Shortland (NSW)

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According to investigations of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Shortland has an estimated population of approximately 5,480 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 943 people (20.8%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 4,537 people. The variance is calculated from the resident population of 5,473, projected by Districts after examining the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 201 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 835 persons per square kilometer, which aligns relatively well with average figures observed across locations evaluated by Districts. The 20.8% growth in the suburb of Shortland since the 2021 census outpaced the Rest of NSW (4.9%), as well as the SA4 region, establishing it as a regional growth leader. Population expansion for the locality was mainly propelled by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately of overall population gains throughout recent periods.

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Shortland has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 5.5%, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 2,755 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.4% above Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional NSW's 60.6%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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The suburb of Shortland shows a median taxpayer income of $54,845 and an average of $65,365 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. This is just below the national average, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $60,505 (median) and $72,111 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Shortland all fall between the 23rd and 25th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 33.3% of locals (1,824 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring regional levels where occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the th percentile.

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Dwelling structure within Shortland, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 69.9% houses and 30.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Shortland was lagging that of Regional NSW, at 27.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.9%) or rented (38.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional NSW average at $1,679, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $377, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Shortland's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 62.0% of all households, comprising 19.9% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.0%, with lone person households at 29.5% and group households comprising 8.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (20.2%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (29.3%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 45 active transport stops operating within Shortland comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 20 individual routes, collectively providing 381 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 148 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. Some 18.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Shortland, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover just leading that of the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~2,892 people).

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Shortland was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.3% of its population being citizens, 85.0% born in Australia, and 88.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Shortland was found to be Christianity, which makes up 50.0% of people in Shortland. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Islam, which comprises 2.6% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

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With a median age of 31, the suburb of Shortland is materially younger than the Regional NSW figure of 43 as well as well below Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 25.4% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 45 - 54 cohort is less prevalent at 6.4%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.6%. In the period since 2021, the median age has decreased by 1.6 years from 33 to 31, indicating a younger demographic shift. Key changes show the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 20.7% to 25.4% of the population, while the 35 to cohort increased from to . Conversely, the to cohort has declined from to and the to group dropped from to . Demographic modeling suggests the suburb of Shortland's age profile will evolve significantly by . Leading the demographic shift, the to group will grow by ( people), reaching from . In contrast, the + group will contract by twelve residents.

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Shortland currently has an estimated 328 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 160 children aged 0-2 and 106 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 15% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 73% by 2041 (to approximately 566 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 306. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.