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 15,694 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 866 people from the 2021 Census figure of 14,828, representing a growth rate of 5.8%. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,801 in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 511 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Albany experienced resilient growth patterns with an average annual growth rate of 0.8%, surpassing the SA4 region's growth rate during this period. Overseas migration was the primary driver for population growth, contributing approximately 60.7% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilized the age cohort-based growth rates provided by the ABS in its Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Future population trends indicate an expected increase just below the median for locations outside capital cities, with Albany projected to gain 1,819 persons by 2041, representing a total growth of 12.3% over the 17-year period.

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

Albany averaged approximately 70 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 351 homes were approved, with an additional 22 approved so far in FY26. On average, 2.1 people moved to the area annually for each new home constructed during this period, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of these new homes was $358,000. This year alone, $69.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust commercial development momentum. Compared to the rest of Western Australia, Albany shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 57th percentile nationally when measured by area assessments.

New developments consist predominantly of standalone homes at 86%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 14%. This preserves Albany's low-density nature, appealing to space-seeking buyers. With approximately 271 people per approval, Albany reflects a low-density population growth pattern. Population forecasts indicate that Albany will gain an additional 1,926 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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 19 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Spencer Park Renewal Project - Hardie Road Mixed-Use Development, Spencer Park Education Support Centre Redevelopment, Yakamia/Lange Structure Plan, and Middleton Beach Hotel. Relevant projects are detailed 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.

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

Albany has a skilled workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.6% as of June 2025, which is 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 employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Albany shows particular strength in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, mining has lower representation at 1.8% compared to the regional average of 11.7%. The ratio of workers to residents, as per the Census, indicates above-average local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.5%, while labour force decreased by 1.5%, causing a drop in unemployment rate of 2.0 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.1%, labour force growth of 0.5%, and a fall in unemployment of 0.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national employment expansion by 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, although these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Albany's median income among taxpayers is $47,800. The average income in Albany during this period was $60,246. Both figures are below the national averages. In comparison, Rest of WA had a median income of $57,323 and an average of $71,163 in financial year 2022. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since then, current estimates for Albany's median income would be approximately $54,588 and the average would be around $68,801 as of September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Albany all fall between the 17th and 30th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that the largest segment comprises 27.9% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with a total of 4,378 residents in this income bracket. This pattern is similar to other regional areas where 31.1% fall within 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 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 in Albany was $1,439, below 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 than 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 39.9%, with lone person households at 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 and over have a university degree attainment rate of 22.4%, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.0% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 26.9%. A total of 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.

The area has 15 schools serving 4,101 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 995) offering balanced educational opportunities. There are 4 primary, 6 secondary, and 5 K-12 schools. Albany functions as an education hub with 25.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 15.9.

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

Transport analysis indicates 104 active public transport stops in Albany, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 10 distinct routes, offering a total of 510 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents situated an average of 214 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 72 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 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. Approximately half (50%) of Albany's total population (~7,768 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.0% and 10.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 60.3% of Albany's residents report having no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of WA's figure of 64.7%. Albany has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (25.0%, or 3,920 people) compared to the Rest of WA at 21.0%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Albany are better than those of 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's population composition, as of a certain date, showed that approximately 77.5% were born in Australia, with around 88.6% being citizens and about 92.3% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for roughly 44.6% of Albany's population. While the proportion of Judaism was similar to the regional average at 0.1%, notable overrepresentations were found in Dutch (2.2%), Welsh (0.8%), and Polish (0.9%) ethnic groups compared to their respective regional averages.

The top three ancestry groups, based on parents' country of birth, were English (35.0%), Australian (27.6%), and Scottish (7.7%).

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

Albany's median age is 48 years, notably exceeding Rest of WA's 40, which is considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of WA average, Albany has a notably over-represented 85+ cohort (4.3%) and an under-represented 5-14 year-olds group (10.4%). Between 2021 and present, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.1 years to 48. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.5% to 12.6%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 9.7% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 75 to 84 cohort declined from 9.7% to 8.1%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 14.0% to 12.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Albany. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 49%, adding 974 residents to reach 2,957. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 85+ cohorts.