Shellharbour (NSW)

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According to investigations of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region, and recent addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Shellharbour has a population calculated to be approximately 4,553 as of May 2026. This represents a rise of 1,033 people (29.3%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted a population of 3,520 people. This adjustment is deduced from the resident population of 4,526, calculated by Districts after analyzing the most recent ERP statistics published by the ABS (June 2025) and an extra 49 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population count results in a density ratio of 1,866 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical average across national areas reviewed by Districts. The 29.3% growth recorded in the suburb of Shellharbour since the 2021 census was higher than the Rest of NSW (4.9%), as well as the SA4 region, positioning it as a leading growth area in the territory. Population expansion for the locality was mainly pushed by interstate migration which accounted for roughly of the total population increase during recent times, though all components including natural growth and overseas migration were positive contributors.

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The suburb of Shellharbour possesses a qualified labor force, with essential services industries strongly represented, an unemployment rate of just 3.2%, and 7.1% in estimated employment expansion over the previous year, according to Districts compilations of regional data. As of March 2026, 2,506 local citizens are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.9% below the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, and labor market involvement is significantly above normal (65.8% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). Census responses indicate a moderate 24.8% of citizens worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown restrictions should be kept in mind.

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Based on the most recent postcode level ATO statistics published by Districts for financial year 2023, the suburb of Shellharbour's median taxpayer earnings stand at $47,319, with an average of $60,389. This sits below the national benchmark, and compares to a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Taking into account Wage Price Index expansion of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current calculations would point to roughly $52,202 (median) and $66,621 (average) as of March 2026. Census figures show household, family and individual earnings all place modestly in the suburb of Shellharbour, ranking between the 37th and 41st percentiles. The statistics show the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most common, containing 29.5% of residents (1,343 people), matching trends in the region where 29.9% occupy the same bracket. Financial stress from housing is prominent, with only of income remaining, placing in the th percentile, and the locality's SEIFA income metric sits in the th decile.

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Residential configurations in the suburb of Shellharbour, measured at the most recent Census, consisted of 68.6% detached houses and 31.4% other housing types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' structures), compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other housing types in Regional NSW. Meanwhile, the rate of home ownership in the suburb of Shellharbour was comparable to Regional NSW at 38.6%, with the remaining properties occupied by people with a mortgage (28.2%) or renting (33.2%). The median monthly home loan payment in the area was significantly above the Regional NSW average at $2,167, while the median weekly rental cost was recorded at $420, compared to Regional NSW figures of $1,733 and $330. Across the country, the suburb of Shellharbour's home loan payments are notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents sit substantially above the national average of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 73.0% of the total, consisting of 29.5% couples with children, 31.3% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent households. Non-family arrangements constitute the remaining 27.0%, with single person households representing 24.4% and group living situations representing 2.5% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.5 people exceeds the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The locality displays educational gaps, with university graduation rates (18.9%) sitting considerably below the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents a challenge alongside an opening for focused educational strategies. Bachelor degrees represent the largest cohort at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational and technical qualifications are highly common, with 41.4% of citizens aged 15+ holding trade credentials – advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (30.5%).

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Public transit assessment indicates 36 transit stops are active in the suburb of Shellharbour, consisting of bus services. These locations are connected to 40 separate routes, which provide 761 weekly passenger journeys in combination. Transit connection is classified as outstanding, with citizens generally living 176 meters from the closest transit point. Being a primarily residential locality, the majority of citizens travel outward for work - private vehicles represent the dominant mode of travel at 96%. Car ownership averages 1.5 per household. Roughly 24.8% of citizens work from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 settings).

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Medical statistics show relatively favorable circumstances for residents of the suburb of Shellharbour, with Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and health disorders showing patterns generally matching national averages, with normal frequencies of typical health issues recorded in both young and old cohorts, and the proportion of residents with private medical coverage recorded as relatively low at roughly 51% of the total population (~2,314 people).

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The suburb of Shellharbour was recorded as having below-average levels of cultural variety, with 84.4% of its population born in Australia, 92.4% holding citizenship, and 92.2% speaking only English in their households. The dominant religion in the suburb of Shellharbour was identified as Christianity, representing 60.8% of residents. This compares to 55.9% recorded across Regional NSW.

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With a median age of 46, the suburb of Shellharbour is slightly older than the Regional NSW benchmark of 43 and notably older than the national average of 38. The 55 - 64 age bracket is highly represented at 17.0% compared to Regional NSW, while the 5 - 14 bracket is less common at 9.3%. This concentration in the 55 - 64 range is significantly higher than the national figure of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census statistics show the 15 to 24 age bracket has expanded from 12.0% to 14.2% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 6.4% to 8.0%. On the other hand, the 5 to bracket contracted from to . By the suburb of Shellharbour is projected to undergo clear adjustments in its age structure. Driving the demographic changes, the to bracket will expand by ( people), growing to from .

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Shellharbour currently has an estimated 173 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 144 children aged 0-2 and 96 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 12% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 40% by 2041 (to approximately 242 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 474. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 7.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.