Home › AUS › Rest of NSW › Kiama - Shellharbour › Barrack Heights
Rest of NSW / Kiama - Shellharbour
$706
Median rent / wk
Period ending Mar 2026
+8.4%
Rent growth / yr
Period ending Mar 2026
6,116
People
17 Jul 2026
+1.9%
Growth since 2021
Census
15
For sale now
indexed listings
Data sourcesABSDFFH Rental ReportACARARefreshed July 2026
ABS QuickStats SAL10208How we calculate this
How figures are calculatedFigures are extracted from the sources listed here at the observation date shown, and displayed unchanged. Rank bars use the profile's score out of 10 where one exists. Missing values are shown as unavailable — never estimated or back-filled.
Suburb (SAL) analysis
This analysis uses Suburb (SAL) boundaries, which can differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when they share the same name. SAL 10208.
6,116
People
est. as @ 17 Jul 2026
2021 Census | 6,003 people
2.42 km²
Land area
2,527.3 /km²
Density
12.9%
Unemployment
14 /yr
Resi approvals
The suburb of Barrack Heights is situated 84 kilometers south-southwest from the Sydney CBD. According to Districts evaluations combining quarterly address files and annual regional ERP data, the population of the suburb of Barrack Heights is estimated to be approximately 6,116 as of May 2026. This represents a minor shift from the 6,003 residents recorded at the 2021 Census. Demographically, the local population shows limited growth trends and exhibits a standard age distribution coupled with generally lower levels of formal education. Local market indicators include low relative development activity alongside a robust network of community services. Family households tend to have an above-average number of children. The local economy features a notable employment base in healthcare, alongside elevated concentrations of workers in construction and retail trade. The suburb of Barrack Heights is set to benefit from an exceptional pipeline of major infrastructure projects designed to support future regional performance.
Estimated residents are up from 6,003 at the 2021 Census — a change of 113 people, or 1.9%.
Districts View
Data to 17 Jul 2026Infrastructure pipeline
8 major projects are tracked in and around Barrack Heights, and infrastructure activity ranks in the 93rd percentile nationally.
Employment outlook
Industry-weighted employment growth of 6.4% is forecast over the next five years based on the local industry mix.
Below-average resident incomes
Barrack Heights ranks in the 25th percentile nationally for income (score 2.5/10).
Lower household incomes can constrain rent growth and buyer depth, and increase sensitivity to interest-rate and cost-of-living pressure.
Weak local employment drivers
Barrack Heights ranks in the 12th percentile nationally for employment drivers (score 1.2/10).
Areas with limited local job creation rely more heavily on commuting access and broader regional employment conditions.
Lower education outcomes
Barrack Heights ranks in the 10th percentile nationally for education (score 1/10).
School quality and attainment influence family demand, a key driver of long-term owner-occupier depth.
Weak housing market ranking
Barrack Heights ranks in the 21st percentile nationally for housing (score 2.1/10).
A low composite housing ranking suggests the local market has lagged comparable areas on the measures Districts tracks.
Elevated unemployment
Unemployment in Barrack Heights is 12.9%.
Higher unemployment increases tenancy risk and can weigh on rental demand and price growth.
Districts' reading of national rankings, Census change and the tracked project pipeline for Barrack Heights. Each line cites its evidence; this is interpretation, not advice. The Investment Report PDF is the long form of this thesis.
Sales activity
Data to 17 Jul 2026No market glance has been ingested for this suburb yet. Recorded sales below come from Districts property records where indexed.
Residential supply
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Districts assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Barrack Heights, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally
Detail
Based on Districts assessments of ABS building approvals allocated from statistical zones, Barrack Heights has registered a yearly average of approximately 14 new residential approvals, yielding an estimated 70 homes over the preceding 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, a total of 17 approvals have been logged. With an average of no new residents per year per finished dwelling over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, the supply of new housing is matching or outstripping demand, providing buyers with broad options and accommodating population increases beyond current forecasts, with new dwellings being built at an average estimated value of $386,000. Furthermore, commercial approvals worth $93,000 have been logged this financial year, pointing to a low level of commercial construction.
Building activity in Barrack Heights is substantially lower than the Rest of NSW average, sitting 74.0% below the regional per capita figure. This constrained flow of new properties generally underpins demand and values for existing stock. The level is also below the nationwide average, illustrating the established nature of the locality and highlighting potential planning restrictions. Detached houses account for 25.0% of new construction approvals, while medium and high-density dwellings make up 75.0%. This emphasis on denser housing options offers more accessible entry points for buyers and is well-suited to downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This marks a clear departure from the current housing stock, which is 88.0% houses, showing a reduction in developable land while reflecting modern lifestyle shifts and a need for varied, affordable housing. There are approximately 435 people per residential approval, indicating a mature residential area.
Given that the population is projected to stabilize or shrink, Barrack Heights is likely to experience less pressure on housing stock, which may open up opportunities for buyers.
Districts' assessment of the Shellharbour LGA register has identified 27 substantial development applications lodged in Barrack Heights over the past 5 years (17 in the last 12 months). Minor and ancillary works — single dwellings, outbuildings, signage and smaller residential developments — are excluded. Of these, 11 were approved (41%, or 85% of those decided), 2 were withdrawn (7%), while 3 are under assessment. The most common application types are retail, industrial and childcare.
27 applications in the profile extract.
Recent Development Approvals by Type
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Barrack Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Latest FY Approvals | 28 | 185,138 | 717 |
| Current FY-to-Date Approvals | 17 | 184,871 | 789 |
| –Detached House Approvals | 4/23.8% | 89,436/61.9% | 274/41.2% |
| –Attached/Other Approvals | 12/76.2% | 55,043/38.1% | 390/58.8% |
| Average Annual Approvals | 14 | 188,882 | 888 |
| Total 5-Year Approvals | 70 | 944,410 | 4,440 |
| Approvals per 1,000 People (2yr) | 2.3 | 6.5 | 7 |
| Approvals per 1,000 People (5yr) | 2.3 | 7.2 | 8.8 |
| Pop Growth per Approval (2yr) | 3.2 | 2.8 | 2.5 |
| Pop Growth per Approval (5yr) | 0 | 2.1 | 1.9 |
| Persons per Approval | 435 | 158 | 146 |
| Residential Value per Unit | 386 | 342 | 349 |
| Commercial Development Value | 93 | 105,080,908 | 94,966 |
| Development Drivers Ranking | 18 | 100 | 90 |
Project pipeline
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Barrack Heights has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major works, and urban planning decisions are key factors in regional development. Districts has identified 4 projects that are likely to influence this locality. Primary developments include the Playground Renewals & Upgrades Program (Jilba Park, Collins Reserve), The Waterfront Shell Cove, The Links Hotel, and the Albion Park Quarry Extraction Area Stage 7 Extension, with details provided on those of greatest significance.
Environmental & Disaster Management
ConstructionRebuilding a 930-meter seawall (revetment) to modern engineering standards to address coastal erosion and public safety. The project features improved beach access with a minimum of three formalised beach access points and an emergency access ramp.
Source 1 for Warilla Beach Seawall Renewal (opens in new tab)Source 2 for Warilla Beach Seawall Renewal (opens in new tab)
Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal
ConstructionThe Waterfront Shell Cove is a 2.1 billion AUD master-planned coastal community developed by Frasers Property Australia in partnership with Shellharbour City Council. The project features a 270-berth marina, a vibrant town centre, and approximately 3,250 homes. Significant milestones in 2026 include the ongoing construction of the Vela Apartments (completion late 2026) and the official ground-breaking of the Shellharbour Boathouse in April 2026, which will provide dry-stack storage and marine maintenance services upon its scheduled opening in July 2027.
Source 1 for The Waterfront Shell Cove (opens in new tab)Source 2 for The Waterfront Shell Cove (opens in new tab)
Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal
Under AssessmentA state-first two-year pilot program designed to allow mobile tiny homes (moveable dwellings on trailers) to be used as rental accommodation on existing residential lots without a development application. The program aims to address local housing affordability by creating a faster planning pathway through a Local Approvals Policy and amendments to the Shellharbour LEP 2013. The pilot applies to Torrens Title lots with one existing dwelling, excluding flood-prone, bushfire-prone, or heritage-affected land. Following a NSW Government Gateway Determination in March 2026, the proposal underwent public exhibition from 9 April to 8 May 2026, with final submissions accepted until 22 May 2026.
Source 1 for Shellharbour Mobile Tiny Homes Pilot Program (opens in new tab)Source 2 for Shellharbour Mobile Tiny Homes Pilot Program (opens in new tab)
Tourism
ProposedProposed hotel development on a 6,736 sqm parcel of Council-owned land (Lot 1 DP 1098888) beside The Links Golf Course at Shell Cove, around 300 metres from the new Shellharbour Hospital. Shellharbour City Council ran an Expressions of Interest process seeking an experienced hotel developer partner to design, build and operate the hotel. Concept plans prepared by Jackson Teece Architecture call for at least 140 rooms, a restaurant and bar, meeting and event spaces, a wellness and gym area, and dedicated parking.
Source 1 for The Links Hotel (opens in new tab)Source 2 for The Links Hotel (opens in new tab)
Arts & Culture
PlanningThe Shellharbour Village Cultural Precinct is a strategic priority aimed at redeveloping the existing library and museum sites into a state-of-the-art regional creative hub. The project includes a contemporary performing arts center, convention spaces, and a digital gallery. It is designed to be a landmark destination that integrates innovative technology with accessible creative spaces for local and visiting artists, fostering community engagement and tourism in the Shellharbour Village area.
Source 1 for Shellharbour Village Cultural Precinct (opens in new tab)Source 2 for Shellharbour Village Cultural Precinct (opens in new tab)
8 projects tracked around Barrack Heights (NSW), in the source's significance order. Stages and reference links are as published by the source.
On the market now
Data to 17 Jul 2026$840,000
Townhouse · 4 bed · 220m² land
Listed 14 Oct 2025
Price not recorded
Land · 4 bed · 563m² land
Listed 17 Oct 2025
$495,000
Unit · 2 bed
Listed 3 Nov 2025
$899,000–$949,000
House · 3 bed · 569m² land
Listed 20 Apr 2026
$949,000–$1,000,000
House · 3 bed · 562m² land
Listed 17 Apr 2026
Price not recorded
House · 3 bed · 556m² land
Listed 23 June 2026
$1,100,000–$1,150,000
House · 5 bed · 588m² land
Listed 26 June 2026
Price not recorded
Block Of Units · 6 bed · 847m² land
Listed 4 Aug 2026
$1,100,000–$1,150,000
Semi-Detached · 3 bed · 289m² land
Listed 15 July 2026
$970,000–$1,020,000
House · 3 bed · 803m² land
Listed 19 Aug 2026
Price not recorded
House · 3 bed · 563m² land
Listed 24 Aug 2026
$599,000
Unit · 2 bed · 85m² land
Listed 25 Aug 2026
$1,000,000–$1,100,000
House · 4 bed · 711m² land
Listed 3 Aug 2026
$850,000–$900,000
House · 3 bed · 556m² land
Listed 3 Aug 2026
$885,000–$925,000
House · 3 bed · 639m² land
Listed 19 Aug 2026
From indexed listing events. Districts records what the listing publishes — asks and attributes are the agent's, not a valuation.
Properties
Data to 17 Jul 2026Source: Districts property records · 27 in 2026 · 192 recorded sales in total
Other indexed properties in Barrack Heights with no sale record in Districts yet.
Nearby
Data to 17 Jul 2026| Suburb | Distance | People | Median | Growth | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrack Heights | — | 6,116 | — | — | — |
| Warilla | 1.3 km | 6,355 | — | — | — |
| Mount Warrigal | 1.8 km | 4,895 | — | — | — |
| Shellharbour | 1.9 km | 4,613 | — | — | — |
| Blackbutt (NSW) | 1.9 km | 3,534 | — | — | — |
| Flinders (NSW) | 2.0 km | 7,036 | — | — | — |
| Lake Illawarra | 2.3 km | 3,413 | — | — | — |
| Oak Flats | 3.0 km | 7,078 | — | — | — |
| Shell Cove | 3.3 km | 8,200 | — | — | — |
| Windang | 4.2 km | 2,608 | — | — | — |
| Albion Park Rail | 4.9 km | 6,986 | — | — | — |
| Primbee | 7.1 km | 1,618 | — | — | — |
| Albion Park | 7.4 km | 18,729 | — | — | — |
| Koonawarra | 7.8 km | 3,912 | — | — | — |
| Kanahooka | 8.3 km | 6,064 | — | — | — |
| Dapto | 8.7 km | 11,517 | — | — | — |
| Kiama Downs | 8.8 km | 4,999 | — | — | — |
| Lake Heights | 8.8 km | 4,211 | — | — | — |
| Warrawong | 8.9 km | 4,741 | — | — | — |
| Avondale (NSW) | 9.1 km | 1,941 | — | — | — |
| Tullimbar | 9.3 km | 3,169 | — | — | — |
| Berkeley | 9.5 km | 7,965 | — | — | — |
Market columns show — where a nearby suburb has not been ingested yet.
Low relative development activity
Strong service amenity offering
Above-average children per family
Notable healthcare employment base
Elevated construction employment
Pronounced retail trade employment presence
Population Growth
0.5
Density
7.9
Development Activity
1.8
Employment Drivers
1.2
Infrastructure Drivers
9.3
Education
1.0
Amenities
9.7
Transport & Access
Demographics
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Barrack Heights has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by Districts
Detail
According to investigations of ABS demographic updates for the wider region, alongside newly verified addresses from Districts post-Census, the suburb of Barrack Heights has an estimated population of approximately 6,116 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 113 people (1.9%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 6,003 residents. The adjustment is calculated from a resident population of 6,112, calculated by Districts using the most recent ABS ERP release (June 2025) plus 11 newly validated addresses since the Census. This population size corresponds to a density of 2,527 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top quartile of domestic areas analyzed by Districts. In recent times, overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains, representing approximately 57% of the overall increase.
Employment
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Districts assessment indicates Barrack Heights faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets
Detail
Barrack Heights has a workforce balanced between professional and manual occupations, with a solid representation of essential service industries, an unemployment rate of 12.9%, and an annual employment growth rate estimated at 3.0% based on Districts statistical area compilations. In March 2026, 2,502 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 8.8% higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%, showing room for improvement, while workforce participation sat slightly low at 56.7% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW. According to Census records, a moderate 16.8% of workers performed their duties from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
The primary employment fields for residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The community shows a strong concentration in construction, with its employment share standing at times the regional proportion. On the other hand, agriculture, forestry & fishing is underrepresented at compared to the regional benchmark of . The area is predominantly residential and appears to offer few local jobs, judging by the comparison between the Census working population and the resident population.
Income
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by Districts
Detail
The most recent postcode ATO statistics for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in Barrack Heights are below the national standard, with a median of $50,901 and an average of $62,426. These figures are lower than the Regional NSW median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to approximately $56,154 for the median and $68,868 for the average as of March 2026. According to Census data, household, family, and individual incomes in Barrack Heights fall between the 14th and 23rd percentiles across the nation. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket contains 31.1% of the population (1,902 people), which is comparable to the regional rate of . Housing affordability is under substantial pressure, leaving residents with only of their income, which ranks in the th percentile.
Housing stock
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Barrack Heights is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
Detail
According to the latest Census, the housing mix in Barrack Heights consisted of 88.5% standalone houses and 11.6% other options (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to Regional NSW where houses comprised 82.6% and other dwellings accounted for 17.4%. Home ownership rates in Barrack Heights, at 37.2%, were slightly below the Regional NSW average, with the remaining properties either mortgaged (29.0%) or rented (33.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the locality was $1,863, which is higher than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $380, compared to $330 in Regional NSW. Nationally, the median mortgage payments in Barrack Heights match the Australian average of $1,863, while median rents exceed the national figure of $375.
Households
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Barrack Heights has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size
Detail
Family units constitute the majority of households at 73.8%, which includes couples with children at 26.5%, couples without children at 26.7%, and single parents at 19.1%. The remaining 26.2% consists of non-family households, with single-person households representing 24.3% and group households making up 1.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 residents is slightly larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Household Types (Census)
ABS / Districts
Education
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Barrack Heights faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally
Detail
The locality faces challenges in tertiary education, with university graduation rates at 10.5%, well below the NSW benchmark of 32.2%. This situation presents both a hurdle and a chance for focused educational strategies. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 7.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.7% and graduate diplomas at 1.0%. Vocational skills are common, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 32.4%.
Enrolment in education is quite high, with 27.0% of the population currently undertaking formal studies. This total is comprised of in primary school, in high school, and in tertiary institutions.
Amenities
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by Districts, based on counts and proximity analysis
Supermarket
1.2km · score 77
Child Care
655m · score 74
GP
1.1km · score 76
Government Services
8.8km · score 95
Post Office
0km · score 0
Getting around
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Detail
Public transport options in Barrack Heights include 51 active stops, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 39 different routes, which provide a combined total of 694 weekly passenger trips. Access to transit is rated as excellent, with the average distance to the nearest stop being 126 meters. As the locality is mostly residential, the majority of workers travel outside the suburb, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 95%. The average rate of vehicle ownership is 1.4 per home. Working from home was recorded for 16.8% of residents in the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions.
Services run at an average frequency of 99 trips per day across all routes, which corresponds to roughly weekly trips for each individual transit stop.
Healthcare
Data to 17 Jul 2026Data to 2024Districts view
Health performance in Barrack Heights is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
Detail
Health assessments point to notable difficulties in Barrack Heights, based on Districts analysis of mortality statistics and the occurrence of chronic illnesses. The presence of common medical conditions is notable across younger and older age brackets, while the rate of private health insurance is relatively low, covering approximately 52% of the population, or about 3,158 people.
Arthritis and mental health challenges are the most common medical diagnoses in the locality, affecting 10.7% and 10.1% of residents respectively, while 62.5% of the population reported no chronic conditions compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age cohort experiences significant health difficulties, with higher rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and older make up of the population ( people), which is lower than the Regional NSW proportion of . Health profiles for older residents show some difficulties, with national standings generally matching those of the broader community.
Ancestry & language
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
In terms of cultural diversity, Barrack Heights records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in Districts' assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Detail
Barrack Heights exhibits above-average cultural diversity, with 20.5% of the population born outside Australia and 14.0% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, representing 57.2% of residents, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.
In terms of parental heritage, the three most common backgrounds in Barrack Heights are English at 28.3%, Australian at 27.0%, and Scottish at 6.6%. There are also notable differences in the representation of other ancestries: Macedonian is highly represented at 3.6% of the population (compared to regionally), Spanish at (compared to ), and Serbian at (compared to ).
Age structure
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Barrack Heights's median age exceeds the national pattern
Detail
The median age of 41 years in Barrack Heights is slightly below the Regional NSW average of 43 years, but higher than the national median of 38 years. The 25 - 34 age bracket is highly represented at 13.3% compared to Regional NSW, while the 55 - 64 age group is less common at 11.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 grew from 12.2% to 13.3%, while the 55 to 64 group shrank from 12.6% to 11.6%. Demographic projections suggest the age structure of Barrack Heights will change considerably by 2041. The 25 to 34 group is expected to grow the most at 13%, adding residents to total . Conversely, population drops are forecast for the to and to age cohorts.
Child care
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Barrack Heights was found to possess well below average child care supply broadly for children under 5, with long day care supply appearing constrained, while no out of school hours care provision for school age children was found.
Detail
Barrack Heights currently has an estimated 366 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 222 children aged 0-2 and 148 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 13% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 391 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 555. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.
5.8
Income
2.5
Age
6.2
Household Composition
5.3
Housing
2.1
Cultural Diversity
4.8
Health
1.6
Housing Cost
5.2
Rate Sensitivity
0.0
Sales Activity
4.3
Districts implements demographic projections for each SA2 region from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024 using a 2022 baseline. For SA2 territories where this is unavailable, the 2022 projections from the NSW State Government using a 2021 baseline are applied. The age cohort growth rates from these datasets are projected forward for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking at future demographic changes in the suburb of Barrack Heights, projections suggest a contraction in the total population, with a forecast loss of 43 persons by 2041 under this approach. Conversely, expansion is anticipated within particular age bands, headed by the 25 to 34 cohort, which is expected to rise by 128 people. See the section on age profiles for further details.
Annual Population Growth Rates (CAGR) by Period
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Barrack Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Latest Population Est. | 6,116 | 2,969,324 | 27,798,796 |
| Growth Since Census | 1.9% | 4.9% | 9.3% |
| Population 2021 Census | 6,003 | 2,829,637 | 25,422,788 |
| Natural Increase | 43.0% | 14.0% | 20.0% |
| Overseas Migration | 57.0% | 58.0% | 80.0% |
| Interstate Migration | 0.0% | 28.0% | 0.0% |
| Population Forecast Growth (2041) | -0.8% | 7.6% | 19.8% |
| Persons per Square Kilometer | 2,527 | 3 | 3 |
Analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, indicates that over the 12-month period, employment grew by 3.0% while the labour force expanded by 2.9%, resulting in relatively stable unemployment levels. This trend differs from Regional NSW, where employment declined by 0.9%, the labour force decreased by 0.4%, and unemployment increased by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide additional context for anticipated future demand in Barrack Heights. These projections, which span five and ten-year horizons, have been overlaid with the local employment profile to estimate growth trajectories. Although national employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, expansion rates vary considerably across different industry sectors. When these sector-specific forecasts are applied to Barrack Heights's employment composition, local employment is expected to grow by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this simple weighting extrapolation serves illustrative purposes only and does not incorporate localised population projections.
Employment Change (Persons)
DEWR / ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Barrack Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Employment | 2,502 | 14,651,372 | 52,594 |
| –Health Care & Social Assistance | 18.5% | 15.2% | 17.6% |
| –Construction | 13.2% | 9.3% | 12.4% |
| –Retail Trade | 11.7% | 9.5% | 10.2% |
| Labour Force | 2,873 | 15,298,546 | 55,699 |
| Participation Rate | 56.7% | 67.2% | 63.9% |
| Working from Home | 16.8% | 23.9% | 24.5% |
| Unemployment | 12.9% | 4.2% | 5.6% |
| 1Yr Emp. Growth | 3.0% | 1.5% | 2.5% |
| 5Yr Emp. Growth Forecast | 6.4% | 6.5% | 6.5% |
| Employment Drivers Ranking | 12 | 100 | 28 |
Latest Annual Income Estimate
ATO / ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Barrack Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Income Est. | 56,154 | 63,034 | 61,405 |
| Average Annual Income Est. | 68,868 | 81,013 | 76,931 |
| ATO Median Taxable Income | 50,901 | 57,137 | 55,661 |
| ATO Average Taxable Income | 62,426 | 73,435 | 69,734 |
| Median Household Income | 1,340 | 1,746 | 1,689 |
| –$0 to 399 | 167 (7.2%) | 638,312 (6.3%) | 2,189 (5.6%) |
| –$400 to 799 | 555 (23.9%) | 1,671,771 (16.5%) | 7,037 (18.0%) |
| –$800 to 1,499 | 565 (24.3%) | 2,158,104 (21.3%) | 8,639 (22.1%) |
| –$1,500 to 2,999 | 723 (31.2%) | 3,201,695 (31.6%) | 12,470 (31.9%) |
| –$3,000 to 3,999 | 195 (8.4%) | 1,114,514 (11.0%) | 4,574 (11.7%) |
| –$4,000+ | 116 (5.0%) | 1,357,681 (13.4%) | 4,144 (10.6%) |
| Median Family Income | 1,594 | 2,120 | 2,030 |
| –$0 to 399 | 56 (3.3%) | 236,192 (3.3%) | 802 (2.7%) |
| –$400 to 799 | 297 (17.3%) | 758,676 (10.6%) | 3,596 (12.1%) |
| –$800 to 1,499 | 455 (26.6%) | 1,474,408 (20.6%) | 6,598 (22.2%) |
| –$1,500 to 2,999 | 635 (37.1%) | 2,562,321 (35.8%) | 10,937 (36.8%) |
| –$3,000 to 3,999 | 177 (10.3%) | 973,396 (13.6%) | 4,220 (14.2%) |
| –$4,000+ | 93 (5.4%) | 1,145,171 (16.0%) | 3,566 (12.0%) |
| Median Personal Income | 618 | 805 | 750 |
| –$0 to 399 | 1,862 (30.4%) | 7,303,780 (26.3%) | 28,328 (26.4%) |
| –$400 to 799 | 1,837 (30.0%) | 6,526,191 (23.5%) | 28,221 (26.3%) |
| –$800 to 1,499 | 1,508 (24.7%) | 7,137,153 (25.7%) | 27,255 (25.4%) |
| –$1,500 to 2,999 | 836 (13.7%) | 5,359,808 (19.3%) | 19,744 (18.4%) |
| –$3,000 to 3,499 | 30 (0.5%) | 527,649 (1.9%) | 1,610 (1.5%) |
| –$3,500+ | 43 (0.7%) | 944,215 (3.4%) | 2,146 (2.0%) |
| –Low Income (<$800/wk) | 31.1% | 22.8% | 23.6% |
| –High Income (>$3,000/wk) | 13.4% | 24.4% | 22.3% |
| Largest Income Group | $1,500 - 2,999 | $1,500 - 2,999 | $1,500 - 2,999 |
| Household Disposable Income | 4,708 | 6,376 | 6,056 |
| SEIFA Score | 2.6 | 5.6 | 5.2 |
Barrack Heights at a glance
Source: ABS 2021 Census
Rents today
$706/wk
DFFH median rent
Period ending Mar 2026
+8.4%
DFFH rent movement, 1 yr
Rents are rising
The DFFH median weekly rent rose 8.4% year on year to $706/wk (Period ending Mar 2026).
The 2021 Census recorded a median rent of $380/wk — an older point-in-time figure, kept separate from current medians.
RTBA rental bond lodgements are not in this extract. Rents above are report medians, not bond data.
Housing Tenure (Census)
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Barrack Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Dwellings (Census) | 2,274 | 9,275,218 | 36,117 |
| –Owned Outright | 37.2% | 32.1% | 38.2% |
| –Owned with Mortgage | 29.0% | 36.2% | 36.4% |
| –Rented | 33.9% | 31.7% | 25.4% |
| –Detached Houses | 88.5% | 72.5% | 79.0% |
| –Semi-Detached | 1.1% | 12.6% | 14.3% |
| –Apartments | 10.5% | 14.3% | 5.7% |
| –Other Dwellings | 0.0% | 0.6% | 1.0% |
| –Median Monthly Mortgage | 1,863 | 1,863 | 2,167 |
| –Median Weekly Rent | 380 | 375 | 430 |
| –$0-149/wk | 11.6% | 7.3% | 8.4% |
| –$150-349/wk | 32.6% | 33.4% | 23.0% |
| –$350-649/wk | 54.8% | 50.9% | 62.8% |
| –$650-949/wk | 0.5% | 6.6% | 5.3% |
| –>$950/wk | 0.5% | 1.8% | 0.5% |
| –Aggregate Housing Cost | 1,098 | 1,189 | 1,262 |
| –Mortgage / Income | 32.1% | 24.6% | 29.6% |
| –Rent / Income | 28.4% | 21.5% | 25.5% |
| –Persons per Bedroom | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 |
| Metrici | Barrack Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Household Est. | 2,321 | 10,142,077 | 39,053 |
| Median Household Size | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.6 |
| Total Households (Census) | 2,278 | 9,275,217 | 36,123 |
| –Lone Person Households | 24.3% | 25.6% | 21.9% |
| –Group Households | 1.9% | 3.9% | 2.1% |
| –Other Households | 0.2% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| –Family Households | 73.8% | 70.5% | 76.1% |
| –Couple with Children | 26.5% | 31.4% | 32.6% |
| –Couple No Children | 26.7% | 26.8% | 29.8% |
| –One Parent Family | 19.1% | 11.1% | 12.7% |
| –Avg Children per Family | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.8 |
| Currently Married | 41.4% | 46.5% | 49.2% |
| Never Married | 38.1% | 36.5% | 32.4% |
Qualification Attainment by Type - Residents Aged 15+ (Census)
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Barrack Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| University Qualifications | 10.5% | 30.4% | 19.9% |
| –Bachelor Degree | 7.8% | 20.0% | 13.6% |
| –Postgraduate Degree | 1.7% | 7.6% | 4.0% |
| –Advanced Diploma | 10.0% | 10.8% | 11.5% |
| –Certificate | 32.4% | 22.0% | 30.6% |
| No Tertiary Qualifications | 47.1% | 36.8% | 38.0% |
| Number of Schools | 3 | 11,054 | 37 |
| Total School Attendance | 1,252 | 4,176,099 | 15,217 |
| ICSEA Score | 924 | 1,001 | 995 |
| Education Drivers Ranking | 10 | 100 | 46 |
Schools detail
| # | School name | Type | Places | ICSEA | Distance (km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Warilla High School | Secondary | 1,063 | 972 | 0.42 |
| 2 | Aspect South Coast School, Barrack Heights | Primary | n.a | n.a | 0.89 |
| 3 | Barrack Heights Public School | Primary | 189 | 877 | 0.90 |
Showing 1 to 3 of 3 results
Parcel Locker
0km · score 0
Dentist
1.1km · score 80
Hospital
7.9km · score 96
Shopping Centre
1.9km · score 87
Banks
1.3km · score 84
Pharmacy
1.1km · score 76
Fitness Centre
1.4km · score 87
Schools
656m · score 88
Transport Servicing
GTFS / Districts
| Metrici | Barrack Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport Stops | 51 | 171,981 | 1,000 |
| Routes | 39 | 12,966 | 144 |
| Weekly Trips | 694 | 1,140,068 | 6,780 |
| Avg Dist. Between Stops (m) | 67 | 235 | 115 |
| Avg Dist. to Local Pop. (m) | 126 | 7,586 | 149 |
| Population per Stop | 117 | 161 | 107 |
| Population per Trip | 8.6 | 24.3 | 15.8 |
| Population per Route | 153 | 2,136 | 745 |
| Public Transport Access Ranking | 58 | 100 | 49 |
| Vehicles per Dwelling | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.6 |
| Work from Home | 16.8% | 23.9% | 24.5% |
| Single Mode Commute | 82.1% | 73.8% | 74.7% |
| Two Mode | 1.0% | 1.9% | 0.8% |
| Three+ Mode | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.0% |
| –Car | 94.7% | 84.1% | 94.3% |
| –Train | 0.7% | 4.9% | 1.2% |
| –Bus | 1.0% | 3.6% | 1.0% |
| –Walk | 2.1% | 3.7% | 2.0% |
| –Cycle | 0.3% | 1.0% | 0.3% |
| –Ferry | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.0% |
| –Tram/Light Rail | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.0% |
| –Other | 0.7% | 1.1% | 0.7% |
Private Health Insurance Coverage
ATO / Districts
| Metrici | Barrack Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Health Cover Rate | 51.6% | 55.7% | 53.8% |
| Need for Assistance | 8.7% | 5.8% | 6.7% |
| Zero L/T Health Conditions | 62.5% | 69.8% | 65.2% |
| One Long Term Condition | 23.6% | 20.5% | 22.9% |
| Two Long Term Conditions | 9.1% | 6.4% | 7.8% |
| 3+ Long Term Conditions | 4.8% | 3.3% | 4.1% |
| –Arthritis | 10.7% | 7.7% | 10.0% |
| –Asthma | 8.1% | 7.4% | 7.9% |
| –Cancer | 2.6% | 2.6% | 3.0% |
| –Dementia / Alzheimers | 0.7% | 0.7% | 0.7% |
| –Diabetes | 5.7% | 4.3% | 4.6% |
| –Heart Disease | 4.0% | 3.6% | 4.0% |
| –Kidney Disease | 1.0% | 0.8% | 1.1% |
| –Lung Condition | 2.5% | 1.6% | 1.9% |
| –Mental Health Issue | 10.1% | 8.0% | 8.8% |
| –Stroke | 1.0% | 0.8% | 1.0% |
| –Other Condition | 7.6% | 7.3% | 7.6% |
Place of Birth (Census)
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Barrack Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Born Overseas | 20.5% | 29.3% | 16.5% |
| Born in Australia | 79.5% | 70.7% | 83.5% |
| Australian Citizens | 90.7% | 83.8% | 91.4% |
| Speak English Only | 86.0% | 76.4% | 91.0% |
| Speak Other Language | 14.0% | 23.6% | 9.0% |
| Indigenous Population | 4.9% | 2.2% | 3.0% |
| Largest Ethnic Group | English | English | English |
| Main Religion | Christianity | Christianity | Christianity |
| –Buddhism | 0.9% | 2.6% | 0.7% |
| –Christianity | 57.2% | 47.5% | 57.3% |
| –Hinduism | 0.4% | 2.9% | 0.3% |
| –Islam | 1.1% | 3.5% | 1.0% |
| –Judaism | 0.0% | 0.4% | 0.1% |
| –Other | 0.7% | 1.4% | 0.3% |
| –No Religion | 39.7% | 41.6% | 40.2% |
Age Distribution
ABS / Geoscience Australia / State Govts / Districts
| Metrici | Barrack Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 41 | 38 | 41 |
| Largest Age Group | 25 to 34 | 25 to 34 | 35 to 44 |
| Children (0-14) | 18.3% | 17.5% | 18.0% |
| Working Age (15-64) | 60.9% | 64.7% | 60.7% |
| Seniors (65+) | 21.9% | 17.8% | 21.3% |
| Age Distribution Variance | 11.0% | 16.0% | 12.0% |
| Dependency Ratio | 66.0% | 55.0% | 65.0% |
| Fastest Growing Age Group | 85+ | 85+ | 85+ |
Barrack Heights contains 2 Long Day Care centres (75 places), while overall provision relative to the local child population appears limited compared to national benchmarks, and is below the Regional NSW average. With no preschool/kindergarten services observed in the area, only long day care, the ratio of children per place for the under 5 age group is 4.9 - placing the area among the bottom 20% nationally for supply per child. To meet the Regional NSW average 107 new places would be required (LDC+PSK to service the under 5 age group). Meanwhile, with projected population growth of -0.8% between now and 2041, and 6.8% in the under 5 age group in particular, not considering current depressed supply, 4 new places will be needed to maintain today's ratios. As well as this projected growth, other factors worth noting are lower female labour force participation of 49.6%, as well as lower than average employment performance.
In assessing child care markets local school supply is a particularly important factor, given school-run convenience, and enrolment vs child care place analysis can provide useful insight into capacity both for parents seeking child care options and child care operators assessing opportunities in an area. The catchment sees a level of school enrolment relative to population of 20.5 per 100 residents with 1,252 enrolments across primary and secondary institutions. This notably elevated rate of school supply suggests many students travel to the area from beyond the immediate surrounds, typically amplifying local childcare demand given school-run proximity. As expected, the level of school places per child care place (LDC+PSK) is also higher than average. Proximity analysis saw distances of local residents to their nearest child care centre being relatively in line with national benchmarks while fees are notably lower than national averages.
8 school catchments intersect Barrack Heights (note; school catchment data provided for public schools only), in which a combined 3,702 children aged under 5 reside, served by 2,900 LDC and preschool places. The overall demand-to-supply ratio across these catchments is 1.3 children per place, with significant variance in this ratio. Meanwhile, the discrepancy in this ratio between Barrack Heights and the intersecting school catchments highlights the need for a catchment based approach for specific site assessments.
Children per LDC Place by Geographic Level
ACECQA / ABS / GNAF / Geoscience Australia / State Govts / Districts