Albany
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Albany's population was around 15,807 as of August 2025. This reflected an increase of 979 people from the 2021 Census figure of 14,828. The growth was inferred from ABS estimated resident population figures and additional validated addresses since the census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 515 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Albany's compound annual growth rate was 0.8%, outperforming its SA4 region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 60.7% of recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and Greater Capital Region projections from 2023 based on 2022 data for areas not covered by the former. Future trends suggest an expected population increase just below the median for non-capital city locations, with Albany projected to gain 1,819 persons by 2041, a total increase of 11.5% over those 17 years.

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

Albany has averaged approximately 70 new dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with 351 dwellings approved over the past five financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), and an additional 16 approved so far in FY-26. Over these five years, an average of 2.1 people have moved to the area per new home constructed, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $501,000.

This financial year has seen $69.8 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of WA, Albany shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and places among the 57th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

Albany reflects a transitioning market, with around 271 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Albany will gain 1,813 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Albany has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Hardie Road Mixed-Use Development, Spencer Park Education Support Centre Redevelopment, Middleton Beach Hotel, and Spencer Park Improvement Special Control Area. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

AreaSearch analysis places Albany well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Albany has a skilled workforce with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.6% as of June 2025, below the Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.5%. There were 7,752 residents employed in June 2025, with a workforce participation rate of 53.7%, compared to the Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries for Albany residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Health care & social assistance is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level, while mining has lower representation at 1.8% versus the regional average of 11.7%.

The ratio of workers to residents, as per the Census, indicates a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.5%, while the labour force decreased by 1.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 2.0 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.1% and a 0.6 percentage point decrease in unemployment during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May 2025, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Albany's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

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

Albany's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $47,800. The average income was $60,246. This is below the national average. In comparison, Rest of WA had a median income of $57,323 and an average of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Albany's median income would be approximately $53,350 as of March 2025. The average is estimated to be around $67,241 during the same period. Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Albany all fall between the 17th and 30th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, the largest segment comprises 27.9% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, which includes 4,410 residents. This pattern is also seen at regional levels where 31.1% similarly occupy this income range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Albany, with only 84.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 18th percentile nationally.

Albany is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Albany's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro WA's 92.1% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Albany was at 39.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.6% and rented ones at 34.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,439, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,490. The median weekly rent in Albany was $300, compared to Non-Metro WA's $280. Nationally, Albany's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,439 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 60.1% of all households, including 19.0% couples with children, 29.5% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 39.9%, with lone person households making up 37.2% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.4.

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

Albany's residents aged 15+ have lower university degree attainment compared to Australia, with 22.4% versus 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.0% of residents holding them - advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (26.9%). A substantial 24.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.2% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

There are 15 schools serving 4,101 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 995) and balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 4 primary, 6 secondary, and 5 K-12 schools. Albany functions as an education hub with 25.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 15.9, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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

Analysis of public transportation in Albany shows 104 active transport stops operating within the city, consisting solely of bus stops. These stops are serviced by 10 individual routes, collectively providing 510 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 214 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 72 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Albany faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 50%, covering around 7,824 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health concerns (10.0%), while 60.3% reported no medical ailments, lower than the Rest of WA's 64.7%. Albany has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65+, with 25.0% (3,948 people), compared to Rest of WA's 21.0%. Health outcomes for seniors show some challenges despite performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Albany's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 77.5% born in Australia and 88.6% citizens. English is spoken at home by 92.3%. Christianity dominates religiously, accounting for 44.6%.

Judaism, however, shows overrepresentation at 0.1%, compared to the regional average of 0.1%. Top ancestry groups are English (35%), Australian (27.6%), and Scottish (7.7%). Dutch representation is notably higher in Albany at 2.2% versus 2.3% regionally, Welsh at 0.8% versus 0.7%, and Polish at 0.9% versus 0.7%.

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

Albany's median age is 48 years, which is notably higher than Rest of WA's median age of 40 and also older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of WA average, Albany has a notably higher percentage of residents aged 85 and above (4.3%) but a lower percentage of residents aged 5-14 years (10.4%). Between 2021 and the present, younger residents have shifted Albany's median age down by 1.1 years to 48 years. Specifically, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has increased from 10.5% to 12.6%, while those aged 35 to 44 grew from 9.7% to 11.6%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has declined from 9.7% to 8.1%, and the proportion of those aged 65 to 74 has dropped from 14.0% to 12.6%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Albany. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to show strong growth, increasing by 48% and adding 960 residents to reach a total of 2,957. However, population declines are projected for both the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 age cohorts.