Russell Lea Demographics: Population, Age & Income Profile (NSW)
Liveability Score
5.2/10Russell Lea has a medium demographic profile typical of New South Wales suburbs
Key Facts
- Median Age
- 38 years (state avg)
- Median Household Income
- $1,468/wk (state avg)
- Families with Children
- 28.7% of households
- Home Ownership
- 64.5% own — 31.5% rent
- Postcode
- 2046
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 11.8% of land (bushfire)
Demographics Analysis
Russell Lea in New South Wales reflects the broader demographic characteristics of the region. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 Census, the typical household in New South Wales has a median weekly income of around $1,468, with a median age of 38 years.
The ABS reports that 28.7% of households in New South Wales are couples with children, while 24.7% are couples without children. Lone person households account for 24.5% of households. This family composition data helps home buyers understand the neighbourhood character and amenity demand.
Home ownership rates in New South Wales show that 64.5% of households own their home (with or without a mortgage), while 31.5% rent. These tenure patterns affect property turnover rates, rental demand, and neighbourhood stability — all important factors for home buyers evaluating Russell Lea.
Climate risk is an increasingly important factor for property buyers evaluating suburbs like Russell Lea. Different demographic groups face different climate exposure profiles — families may prioritise heat safety near schools, while retirees may be more concerned about insurance costs in flood-prone areas. Get an address-level climate risk report for your Russell Lea property to understand how climate projections may affect your investment.
Russell Lea (postcode 2046) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are bushfire (11.8% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (9.2% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (8.3% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Russell Lea — individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Improve Drainage Infrastructure
Near-termUpgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall and reduce flood risk.
Est. cost: High
Implement Heatwave Management Plan
ImmediateDevelop a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and community outreach programs.
Est. cost: Medium
Strengthen Coastal Defenses
Long-termInvest in sea walls and other coastal defenses to protect against sea level rise and erosion.
Est. cost: Very High
Promote Water Conservation
Near-termEncourage residents to conserve water to reduce strain on water resources during droughts.
Est. cost: Low
Community Awareness Programs
ImmediateEducate residents about climate risks and adaptation strategies through workshops and online resources.
Est. cost: Low
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Russell Lea Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for Russell Lea:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Russell Lea?
Population data for Russell Lea comes from the ABS 2021 Census, the most recent national census. For the most current suburb-level population data, refer to ABS QuickStats or consult the New South Wales state government's population projections. Understanding population trends helps home buyers assess housing demand, infrastructure investment, and neighbourhood character.
What is the median age in Russell Lea?
The median age for New South Wales is 38 years according to the 2021 ABS Census, which serves as a reference point for Russell Lea. A younger median age often indicates more families and first home buyers, while older demographics suggest established households and potentially lower turnover. Both have implications for property demand and investment strategy.
What is the average household income in Russell Lea?
The median weekly household income in New South Wales is $1,468 per week (ABS 2021 Census). Household income affects serviceability for mortgage lending, rental affordability, and the type of housing stock in demand within a suburb. Higher-income areas typically support stronger property values and faster capital growth. Combine demographic research with a climate risk report from ClimateNest for a complete property assessment.
What type of people live in Russell Lea?
The demographic profile of Russell Lea is broadly shaped by its location within New South Wales. According to the ABS Census, 28.7% of households in the state are couples with children, while 24.7% are couples without children. The overall population of New South Wales has a median age of 38 — use this as context when assessing the demographic character of Russell Lea.
What share of Russell Lea is exposed to high bushfire risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 11.8% of Russell Lea in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 62.8% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform — individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.
Is Russell Lea Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Russell Lea, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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