Albany

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Albany's population is around 15,994 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,166 people (7.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,828 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,801 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 521 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, Albany has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.8% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 60.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of locations outside of capital cities is expected, with the area expected to increase by 1,819 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 10.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Albany has averaged around 70 new dwelling approvals per year, with 351 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 42 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.1 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $358,000. Additionally, $69.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against the Rest of WA, Albany shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks within 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 that attracts space-seeking buyers. At around 271 people per approval, Albany reflects a transitioning market.

Population forecasts indicate Albany will gain 1,626 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 19 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Spencer Park Renewal Project, Hardie Road Mixed-Use Development, Yakamia/Lange Structure Plan, Middleton Beach Hotel, and Albany Waterfront Redevelopment, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Albany maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Albany possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.4%. As of December 2025, 7,574 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.1% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation lags significantly (57.9% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, mining shows lower representation at 1.8% versus the regional average of 11.7%. The ratio of 0.7 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 5.4% while employment declined by 5.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional WA, where employment rose by 1.0%, the labour force grew by 1.4%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Albany. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Albany's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Albany SA2's median income among taxpayers is $50,253, with an average of $62,879. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional WA's median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $55,087 (median) and $68,928 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Albany all fall between the 16th and 30th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the largest segment comprises 27.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (4,462 residents), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 31.1% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Albany, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Albany was higher than that of Regional WA, at 39.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (26.6%) or rented (34.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional WA average at $1,439, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Albany's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 60.1% of all households, comprising 19.0% couples with children, 29.5% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.9%, with lone person households at 37.2% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

Educational qualifications in Albany trail regional benchmarks, with 22.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (26.9%).

A substantial 24.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.2% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.9% 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 reveals 106 active transport stops operating within Albany, comprising a mix of buses. 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. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 6.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 72 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Albany faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~8,060 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.0% and 10.0% of residents, respectively, while 60.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 24.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,833 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line 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

Albany was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 77.5% of its population born in Australia, 88.6% being citizens, and 92.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Albany is Christianity, which makes up 44.6% of people in Albany. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.0% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Albany are English, comprising 35.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.6% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 2.2% of Albany (vs 1.5% regionally), Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.6%) and Polish at 0.9% (vs 0.5%).

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

Albany's median age of 48 years stands notably higher than Regional WA's 40 and is similarly considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional WA average, the 85+ cohort is notably over-represented (4.0% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (10.3%). In the period since 2021, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.4 years to 48. In particular, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.5% to 13.3% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 9.7% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 75 to 84 cohort has declined from 9.7% to 7.5% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 14.0% to 12.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Albany. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 39%, adding 832 residents to reach 2,957. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts.