Shalvey (NSW)

Detail

Drawing from ABS population statistics for the surrounding region and address validations completed by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Shalvey has a population estimated at 3,732 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 277 people (8.0%) from the 2021 Census, when 3,455 people were counted. This variation is derived from an estimated resident population of 3,725 determined by Districts using the ABS ERP release from June 2025, combined with 7 validated new addresses identified after the Census. The resulting population density stands at 2,362 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Shalvey in the highest quartile among national localities analysed by Districts. The 8.0% growth rate since the 2021 census outpaced both the broader SA3 region (3.6%) and the state, positioning the suburb of Shalvey as a local growth leader. The expansion was primarily supported by natural increase, which accounted for approximately 58% of the overall population rise in recent times.

Detail

According to Districts statistical aggregations, the local workforce is balanced between white and blue collar occupations across a range of industries, with an unemployment rate of 16.2% and an annual employment growth rate estimated at 2.6%. By March 2026, there were 1,371 employed residents, while the local unemployment rate was 12.1% higher than the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, showing space for improvement. Workforce participation is also lower at 57.7% compared to 69.1% for Greater Sydney. Census records show a moderate 20.3% of the workforce worked from home, although this figure may be influenced by pandemic lockdown measures.

Detail

According to the latest ATO postcode statistics for the 2023 financial year, local earnings are below the national average, with a median income of $40,554 and an average of $44,401. This is lower than the Greater Sydney median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, estimated incomes would be approximately $44,739 for the median and $48,983 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes all rank between the 6th and 11th percentiles nationally. The largest earnings segment consists of the 27.5% of residents earning between $800 and $1,499 weekly (1,026 residents), unlike the broader metropolitan area where the to bracket is the largest at . Financial pressure from housing is high, leaving residents with only of their income, which ranks in the th percentile.

Detail

The local housing stock at the last Census was dominated by separate houses, which made up 91.6% of properties, with other housing types like semi-detached homes, units, and alternative dwellings accounting for 8.4%. This compares to 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings across metropolitan Sydney. Home ownership rates are lower than the metropolitan benchmark, standing at 18.2%, with the remaining properties being held with a mortgage (28.2%) or occupied by tenants (53.6%). Median monthly mortgage costs of $1,950 and weekly rents of $300 are both below the Sydney metropolitan figures of $2,427 and $470. On a national level, local mortgage costs are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rent levels remain well below the national median of $375.

Detail

Families make up the majority of households at 77.0%, which includes couples with children at 31.2%, couples without children at 17.8%, and single parents with children at 26.2%. Single-person households account for 20.1% and group households make up 2.3%, bringing the total share of non-family households to 23.0%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is higher than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Detail

Educational attainment levels show that 10.6% of residents hold a university qualification, which is lower than the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This highlights a potential area for targeted educational programs. Among these qualifications, bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.8% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Vocational and technical skills are common, with 34.3% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, including 8.0% with advanced diplomas and 26.3% with certificates.

Detail

An assessment of transport options shows 37 bus stops located within the suburb of Shalvey. These stops are connected to 14 routes, which provide a total of 742 weekly trips. Accessibility is high, with the average distance to the nearest stop being 120 meters. As a residential enclave, the majority of working residents travel outside the area, with 89% commuting by car and 6% by train. The average number of vehicles per household is 1.2. The 2021 Census recorded 20.3% of residents working from home, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

Detail

Analysis of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates by Districts reveals health difficulties within the community, affecting both younger and older residents. The level of private health insurance coverage is low, with approximately 45% of residents (~1,664 people) holding coverage. This is below the Greater Sydney average of 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

Detail

The local community displays a high degree of cultural diversity compared to most areas, with 27.4% of residents born outside Australia and 27.2% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 56.4% of the population. There is a higher proportion of Islamic adherents at 8.4% of the population, compared to 6.8% across Greater Sydney.

Detail

The median age of 32 years is younger than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and the national average of 38. The population has a higher share of children aged 5 to 14 years (16.7%) and a lower share of adults aged 35 to 44 years (11.1%) compared to Greater Sydney. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket increased from 15.1% to 16.3%, while the 0 to 4 age bracket fell from 7.8% to 6.8%. Population models suggest shifts by 2041, with the 55 to 64 cohort projected to grow the fastest by 29% (adding people to reach ), while the to and to cohorts are expected to decrease.

Detail

Shalvey currently has an estimated 253 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 178 children aged 0-2 and 119 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 6% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 4% by 2041 (to approximately 242 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 513. Birth rates in the area have averaged 16.8 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.