Regional WA, there is a higher proportion of residents aged 85 and over (4.3% locally) and a lower proportion of children aged 5 - 14 years (10.1%). Since 2021, younger arrivals have lowered the median age by 1.0 years to 48. The 25 to 34 age group rose from 10.5% to 12.6% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 9.7% to 11.8%, while the 75 to 84 cohort fell from 9.7% to 8.4%. By 2041, demographic projections point to major shifts, with the 25 to 34 cohort expected to grow by 40% (adding 816 residents to reach 2,840), while population decreases are expected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups.