Albany Surrounds

Population growth drivers in Albany Surrounds are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Albany Surrounds is approximately 4,061 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 354 residents (9.5%) from the 3,707 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 4,021 along with 153 validated new addresses confirmed since the Census. The density stands at 1.0 persons per square kilometer, which indicates a low concentration of residents. The 9.5% population expansion since the 2021 Census outpaced both the SA3 region (8.8%) and the national benchmark, establishing the area as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary contributor, accounting for roughly 55.6% of the population increase, though natural increase and interstate movements also registered positive gains.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024, using 2022 as a baseline, are applied to each SA2 region. For locations without direct coverage, and for years beyond 2032, growth rate projections by age group from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region release (based on 2022 data) are utilized. These demographic models project population growth above the median for non-metropolitan parts of Australia, with the local population expected to expand by 591 individuals by 2041 compared to the latest annual ERP figures, translating to a total growth of 13.6% over the 16-year timeframe.

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

Albany Surrounds averages approximately 32 residential building approvals annually, with a total of 163 dwellings approved over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 44 approvals have been documented. An average of 1.7 residents moved to the area for every built home between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating aligned supply and demand alongside stable conditions. New homes have a mean construction value of $250,000, matching regional averages. Commercial approvals for the current financial year stand at $3.2 million, highlighting the residential orientation of the area.

Compared to the Rest of WA, the rate of new dwelling approvals per person in Albany Surrounds is 51.0% higher, offering more options for purchasers despite a recent deceleration in building activity. Detached houses account for 95.0% of recent construction, with townhouses and apartments comprising 5.0%, maintaining a low-density profile suited for buyers seeking space. The ratio of roughly 177 residents for each dwelling approval aligns with the characteristics of a growing locality.

Long-term forecasts suggest Albany Surrounds will gain 551 residents by 2041 relative to the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. Current development trends indicate that residential construction will keep pace with this demand, supporting buyers and potentially allowing for population gains that exceed current projections.

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

Local infrastructure updates, planning projects, and developments play a key role in regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 31 projects expected to impact the locality. Prominent initiatives include the Albany North District Structure Plan, Morgan Place (Residential Estate), Albany Regional Airport Upgrades, and Clydesdale Park Estate, with the most relevant developments detailed in the following list.

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

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Albany Surrounds ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

The local workforce is characterized by diverse skills and sectors, with a low unemployment rate of 1.6%. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,193, and the unemployment rate was 1.9% lower than the Regional WA average of 3.5%. Participation in the labor force is 69.0%, compared to 65.6% across Regional WA. According to Census responses, 21.7% of the working population operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of pandemic restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The agricultural, forestry, and fishing sector is particularly prominent, representing 2.8 times the regional average. Conversely, mining employs just 3.2% of the local workforce, compared to 11.7% across Regional WA. Comparison of the Census working population against resident workforce numbers indicates that local job options are relatively constrained.

Analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that for the 12 months ending March 2026, the local labor force contracted by 5.1% while total employment fell by 5.9%, leading to a 0.8 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional WA saw employment fall by 0.1%, labor force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25 offer additional context on future demand in Albany Surrounds. These five- and ten-year projections are compared to the local workforce mix to estimate trends. Although nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates vary by industry. Applying these industry weightings to the local workforce profile suggests employment in Albany Surrounds could rise by 5.4% over five years and 11.9% over ten years, assuming a simple weighted extrapolation that does not account for localized population growth.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Taxation statistics from the ATO for financial year 2023 indicate that incomes in the Albany Surrounds SA2 are lower than national averages, with a median of $49,594 and an average of $62,299. This is below the Regional WA median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023 results in estimated figures of $55,015 for the median and $69,108 for the average as of March 2026. According to Census data, household, family, and individual incomes are modest, falling between the 36th and 38th percentiles. A cohort of 31.3% of the population (1,271 people) is situated in the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, which is comparable to the metropolitan average of 31.1%. Residents retain 88.1% of their income after housing costs, though disposable income is below average at the 43rd percentile and the SEIFA income index places the area in the 6th decile.

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

According to the last Census, the housing stock in Albany Surrounds consisted of 94.8% standalone houses and 5.2% alternative options like townhouses, apartments, and other dwellings, compared to Regional WA where standalone houses made up 88.5% and alternative options comprised 11.6%. Home ownership stood at 49.3%, which is higher than the regional average, with mortgaged properties at 34.9% and rental homes at 15.9%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,800 was higher than the Regional WA average of $1,560, while the median weekly rent of $250 was lower than the regional figure of $265. At a national scale, mortgage payments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rental costs are lower than the national figure of $375.

Albany Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Families make up 76.8% of local households, consisting of 31.4% couples with children, 37.7% couples without children, and 7.2% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for 23.2%, consisting of lone persons at 21.7% and group homes at 1.7%. The median household size of 2.5 residents is identical to the average for Regional WA.

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

The proportion of residents with tertiary qualifications is lower than regional averages, with 22.6% of people aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 30.4% nationwide. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.7% and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 41.0% of individuals aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 28.7%.

Participation in study is high, with 30.0% of the population enrolled in education. This share comprises 11.4% in primary schools, 10.2% in secondary schools, and 2.6% in tertiary studies.

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

Analysis of transport options shows 6 active bus stops operating in Albany Surrounds. These stops serve 4 routes that provide a total of 22 passenger trips weekly. Transport accessibility is low, with residents living an average of 8801 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential nature of the area, most workers commute to other locations, with private vehicles accounting for 90% of journeys and walking representing 6%. Average vehicle ownership is 2.2 per household, which is higher than the regional average. Census data from 2021 indicates that 21.7% of residents worked from home, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

Services run at an average frequency of 3 trips per day across all routes, which corresponds to roughly 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Albany Surrounds's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health metrics indicate positive outcomes in Albany Surrounds based on mortality rates and chronic illness prevalence, showing low rates of common health conditions across age groups. Approximately 50% of the population (~2,046 residents) holds private health insurance, which is lower than the Regional WA share of 56.4% and the national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues, affecting 8.7% and 7.5% of residents. Meanwhile, 69.4% of the population reported no long-term health conditions, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Health outcomes for individuals under 65 are positive. Residents aged 65 and over make up 18.2% of the population (737 individuals), compared to 19.2% in Regional WA. Health status among seniors is favorable, with national standings aligning with those of the general population.

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

The population of Albany Surrounds displays lower levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 87.6% of the population, Australian-born individuals representing 81.0%, and English-only speakers at home accounting for 96.0%. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 39.3% of the community. Judaism shows the most significant overrepresentation, accounting for 0.1% of the population compared to 0.0% across Regional WA.

Regarding ancestral background, the three largest groups are English at 34.3%, Australian at 32.3%, and Scottish at 7.3%. There are also variances in other backgrounds: Dutch ancestry is represented at 3.1% (compared to 1.5% regionally), Welsh ancestry at 0.7% (compared to 0.6%), and New Zealand ancestry at 0.9% (compared to 0.9%).

Albany Surrounds hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age of 44 years in Albany Surrounds is higher than the Regional WA average of 40 and the national average of 38. The 55 - 64 age cohort represents 15.0% of the population, which is a higher share than in Regional WA, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is lower at 10.7%. Since the 2021 Census, the median age has decreased by 1.1 years to 44. The 35 to 44 group increased from 10.6% to 13.5% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 group decreased from 17.4% to 15.0% and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 14.9% to 13.7%. Projections for 2041 indicate demographic changes, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 42%, adding 183 residents to reach 616, while the 65 to 74 and 15 to 24 brackets are expected to decrease in size.