🔍

Horsley

NSW 2530 • Rest of NSW

9,437
Population (2021)
$112,528
Median Household Income
5.51 km²
Area
$500/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyGrowth SuburbSuburbanCommuter BeltAffordable

About Horsley

Horsley is a growing residential suburb in the Wollongong region of New South Wales, situated approximately 75 kilometres south of Sydney's CBD and around 10 kilometres west of Wollongong city centre. Part of the broader Wollongong urban area at an elevation of 26 metres, the suburb has a population of around 9,400 and has developed rapidly since the 1990s as part of the Illawarra region's residential expansion. The area is characterised by modern housing estates, family homes on generous blocks, and a relaxed suburban atmosphere.

Horsley offers a quiet, family-oriented lifestyle with access to local schools, parks and the Horsley Drive shopping precinct. Its location provides easy access to Wollongong's employment, beaches and entertainment via the Princes Motorway, while the Illawarra train line at nearby Dapto station connects residents to Sydney and the broader South Coast. The suburb's relatively affordable housing compared to Sydney continues to attract young families and professionals seeking space and lifestyle within commuting distance of both Wollongong and the capital.

Horsley falls under postcode 2530 and is governed by Wollongong Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Shellharbour electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2530
Urban Area
Wollongong
LGA / Council
Wollongong
Federal Electorate
Whitlam
State Electorate
Shellharbour
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.49°, 150.77°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
5.51 km²
Elevation
26m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

Median sale prices in Horsley for 2025. Based on every residential settlement recorded by the NSW Valuer General in 2025.

🏡House
$905K
212 sales · ▲ 3.1% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$815K
16 sales · ▲ 23% vs 2024

Source: NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information. Strata-titled sales are counted as units; all others as houses. Suburbs with fewer than 5 sales in a category are omitted.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$500
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,167
Avg Household Size
3 people
Median Age
36 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.7%

16 state housing + 5 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Sydney CBD 240-320 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
80 km
By Train
Approximately 200 min to Sydney CBD (Central) by train
By Car (Peak)
70-120 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55-90 min

🛣️ Located 80 km south-west of Sydney CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot near the local centre, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Wollongong Local Government Area, which contains Horsley. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
216.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 5.9%
Motor vehicle theft
190.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Non-DV assault
342.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
11.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
371.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 5.5%
View all 62 offence types for Wollongong →

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
8,221
Census 2021
9,437
▲ 14.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$36,348
Personal Income 2021
$43,316
▲ 19.2% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$43,316 / yr
$833/wk
Household
$112,528 / yr
$2164/wk
Family
$118,924 / yr
$2287/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 7,660
Born Overseas 1,591

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 389
  • 2. India 114
  • 3. New Zealand 98
  • 4. North Macedonia 91
  • 5. Philippines 85
  • 6. China 75
  • 7. Italy 68
  • 8. Scotland 67
  • 9. Germany 30
  • 10. Sri Lanka 30

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 3,802
English 3,769
Scottish 926
Irish 746
Italian 490
Australian Aboriginal 377
German 346
Macedonian 290
Chinese 173
Indian 172

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

5,335
Both parents born in Australia
2,421
Both parents born overseas
1,377
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
56.0%
No Religion
37.9%
Buddhism
0.9%
Hinduism
0.9%
Islam
0.7%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
608 (6.4%)
5-14 years
1,520 (16.1%)
15-19 years
694 (7.4%)
20-24 years
591 (6.3%)
25-34 years
1,106 (11.7%)
35-44 years
1,434 (15.2%)
45-54 years
1,244 (13.2%)
55-64 years
1,075 (11.4%)
65-74 years
694 (7.4%)
75-84 years
356 (3.8%)
85+ years
115 (1.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Horsley known for? +

Horsley is a well-established residential suburb in Wollongong, NSW, known for its mix of housing types, local schools, and community facilities. The suburb has a population of approximately 9,437 residents and forms part of the broader Rest of NSW region.

How far is Horsley from Sydney CBD? +

Horsley is approximately 80 kilometres from Sydney CBD, typically a 55-90 min drive under normal traffic conditions. The suburb is in a regional location and most residents rely on local services rather than commuting to the CBD.

Does Horsley have public transport? +

Horsley is served by local bus services connecting residents to the broader metropolitan network. The nearest train station provides connections to Sydney CBD.

What is the population of Horsley? +

According to the 2021 Census, Horsley has a population of approximately 9,437 residents. The suburb is a significant residential area within the Wollongong district.

Is Horsley a good place to live? +

Horsley appeals to families, professionals, and established residents who value its range of local amenities, schools, and community facilities. With a median taxable income of around $48,586, it attracts a mix of household types. Like most NSW suburbs, lifestyle quality depends on proximity to work and preferred amenities.

What is the postcode for Horsley? +

The postcode for Horsley, NSW is 2530.

What is the average income in Horsley? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Horsley is about $833 per week (around $43,300 per year). The median household income is $2,164 per week and the median family income is $2,287 per week.

What is the median house price in Horsley? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $905,000, up 3.1% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $815,000, up 23% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Horsley? +

The median age in Horsley is 36. The largest age group is 5–14 (1,520 residents, around 16%). Around 30% of residents are under 20 and about 12% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Horsley a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Horsley is part of the Wollongong LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Horsley? +

In Horsley, the median weekly rent is $500, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,167 (2021 Census).