Albany Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

Albany Surrounds lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Albany Surrounds' population is approximately 4,176 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 469 people from the 2021 Census count of 3,707 people, indicating a growth rate of 12.7%. This change can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,974 in June 2024 and the addition of 145 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 1 person per square kilometer. Albany Surrounds' growth rate of 12.7% since the 2021 Census exceeds the SA3 area's growth rate of 8.1% and the national average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 44.3% to overall population gains during recent periods, with overseas migration and interstate migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Projected demographic shifts suggest that non-metropolitan areas will experience above median population growth. According to the latest population numbers, Albany Surrounds is expected to grow by 649 persons to reach a total of 4,825 people by 2041, representing a gain of 10.7% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Albany Surrounds when compared nationally

Albany Surrounds has seen approximately 32 new home approvals annually. Development approval data is provided by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 163 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, and six approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 1.6 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years. This indicates a balanced supply and demand, creating stable market conditions.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $547,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting focus on quality developments. In FY-26, $3.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of WA, Albany Surrounds has 51.0% more new home approvals per person, offering greater choice for buyers. However, building activity has slowed in recent years.

Recent construction comprises 95.0% detached dwellings and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 174 people moving to the area per dwelling approval, Albany Surrounds exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Future projections indicate an addition of 447 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Albany Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 33 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Among these key projects are Albany North District Structure Plan, Albany Regional Airport Upgrades, Morgan Place (Residential Estate), and Clydesdale Park Estate. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Albany Surrounds performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Albany Surrounds has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 0.7% as of June 2025. It employs 2,290 residents with an unemployment rate 2.4% lower than Rest of WA's 3.2%.

Workforce participation is 64.0%, slightly higher than Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing dominate with an employment share 2.8 times the regional level, while mining is under-represented at 3.2% compared to Rest of WA's 11.7%. Over June 2024 to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.6%, alongside a 0.9% employment decline, resulting in an unemployment rate fall of 0.7 percentage points.

In comparison, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Albany Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.4% over five years and 11.9% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Albany Surrounds is lower than average nationally. The median income is $47,872 and the average is $61,371. This contrasts with Rest of WA's figures: median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Albany Surrounds would be approximately $53,430 (median) and $68,496 (average) as of March 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Albany Surrounds, between the 36th and 38th percentiles. The data shows 31.3% of the population (1,307 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range. Housing costs are manageable with 88.1% retained. However, disposable income sits below average at the 44th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Albany Surrounds had 94.8% houses and 5.2% other dwellings in its latest Census evaluation, compared to Non-Metro WA's 92.1% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. The home ownership rate was 49.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.9% and rented ones at 15.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,800, above Non-Metro WA's average of $1,490. The median weekly rent figure was $250, compared to Non-Metro WA's $280. Nationally, Albany Surrounds' mortgage repayments were lower than Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Albany Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.8% of all households, including 31.4% couples with children, 37.7% couples without children, and 7.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 23.2%, with lone person households at 21.7% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Albany Surrounds aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Albany Surrounds lag behind regional benchmarks, with 22.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. This disparity indicates potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (28.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education. Albany Surrounds has four schools with a combined enrollment of 745 students as of the latest data available (20XX-06-30). The schools demonstrate typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1003) with balanced educational opportunities, including three primary schools and one K-12 school.

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

Public transport analysis reveals six active transport stops operating within Albany Surrounds as of June 2021. These stops are serviced by four individual routes, collectively providing twenty-two weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located eight thousand eight hundred and one meters from the nearest transport stop.

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

The level of general health in Albany Surrounds is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Albany Surrounds has demonstrated above-average health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 51% (~2,113 people) of the total population have private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.7% and 7.5% of residents respectively. A significant portion, 69.4%, declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 64.7% reported across Rest of WA. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.7% (737 people), compared to the state average of 21.0%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Albany Surrounds are particularly strong, even better than those of the general population in terms of health metrics.

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

Albany Surrounds, as per the data provided, showed lower cultural diversity with 87.6% of its population being citizens and 81.0% born in Australia. English was spoken exclusively at home by 96.0%. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 39.3%.

Notably, Judaism, at 0.1%, was proportionally similar to Rest of WA. In terms of parental country of birth, the top groups were English (34.3%), Australian (32.3%), and Scottish (7.3%). However, some ethnic groups showed notable variations: Dutch (3.1% vs regional 2.3%), Welsh (0.7% vs 0.7%), and New Zealand (0.9% vs 0.7%) were relatively more represented in Albany Surrounds compared to the region.

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

Albany Surrounds has a median age of 44 years, which is higher than the Rest of WA average of 40 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group makes up 15.8% of Albany Surrounds' population compared to the Rest of WA, while the 25-34 cohort constitutes 11.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows that younger residents have lowered the median age by 1 year to 44 years. Notable shifts include the 35-44 age group growing from 10.6% to 12.7%, and the 25-34 cohort increasing from 10.0% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 17.4% to 15.8%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 14.9% to 13.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes for Albany Surrounds, with the 25-34 cohort projected to grow by 45%, adding 212 residents to reach 685. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.