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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
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Sales Activity
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Sales Detail
Population
Population growth drivers in Merimbula - Tura Beach are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends
Merimbula - Tura Beach's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 11,915. This figure represents an increase of 402 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,513. The growth from June 2024 to February 2026 is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,616 and 82 validated new addresses. This results in a population density of 122 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade (2011-2021), Merimbula - Tura Beach exhibited resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 62.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Nationally, non-metropolitan areas are projected to have above median population growth. By 2041, Merimbula - Tura Beach is expected to grow by 1,781 persons, reflecting a total gain of 12.4% over the 17-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Recent residential development output has been above average within Merimbula - Tura Beach when compared nationally
Merimbula - Tura Beach has seen approximately 50 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 253 homes. In FY-26 so far, 16 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were added between FY-21 and FY-25. The market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions with an average construction value of $387,000 per dwelling.
This financial year has seen $12.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of NSW, Merimbula - Tura Beach shows about 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 71st percentile nationally, with recent intensification in construction activity. New building activity consists of 49.0% detached dwellings and 51.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a significant shift from existing patterns (currently 75.0% houses). This location has approximately 206 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. By 2041, Merimbula - Tura Beach is expected to grow by 1,482 residents, with current development well-matched to future needs and supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.
Looking ahead, Merimbula - Tura Beach is expected to grow by 1,482 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Merimbula - Tura Beach has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Templo Merimbula, Club Sapphire Hotel and Conference Centre, Lakewood Lifestyle Village, and Supercheap Auto and BCF Merimbula. The following list details those most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Wolumla Structure Plan
Adopted structure plan providing a strategic framework for the development of approximately 1,096 new dwellings across three major land holdings in Wolumla. The plan guides infrastructure provision including transport networks, utilities, and community facilities to integrate new residential areas with the existing village. Council secured $50,380 in funding in July 2025 to prepare an infrastructure contributions plan. The development will effectively triple Wolumla's population over an estimated 25-year timeframe and addresses housing shortage in the Bega Valley Shire.
Lakewood Lifestyle Village
An 86-unit seniors housing facility in Merimbula approved by the NSW Land and Environment Court following a deemed refusal by the Bega Valley Shire Council. The amended proposal includes independent living units, communal and recreational facilities, parking, and landscaping, with a reduced scale to address community concerns about height, bulk, and visual impact.
Club Sapphire Hotel and Conference Centre
Proposal for a 100-room, four-plus star hotel and conference facility, approximately five to seven storeys, to be built atop the existing Club Sapphire. The development is part of the club's strategy to diversify income streams and reduce reliance on gaming revenue. It requires a planning proposal to amend the maximum building height on the site from 16m to 21m or 26m. The concept development application (DA) is on hold pending the finalisation of the planning proposal.
Templo Merimbula
A luxury short stay hotel precinct, renamed 'Mati' by the developer, consisting of a hotel and 14 townhouses, plus a restaurant. The design uses the natural slope of the emerald hill to maximize ocean views from the living spaces, and incorporates endemic planting and durable materials to blend with the coastal environment. The project was Development Application approved in 2024.
Ocean Drive Townhouse and Apartment Complex
Development Application (DA2021.365) to be determined by the Southern Regional Planning Panel (PPSSTH-173) for a complex of 27 townhouses and 32 apartments with basement parking on a site at 63 Ocean Drive and 460 Arthur Kane Drive, Merimbula. Concerns have been raised regarding density, bulk, and scale of the development. Council assessment staff provided non-support of the application and requested it be withdrawn as of May 2023. A Public Determination Meeting was scheduled for July 28, 2023.
Mirador Residential Development Stages 8, 9 and 13
The proposed action is the final stages (8, 9, and 13) of the Mirador residential development, involving the clearing of approximately 21.39 ha of native vegetation on a 52.5 ha site for low-density housing lots and associated infrastructure. The development is subject to a Federal environmental assessment due to potential significant impacts on threatened species and habitat, including the long-nosed potoroo and Merimbula Star-hair. The development is anticipated to accommodate between 126 and 252 residents upon completion and has an estimated start date of January 2025.
Shearwater Estate
New residential land subdivision and construction of homes in central Tura Beach. The estate offers spacious residential lots ranging from 900m2 to 1500m2 on level ground. Infrastructure like roads, power, water, and sewage are being installed, and new homes are being built/sold, indicating the project is in the construction phase.
Club Sapphire Residential Development (DA Approved - Site For Sale)
A previously approved residential development for a four-storey complex with 40 luxury apartments and 68 car spaces on a 4,084sqm site. The project was put on hold due to rising construction costs and the site is currently being advertised for sale by the developer. The site has Development Approval (DA) for the 40-unit residential flat building and strata subdivision.
Employment
Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 2.5%, Merimbula - Tura Beach has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally
Merimbula - Tura Beach had an unemployment rate of 2.5% as of September 2025, with 5,093 residents employed. This was 1.3% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Merimbula - Tura Beach was 51.8%, compared to 61.5% in Rest of NSW.
According to Census responses, 14.3% of residents worked from home. The key industries of employment were health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Accommodation & food had a particularly strong representation at 1.7 times the regional level, while mining showed lower representation at 0.2%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force decreased by 5.4% and employment declined by 5.7%, resulting in an unemployment rate increase of 0.2 percentage points.
In contrast, Rest of NSW saw a 0.5% employment contraction, a 0.1% labour force fall, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project an expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Merimbula - Tura Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch
The Merimbula - Tura Beach SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $47,467 and an average income of $59,532 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are lower than those for Rest of NSW, which were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%, estimated incomes would be approximately $51,673 (median) and $64,807 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Merimbula - Tura Beach fall between the 15th and 24th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 28.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, consistent with surrounding regions at 29.9%. After housing costs, 86.0% of income remains, ranking at the 18th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Merimbula - Tura Beach is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
In Merimbula - Tura Beach, as per the latest Census evaluation, 74.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 25.4% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Merimbula - Tura Beach stood at 51.3%, with mortgaged properties making up 26.3% and rented dwellings accounting for 22.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,600, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $340, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Merimbula - Tura Beach's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Merimbula - Tura Beach features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 64.9 percent of all households, consisting of 19.4 percent couples with children, 37.3 percent couples without children, and 7.8 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.1 percent, with lone person households at 32.5 percent and group households making up 2.5 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Merimbula - Tura Beach shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist
Merimbula's residents aged 15+ have a university degree attainment rate of 23.2%, compared to NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (15.6%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 40.3% of residents holding them; advanced diplomas account for 11.3%, while certificates make up 29.0%. A significant portion of the population is actively engaged in education: 22.1% in total, including 8.2% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.
A substantial 22.1% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.2% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Merimbula - Tura Beach has 202 active public transport stops serviced by 40 routes, providing 456 weekly passenger trips. Residents are typically located 166 meters from the nearest stop. The dominant commuting mode is car at 92%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. In 2021 Census data, 14.3% of residents worked from home. Service frequency averages 65 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.
The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health outcomes in Merimbula - Tura Beach are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts
Merimbula - Tura Beach shows below-average health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average, with common health conditions more prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of the total population (~5,826 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.
The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.6%) and mental health issues (8.4%), with 59.9% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 34.1% (4,063 people), compared to 23.4% in Rest of NSW. National rankings are broadly in line with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Merimbula - Tura Beach is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Merimbula-Tura Beach, as per the 2016 Census, showed low cultural diversity with 84.5% of its population born in Australia and 91.1% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 96.0%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 48.0%.
Judaism's representation was slightly higher than the regional average, comprising 0.1% compared to 0.1% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.5%), Australian (29.0%), and Irish (9.4%). Notable differences in ethnic group representation included Dutch at 1.6%, Scottish at 8.7%, and Welsh at 0.6%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Merimbula - Tura Beach ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide
Merimbula - Tura Beach has a median age of 53, which is considerably higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Relative to Rest of NSW, Merimbula - Tura Beach has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (17.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.8%). This concentration of residents aged 65-74 is well above the national figure of 9.5%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 35 to 44 grew from 8.7% to 10.2%, while the population aged 75 to 84 increased from 10.9% to 12.1%. Conversely, the population aged 55 to 64 declined from 16.3% to 14.1%, and the population aged 65 to 74 dropped from 18.7% to 17.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Merimbula - Tura Beach's age structure. The population aged 85+ is expected to grow by 87%, reaching 973 from 519. Meanwhile, the populations aged 65-74 and 15-24 are expected to experience declines.