Merimbula - Tura Beach

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 May 2026, is approximately 11,729. This figure represents a rise of 216 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,513. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 11,719 as of June 2025 and an additional 84 validated new addresses post-census. This results in a density ratio of 120 persons per square kilometer. Merimbula-Tura Beach's growth rate since the census, at 1.9%, is within 0.7 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth (2.6%). Interstate migration contributed approximately 57.8% to recent population gains in the area.

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, AreaSearch employs NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 using 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Merimbula-Tura Beach is projected to grow by 1,593 persons, reflecting a total gain of 13.5% over the 16-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Merimbula - Tura Beach when compared nationally

Merimbula-Tura Beach has seen approximately 50 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 253 homes. As of FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodates 1.4 new residents. This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions, with an average construction cost value of $387,000 per dwelling.

In FY-26, commercial approvals have reached $12.6 million, demonstrating moderate commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Merimbula-Tura Beach shows around 75% of the construction activity per capita, ranking in the 71st percentile nationally, with recent intensification in construction activity. The current dwelling mix consists of approximately 49.0% detached dwellings and 51.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the existing pattern of 75.0% houses. This change may be attributed to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The area has an approximate density of 206 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Merimbula-Tura Beach is projected to grow by 1,583 residents by 2041. Development activity appears to be keeping pace with this projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

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. Notable 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.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Merimbula - Tura Beach exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Merimbula-Tura Beach had an unemployment rate of 2.3% as of December 2025, with 5,085 residents employed. This rate was 1.7% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in the area was 51.1%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%.

A moderate 14.3% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment were health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area had a strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level, while mining showed lower representation at 0.2% compared to the regional average of 2.5%. Between December 2024 and November 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.4%, and employment declined by 4.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points.

In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment contract by 1.2%, with a labour force decrease of 0.8% and an unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The Merimbula - Tura Beach SA2 had an income level below average nationally according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 30, 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $47,467 and the average income stood at $59,532. These figures compared to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since June 30, 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $52,366 (median) and $65,676 (average). Census data showed household, family and personal incomes in Merimbula - Tura Beach fell between the 15th and 24th percentiles nationally. Income distribution revealed that 28.7% of individuals earned between $1,500 and $2,999, consistent with surrounding regions at 29.9%. After housing costs, 86.0% of income remained, ranking at the 18th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the fourth decile.

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% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from Regional 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 at 26.3% and rented dwellings at 22.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in the area was $340, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Merimbula - Tura Beach's median monthly mortgage repayment is significantly lower at $1,600 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, while weekly rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Merimbula - Tura Beach features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.9% of all households, including 19.4% couples with children, 37.3% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.1%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households making up 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Merimbula - Tura Beach shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Merimbula's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 23.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to NSW's 32.2%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (29.0%).

A significant 22.1% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.2% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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, served by 40 routes offering 456 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 166 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters use cars (92%), while 6% walk. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.3, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 14.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 65 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

A map accompanies this analysis, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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 based on 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 49%, compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.6%) and mental health issues (8.4%). 59.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional 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 35.0%, compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. National rankings are broadly in line with the general population.

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, had a cultural diversity below average with 84.5% of its residents born in Australia, 91.1% being Australian citizens, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 48.0%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.5%), Australian (29.0%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, Dutch (1.6% vs regional 1.0%), Scottish (8.7% vs 8.0%), and Welsh (0.6% vs 0.5%) were overrepresented.

Merimbula - Tura Beach ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Merimbula - Tura Beach is 54 years, significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 and the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented at 18.1% locally compared to Regional NSW's average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.2%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present day, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.9% to 12.4%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 8.7% to 10.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 16.3% to 14.6% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.9% to 10.7%. By 2041, Merimbula - Tura Beach is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 85+ age cohort projected to expand considerably by 468 people (90%) from 523 to 992, while numbers in the 15-24 age range are expected to fall by 53.