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Suburb Insights ยท NSW 2528

Lake Illawarra 2528, New South Wales

ABS 2021 Census ยท Updated 31 March 2026

Suburb Overview

Lake Illawarra is a coastal suburb in New South Wales, Australia, with a population of approximately 3,288, making it a boutique locality. Located approximately 81 km from the Sydney CBD, Lake Illawarra is a coastal area in New South Wales. The median household income is $55,588 AUD per year (ABS 2021 Census).

Investment Score

38 / 100 Weak

Lake Illawarra's income profile suggests a value-oriented market with competitive purchase prices. Coastal lifestyle appeal adds a premium that supports long-term demand.

Location

Map shows Lake Illawarra, New South Wales, Australia.

Key Indicators

Postcode
2528

Official Australia Post postcode for Lake Illawarra. A postcode may cover multiple suburbs.

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Population
3,288

Usual resident population at census night. Source: ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

ABS Census Data โ†’
Median Rent (weekly)
$328/wk

Weekly median rent for occupied private dwellings. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Live rental data integration coming soon.

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Median Household Income
$55,588/yr

Annual median household income (before tax) for all households. Source: ABS 2021 Census.

ABS Census Data โ†’
Distance to CBD
81 km

Straight-line distance from the suburb centroid (ABS 2021 SAL geography) to the nearest capital city CBD. Actual driving distance will be longer.

Lifestyle & Amenities

Schools nearby
1

Estimated 1 school within or near this suburb based on ABS 2021 data.

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Parks & green spaces
1

Estimated 1 park and green spaces near this suburb. Source: ABS 2021 data.

Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733/mo

Monthly median mortgage repayment for households currently paying off a mortgage. Source: ABS 2021 Census.

ABS Census Data โ†’
Dwelling Type
46% houses

Proportion of separate houses vs units, townhouses, and other dwelling types. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Relevant for investors assessing rental demand mix.

ABS Census Data โ†’

Investment Insight

Coastal lifestyle is a strong draw for Lake Illawarra, supporting both long-term rental demand and holiday letting potential. Seaside suburbs in New South Wales consistently attract interstate migration and lifestyle buyers. The median rent of $328/week (ABS 2021) indicates an affordable rental market. Owner-occupiers face a median mortgage repayment of $1,733/month.

Investment Strategy

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Buy & Hold

Lake Illawarra offers moderate buy-and-hold potential โ€” look for properties with value-add opportunities.

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Rental Yield

Lake Illawarra can deliver reasonable rental income, though yields are not the primary draw.

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Renovation / Flip

Renovation or flip strategies in Lake Illawarra face headwinds from a smaller buyer pool and slower turnover.

Risk Factors

Run the numbers on a Lake Illawarra property

Full Property Analysis

30-year projections for Lake Illawarra

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2026 Outlook

Growth: Low Rental Demand: Moderate Investor Sentiment: Low

Lake Illawarra faces a cautious growth outlook for 2026 โ€” investors should focus on yield rather than short-term gains. Rental demand is expected to be stable, though landlords may need to remain competitive on pricing. Lake Illawarra is not a headline market, but contrarian investors may see long-term potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lake Illawarra a good suburb for investment?

Lake Illawarra is a coastal area in New South Wales with a population of 3,288. The median rent is $328/week and the median household income is $55,588/year (ABS 2021 Census). As with any property investment, conduct thorough due diligence on current listings, vacancy rates, and local infrastructure plans before committing.

What drives property demand in Lake Illawarra?

Key demand drivers in Lake Illawarra include lifestyle appeal and proximity to the coast. 46% of dwellings are separate houses. The area has approximately 1 schools and 1 parks nearby.

What is the population of Lake Illawarra?

According to the ABS 2021 Census, Lake Illawarra has a population of approximately 3,288. For historical population trends and intercensal estimates, visit the ABS Census Data Explorer at abs.gov.au.

How far is Lake Illawarra from the Sydney CBD?

Lake Illawarra is approximately 81 km straight-line distance from the Sydney CBD (calculated from ABS 2021 suburb centroid coordinates). Road travel times will vary; check current mapping services for up-to-date routes.

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