NSW 2640 Census 2021 + Live DA Data

West Albury

At a median age of 46, West Albury sits 6 years above the national figure, and that aging profile shapes almost everything else about the suburb. Household income ranks at the 35.3rd percentile nationally, yet 41.5% of residents own their home outright because long-term ownership, not high earnings, defines the local wealth pattern. The median house price of $552,000 is well below Sydney levels, and the suburb's 3,872 residents are overwhelmingly car-dependent, with 91.3% driving to work and public transport usage at just 0.4%.

West Albury urban fabric map

Population

3,872

Median Age

46.0

Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)

$1,363/wk

DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year

21

Median House

$552K

2024-2025 (PSI derived)

5.41 km²· 715.6 people/km²· Family income $1,858/wk

The median house price of $552,000 represents meaningful affordability compared to Sydney or Melbourne equivalents, and the price grew from $520,000 in 2024 to $555,000 in 2025, a 6.7% annual gain. Separate houses account for 79.4% of the stock, with semi-detached homes making up the remaining 20.6%. Bedroom distribution leans toward larger homes, with 34.1% having 4 or more bedrooms and 39.7% having 3 bedrooms. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,365, producing a mortgage-to-income ratio of 23.1%, below the 30% stress threshold. Outright ownership at 41.5% is notably high compared to mortgage holders at 27.2%, indicating a mature, low-debt base of long-term residents rather than recent buyers.

For Buyers

The median house price of $552,000 represents meaningful affordability compared to Sydney or Melbourne equivalents, and the price grew from $520,000 in 2024 to $555,000 in 2025, a 6.7% annual gain. Separate houses account for 79.4% of the stock, with semi-detached homes making up the remaining 20.6%. Bedroom distribution leans toward larger homes, with 34.1% having 4 or more bedrooms and 39.7% having 3 bedrooms. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,365, producing a mortgage-to-income ratio of 23.1%, below the 30% stress threshold. Outright ownership at 41.5% is notably high compared to mortgage holders at 27.2%, indicating a mature, low-debt base of long-term residents rather than recent buyers.

For Investors

The 31.2% renter share provides a workable tenant pool, and weekly rent of $255 reflects the suburb's position in a regional rather than metropolitan market. At $255 per week against a $552,000 median, gross yield sits near 2.4%, modest but higher than most Sydney suburbs. The 8.7% vacancy rate is elevated and suggests landlords face real competition when releasing properties. Development activity reached 21 applications in the past 12 months, including health facility and residential works, a moderate pace consistent with steady rather than rapid local growth. Rent-to-income at 18.7% means tenants are not under financial pressure, which supports rental stability. The 6.7% price growth over 2024-2025 shows the market is moving, but the low participation rate of 50.9% limits the buyer pool.

Development Activity

Total DAs

139

Last 12 Months

21

YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements

+10.5%

Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year

N/A

Monthly DA Lodgements

DA Categories

Renovation / Extension
12
New Dwelling
7
Swimming Pool / Spa
6
Garage / Carport / Shed
4
Commercial / Industrial
3
Multi-Dwelling / Townhouse
2
Demolition
2
Deck / Pergola / Patio
2

Demographics

The median age of 46 is 6.0 years above the national average, one of the suburb's most distinctive characteristics. The overseas-born share of 13.1% is 8.5 percentage points below the national figure, reflecting a predominantly locally-born population. Ancestry is strongly Anglo-Celtic, led by English (1,558 residents), Irish (521) and Scottish (425). University qualifications reach 31.2%, only 1.1 percentage points above the national figure, placing the suburb at roughly average educational attainment. The average household size of 2.2 is 0.3 below national, consistent with an older demographic where couples without children (33.5% of families) are common. Christianity accounts for 2,022 of the recorded religious affiliations, with Hinduism at 54 residents the second most common.

Age Distribution

0-14
16.8%
15-24
10.0%
25-44
21.6%
45-64
24.7%
65+
26.9%

Bedrooms

Studio/1br
1.6%
2 bed
24.7%
3 bed
39.7%
4+ bed
34.1%

Dwelling Structure

79.4%

Houses

20.6%

Townhouse

N/A

Apartment

Tenure

Own 41.5% Mortgage 27.2% Rent 31.2%

The housing stock is dominated by separate houses at 79.4%, with semi-detached properties covering the remaining 20.6%, giving buyers a clear choice between detached ownership and lower-maintenance alternatives. Tenure divides between 41.5% outright owners, 27.2% mortgage holders and 31.2% renters, a pattern skewed toward outright ownership compared to most NSW suburbs. The median house price moved from $520,000 in 2024 to $555,000 in 2025, a 6.7% gain over the period. Three and four-bedroom configurations are most common, at 39.7% and 34.1% respectively, pointing to family-sized stock. The mortgage-to-income ratio of 23.1% and rent-to-income of 18.7% are both below stress levels, meaning housing costs remain manageable relative to local incomes at the 35.3rd household income percentile nationally.

Median House Price Trend

Source: State Valuer-General

Mortgage / mo

$1,365

Rent / wk

$255

HH Size

2.2

Personal Income / wk

$794

Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)

8.7%

Unoccupied

148

Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress

18.7%

Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress

23.1%

Community Profile

Ancestry

English
1,558
Irish
521
Scottish
425
German
283
Ancestry NS
274
Other
252

Household Composition

33.5%

Couples, no children

2,749

Total families

Economy & Employment

Healthcare dominates the local economy at 24.1% of employment (271 workers), nearly double the next sector. Education follows at 14.3% (161 workers), then Construction at 9.6% (108), Manufacturing at 8.6% (97) and Public Administration at 8.4% (94). By occupation, Professionals lead at 394, followed by Managers (220) and Clerical/Admin (215). The unemployment rate of 6.0% is above average, partially explained by the low labour force participation rate of 50.9%, which reflects the older age profile where 1,292 residents are not in the workforce. Full-time employment among those working runs at 61.4%, and 947 residents work full-time compared to 595 part-time. The healthcare-education concentration suggests the local economy is anchored in public services rather than private enterprise.

Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)

Full-time

61.4%

Part-time

32.6%

Participation

50.9%

Employed

1,542

Occupations

Professionals 394
Managers 220
Clerical/Admin 215
Community/Personal 194
Labourers 157
Sales 135
Machinery/Drivers 80

Top Industries

Healthcare 24.1%
Education 14.3%
Construction 9.6%
Manufacturing 8.6%
Public Admin 8.4%

University

31.2%

Postgraduate

6.5%

Born Overseas

13.1%

Dwellings

1,552

Transport to Work

West Albury runs on private car travel, with 91.3% of residents driving to work, a proportion higher than state and national averages, and public transport usage at just 0.4% because the regional location offers limited transit options. Walking and cycling accounts for 3.0% of commutes. Volunteering is active at 19.1% of residents, suggesting community participation is meaningful despite the suburb's older demographic. About 10.2% of residents (365 people) require daily assistance, reflecting the higher median age of 46. No schools are recorded within the suburb boundary, so families rely on nearby institutions in the broader Albury area. Housing stress is absent: mortgage-to-income at 23.1% and rent-to-income at 18.7% both sit below the 30% threshold, meaning residents across all tenure types retain financial headroom.

Drive

91.3%

Public Transport

0.4%

Walk / Cycle

3.0%

Work from Home

N/A

National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs

How West Albury compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs

Population
Top 14%
Household Income
Bottom 35%
Rent Level
Bottom 49%
Renters
Top 26%
Uni Educated
Top 32%
Public Transport
Bottom 3%
Born Overseas
Bottom 45%
Density
Top 18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is West Albury a good suburb to live in?

West Albury suits buyers and residents who value affordability and stability. The median house price of $552,000 is accessible compared to major cities, housing stress indicators are below threshold at a mortgage-to-income ratio of 23.1%, and 80.2% of residents have stayed 5 or more years, indicating high satisfaction with the area.

What is the median house price in West Albury?

The median house price is $552,000 as of 2024-2025 (PSI derived). Prices grew from $520,000 in 2024 to $555,000 in 2025, a 6.7% annual gain. Weekly rent averages $255 and monthly mortgage repayments are around $1,365, giving a mortgage-to-income ratio of 23.1%.

What schools are in West Albury?

No schools are recorded within the West Albury suburb boundary in this dataset. Families rely on schools in the broader Albury area. The suburb has a median age of 46, which is 6 years above the national figure, so demand for school-age services is lower than in younger suburbs.

Is West Albury safe?

Detailed crime statistics are not available for West Albury in this dataset. As contextual indicators, the suburb has high residential stability with 80.2% of residents remaining at the same address for 5 or more years, and volunteering participation runs at 19.1%, both signs of a settled community.

Is West Albury good for property investment?

The 31.2% renter share provides a tenant base, and rent of $255 per week against a $552,000 median produces a gross yield near 2.4%. Prices grew 6.7% between 2024 and 2025. The main risk is an 8.7% vacancy rate, which is elevated, suggesting landlords may face competition in attracting tenants.

How is West Albury's population changing?

West Albury has a population of 3,872 with a median age of 46, which is 6 years above the national average. Turnover is low, with 80.2% of residents staying at the same address for 5 or more years. The aging demographic profile suggests gradual, stable change rather than rapid population growth.

How much development is happening in West Albury?

There were 21 development applications lodged in the past 12 months, including health services facilities and residential works such as swimming pools. This moderate pace is consistent with steady local demand in an established suburb rather than large-scale redevelopment or infill.

How to read these comparisons

Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.

Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.

Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state Valuer-General (house prices), Department of Jobs SALM (unemployment), ACARA (school ICSEA), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications). Population forecasts use a Hamilton-Perry cohort model calibrated to ABS ERP.

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