Get a property report and suburb profile for any property in Russell Vale

Join the 2 million Australians* who use our services every year.

Geo Page

Russell Vale suburb profile

Russell Vale is a charming suburb located in the northern region of Wollongong, New South Wales. Known for its peaceful residential atmosphere, it offers a family-friendly environment with a strong sense of community. The suburb is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Illawarra escarpment providing a stunning backdrop and easy access to outdoor activities. Russell Vale is home to a well-regarded golf course and is conveniently located near schools, parks, and local amenities. Its proximity to both the coast and the city of Wollongong makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Russell Vale property market performance

Russell Vale’s property market has shown significant changes over the past 12 months, particularly in house values which have surged by 27.5%. With the median house price currently at $0, interest in the market appears concentrated in other indicators. However, no units were sold, maintaining a median value change of 0%.

Sales activity is minimal, with only 2 houses sold in the last year and no units. Houses have been selling quickly, with a median of just 17 days on the market, possibly indicating high demand or limited availability.

In the rental sector, the average rent for houses has held steady at $830, with no change observed in the past 12 months. The lack of rental data for units further underscores the limited unit activity in Russell Vale's market.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
N/AN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
27.5%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
2N/A
Median days on market
Past 12 months
17N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$830N/A
Change in rent
Past 12 months
N/AN/A

5 year median price trend for houses and units

Access homes before they're listed for sale

Build a buying brief and get first access to properties that aren't yet on the market.

OpenAdvantage

Russell Vale demographics

Russell Vale, nestled in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, is a charming suburb known for its family-friendly atmosphere and close-knit community. With a population of 1,593, it offers a peaceful lifestyle while still being conveniently located near the bustling city of Wollongong. The median age of 39 suggests a mature community, with many residents enjoying the balance of suburban tranquility and accessibility to urban amenities.

The suburb is predominantly composed of family households, with 47.2% being couple families with children and 34.3% being couple families without children. This highlights Russell Vale's appeal to families seeking a nurturing environment to raise children. Additionally, 17.8% of households are one-parent families, indicating a supportive community for diverse family structures.

Property ownership in Russell Vale is strong, with 35.6% of homes owned outright and 42.8% owned with a mortgage. This reflects a stable housing market and a community invested in long-term residency. The rental market, comprising 21.6% of properties, provides options for those seeking flexibility. With a median total household income of $1,715 weekly, Russell Vale offers a comfortable standard of living, making it an attractive choice for families and professionals alike.

Russell Vale infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Russell Vale’s property market is influenced by its position along the Princes Highway with easy access to Wollongong and Sydney, alongside proximity to Bellambi train station and regular bus services that support commuter demand.[1][4][6] Local amenities such as a primary school, preschool, sporting grounds, golf course, community hall and nearby beaches enhance day-to-day livability and are likely to remain a drawcard for families and lifestyle-focused buyers.[1][6] The suburb has experienced solid population growth and rising house prices in recent years, indicating strengthening demand that may be reinforced by broader Illawarra employment opportunities rather than any single large redevelopment.[3][4][5]

At present there are no widely reported major new infrastructure or redevelopment projects specific to Russell Vale, with most change focused on incremental improvements to community facilities and transport connectivity in the wider Wollongong area.[1][6] The nearby coal mine has faced operational issues and partial closures in recent years, which may affect some local employment but also reduce industrial impacts over time, potentially improving residential amenity.[9] Overall, the combination of established services, coastal and escarpment outlooks, and good regional links suggests ongoing steady appeal for both homeowners and investors, even in the absence of headline new projects.

Russell Vale rental market trends

The rental market in Russell Vale has remained stable over the past year, with house rents steady at $830 per week and no change in unit rent prices. The suburb continues to provide consistent rental opportunities, making it a reliable choice for residents seeking a quiet community close to amenities.

Suburbs near Russell Vale

Some popular suburbs near Russell Vale include:

How does Russell Vale compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Russell Vale’s median house price is 9.6% lower than Bellambi’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Russell Vale have grown 16.7% higher than in Woonona.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Russell Vale are selling 37.0% faster than in Woonona.

Common questions about Russell Vale

  • Is Russell Vale a nice place to live?

    Russell Vale is a delightful suburb that offers a peaceful and family-friendly environment, making it a wonderful place to call home. The suburb is known for its charming residential atmosphere and strong sense of community, which is perfect for families looking to settle in a nurturing environment. With the stunning Illawarra escarpment as a backdrop, residents can enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor activities that the area has to offer. The suburb's proximity to both the coast and the city of Wollongong provides a balanced lifestyle, allowing residents to enjoy the tranquility of suburban living while still having easy access to urban amenities.

    For families, Russell Vale is particularly appealing due to its excellent local amenities, including schools, parks, and a well-regarded golf course. The suburb's close-knit community and supportive environment make it an ideal place for raising children. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's family-friendly reputation. While Russell Vale may not have the bustling nightlife of a city center, it compensates with its serene atmosphere and the convenience of nearby beaches and recreational facilities.

    One trade-off of living in Russell Vale is the absence of major new infrastructure projects, which means that any changes to the suburb are likely to be gradual and focused on improving existing community facilities and transport connectivity. Additionally, while the nearby coal mine has faced operational issues, this may ultimately lead to reduced industrial impacts and an improvement in residential amenity over time. Overall, Russell Vale's combination of natural beauty, community spirit, and accessibility makes it a charming and appealing place to live for families and individuals seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.

    Down Pointer
  • Is it expensive to live in Russell Vale?

    Living in Russell Vale can be considered relatively affordable compared to other suburbs in New South Wales. The suburb has a median total household income of $1,715 per week. When we compare this to the average annual wage in New South Wales, which is around $90,000, Russell Vale's household income is slightly above average, suggesting a comfortable earning level for many residents.

    In terms of housing costs, Russell Vale offers a mixed picture. While there is no current data on median house or unit prices, the average rent for houses is $830 per week. This rent level might seem steep for some, especially when considering the lack of data on unit prices, which could potentially offer a more affordable option for renters. However, given the household income levels, many residents may find the rental prices manageable.

    Overall, if you are thinking of living in Russell Vale, the cost of living is relatively balanced with the income levels in the area. The suburb offers a reasonable cost of living, especially when compared to more expensive areas closer to Sydney's city center. It's a viable option for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle while still enjoying the benefits of living in New South Wales.

    Disclaimer: To assess whether a suburb is considered expensive, we’ve looked at mortgage and rental costs as a proportion of the average local salary. That said, everyone’s financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.
    Down Pointer
  • Is Russell Vale a good place to invest?

    Russell Vale is showing promising signs as an investment suburb, particularly for those interested in houses. Over the last 12 months, the median house value has surged by an impressive 27.5%, indicating strong demand and potential for capital growth. This significant increase suggests that the suburb is becoming more desirable, possibly due to its appealing lifestyle or proximity to key amenities.

    However, it's important to note that the median unit value and rental prices for both houses and units have remained stable, with no change over the past year. This stability in the rental market could be seen as a positive for investors seeking consistent rental income, although it may also suggest that the demand for units is not as strong as for houses.

    Overall, Russell Vale presents a compelling opportunity for those looking to invest in houses, given the recent surge in house values. While the rental market remains steady, the potential for capital growth in house investments makes Russell Vale an attractive option for investors aiming to capitalize on the suburb's upward trend.

    Down Pointer

Choose the right real estate agents in Russell Vale

There are 12 real estate agents in Russell Vale, but they don’t all deliver the same results.

Some agents have a much stronger presence in the suburb, with just 5 agents handling around 69.6% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Russell Vale typically range from 1.63% to 2.63%. Comparing agents—including what they charge, what’s included, and how they structure their fees—is not only important when choosing an agent, the right structure can help ensure your chosen agent is motivated to achieve the best possible result.

Not quite ready to sell?

icon

Property report

Suburb and property report

Completed by independent professional experts not a computer.
icon

OpenEstimates

Digital estimate for your property

Compare your property to three recent sales to get a digital estimate.
icon

Navigate the market like a pro

Navigate the market

Get an understanding of the market signals you should keep an eye on.