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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Albany Surrounds's population is around 4,181 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 474 people (12.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,707 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,974 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 132 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.0 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Albany Surrounds's 12.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (9.0%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 44.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and interstate migration, were positive factors.

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). Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above-median population growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 649 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 10.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Albany Surrounds has seen around 32 new homes approved each year, with 163 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 27 so far in FY-26. At an average of 1.6 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $250,000, in line with regional trends. Additionally, $3.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

When measured against the Rest of WA, Albany Surrounds has 51.0% more new home approvals (per person), creating greater choice for buyers, though 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 with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 174 people per dwelling approval, Albany Surrounds shows characteristics of a growth area.

Future projections show Albany Surrounds adding 442 residents by 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 Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 31 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Albany Regional Airport Upgrades, Morgan Place (Residential Estate), Albany North District Structure Plan, and Clydesdale Park Estate, 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.

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

Albany Surrounds features a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of just 1.1%. As of December 2025, 2,226 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.4% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (70.2% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 21.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.8 times the regional level. Conversely, mining is under-represented, with only 3.2% of Albany Surrounds's workforce compared to 11.7% in Regional WA. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.4% alongside a 5.5% employment decline, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, Regional WA recorded employment growth of 1.0%, labour force growth of 1.4%, and unemployment rising 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 Surrounds. 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 Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 11.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Albany Surrounds SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $49,594 while the average income stands at $62,299. This contrasts with Regional WA's figures of a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,365 (median) and $68,292 (average) as of September 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 (1,308 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 31.1% similarly occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 88.1% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 43rd 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

Dwelling structure within Albany Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.8% houses and 5.2% 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 Surrounds was well beyond that of Regional WA, at 49.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.9%) or rented (15.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional WA average at $1,800, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Albany Surrounds's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 76.8% of all households, comprising 31.4% couples with children, 37.7% couples without children, and 7.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.2%, with lone person households at 21.7% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional WA average.

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

Educational qualifications in Albany Surrounds trail regional benchmarks, with 22.6% 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 16.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (28.7%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 6 active transport stops operating within Albany Surrounds, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 22 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 8801 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 2.2 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 21.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Albany Surrounds, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,107 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.7 and 7.5% of residents, respectively, while 69.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 16.9% of residents aged 65 and over (706 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than 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

Albany Surrounds was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.6% of its population being citizens, 81.0% born in Australia, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Albany Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 39.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is 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 Surrounds are English, comprising 34.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 32.3% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 3.1% of Albany Surrounds (vs 1.5% regionally), Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.6%) and New Zealand at 0.9% (vs 0.9%).

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

At 44 years, Albany Surrounds's median age is considerably higher than the Regional WA average of 40 and substantially exceeds the 38-year national average. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 15.4% compared to Regional WA, whereas the 75 - 84 cohort is less prevalent at 5.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.3 years to 44. Notable shifts include the 35 to 44 age group, which has grown from 10.6% to 13.3% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 10.0% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 17.4% to 15.4% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 12.7% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Albany Surrounds. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 38%, adding 188 residents to reach 685. On the other hand, both the 5 to 14 and 65 to 74 age groups will see reduced numbers.