Maclean - Yamba - Iluka
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Maclean - Yamba - Iluka are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Maclean-Yamba-Iluka's population is around 19,404 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,871 people (10.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,533 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,241 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 732 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 27 persons per square kilometer. Maclean-Yamba-Iluka's growth of 10.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.8%), along with the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 72.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Examining future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 2,131 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of 5.0% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Maclean - Yamba - Iluka among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Maclean-Yamba-Iluka recorded approximately 181 residential property approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with 909 dwellings approved over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25. As of FY26, there have been 17 approvals so far. On average, 1.3 new residents arrived annually per new home over these five years, suggesting a balanced supply and demand dynamic.

The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings was $513,000. This financial year has seen $15.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating active commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Maclean-Yamba-Iluka had 85.0% more construction activity per person as of recent data. The area's recent construction comprised 87.0% detached houses and 13.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining its traditional low-density character while offering choice for buyers.

With approximately 106 people per dwelling approval, the market is expanding. Population forecasts indicate Maclean-Yamba-Iluka will gain 968 residents by 2041, suggesting current construction levels should meet demand adequately and create favourable conditions for buyers.

Maclean - Yamba - Iluka has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 27 projects potentially impacting the region. Notable ones include Clifton Yamba, Yamba Library and Community Centre (Treelands Drive Community Hub), West Yamba Shopping Centre, and Yamba Wooli Road Bridge Replacement. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment performance in Maclean - Yamba - Iluka has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

The Maclean - Yamba - Iluka area has a skilled workforce with a low unemployment rate of 4.2%. Over the past year, ending June 2025, employment grew by an estimated 1.8%.

As of that date, 6,454 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.6% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 43.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area has a particular specialisation in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

In contrast, mining employs just 0.9% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 2.5%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.8% while labour force increased by 3.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.6 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and a labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%, lagging the national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Maclean - Yamba - Iluka. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to the local employment mix suggests a growth rate of approximately 6.3%% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Maclean-Yamba-Iluka had a median taxpayer income of $39,277 and an average of $50,822 in the 2022 financial year, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national averages of $49,459 (median) and $62,998 (average). By March 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $43,440 and an average of $56,209, based on a 10.6% Wage Price Index growth since the 2022 financial year. The 2021 Census shows incomes in Maclean-Yamba-Iluka falling between the 6th and 8th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution data indicates that 5,665 residents earn $400-$799 weekly, comprising 29.2% of the population, while the surrounding region has a larger segment earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly at 29.9%. Housing affordability is severe in Maclean-Yamba-Iluka, with only 84.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 8th percentile nationally.

Maclean - Yamba - Iluka is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Maclean-Yamba-Iluka, as per the latest Census evaluation, 82.8% of dwellings were houses, with 17.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 86.5% houses and 13.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maclean-Yamba-Iluka stood at 52.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.1% and rented ones at 24.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,387. Median weekly rent in the area was $360, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $310. Nationally, Maclean-Yamba-Iluka's median monthly mortgage repayment was lower at $1,517 than the Australian average of $1,863, and median weekly rent was $360, below the national figure of $375.

Maclean - Yamba - Iluka has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.7% of all households, consisting of 19.2% couples with children, 37.8% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.3%, with lone person households at 29.2% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Maclean - Yamba - Iluka fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.6%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.4% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.4% and certificates at 31.0%. A total of 22.9% of the population is currently pursuing formal education, including 8.7% in primary, 6.8% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

Twelve schools serve a total of 2,236 students. Maclean - Yamba - Iluka has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 970) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes nine primary, one secondary, and two K-12 schools.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The analysis indicates that there are currently 147 active public transport stops operating within the Maclean-Yamba-Iluka region. These stops offer a mix of ferry and bus services. A total of 58 individual routes service these stops, collectively facilitating 540 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to public transport is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 279 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 77 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly three weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Maclean - Yamba - Iluka is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Maclean-Yamba-Iluka faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 46%, covering about 9,003 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.5%) and mental health issues (8.6%). Around 58.4% of residents reported being free from medical ailments, similar to the 58.7% in Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 34.5%, or 6,696 people, compared to 27.5% in Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are generally good, performing well on health metrics.

Maclean - Yamba - Iluka is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Maclean-Yamba-Iluka, surveyed in June 2016, had 88.5% of its population born in Australia, with 91.1% being citizens and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 55.3% of the population, compared to 55.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.1%), Australian (29.0%), and Scottish (10.2%).

Notably, Irish ethnicity was overrepresented at 10.1%, Australian Aboriginal at 3.8%, and German at 3.3%.

Maclean - Yamba - Iluka ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Maclean - Yamba - Iluka is 54 years, significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and also considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 18.3% locally, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 6.8%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the August 2021 Census and June 2021, the 35 to 44 age group grew from 9.1% to 10.3%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 7.7% to 8.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 16.4% to 14.8%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.0% to 10.0%. By 2041, Maclean - Yamba - Iluka is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 513 people (61%) from 842 to 1,356. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 cohorts.