Mullumbimby

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

Mullumbimby's population is approximately 9,547 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 651 people, a growth rate of 7.3%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 8,896. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,415 in June 2024 and an additional 209 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 35 persons per square kilometer. Mullumbimby's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (3.3%) and non-metro area, indicating it as a leader in regional growth. Overseas migration contributed approximately 47.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as interstate migration and natural growth also being positive contributors.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections anticipate an above median population growth for national non-metropolitan areas, with Mullumbimby expected to increase by 1,829 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 17.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Mullumbimby among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Mullumbimby has averaged approximately 53 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 267 homes were approved, with an additional 16 approved so far in FY26. Each year, on average, 2.6 new residents have been associated with each dwelling approved between FY21 and FY25, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $506,000. This financial year has seen $12.0 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Mullumbimby's development levels per person are similar, contributing to market stability aligned with regional patterns. New developments consist of 74.0% standalone homes and 26.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature while attracting space-seeking buyers.

This represents a shift from the existing housing stock, which is currently 93.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. With approximately 233 people per dwelling approval, Mullumbimby's market shows signs of development. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate forecasts Mullumbimby will gain 1,696 residents by 2041, with development keeping pace with projected growth despite increasing competition among buyers as the population expands.

Mullumbimby has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects are Mullumbimby Hospital Redevelopment, Mullumbimby Rail Corridor Housing, Mullumbimby Road Upgrade, and Gulgan Village. 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 drivers in Mullumbimby are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Mullumbimby has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 6.0%.

As of June 2025, 4205 residents are employed and the unemployment rate stands at 8.7% (2.4% above Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%). Workforce participation is lower than the regional average at 53.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training sectors. The area has a strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 3.5% compared to the regional average of 7.5%. Labour force levels decreased by 4.8% over the year to June 2025 while employment declined by the same percentage, with unemployment remaining unchanged. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced a slight employment decline and labour force growth. By Nov-25, NSW's employment had contracted by 0.03%, losing 2260 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts suggest total employment will grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mullumbimby's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by approximately the same rates over these periods.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Mullumbimby SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $34,796 and an average of $63,500. This is slightly below the national average. Comparatively, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $39,184 (median) and $71,507 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Mullumbimby fall between the 20th and 25th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 28.3% of locals (2,701 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to metropolitan regions where 29.9% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 81.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 22nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In Mullumbimby, as recorded in the latest Census, 92.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mullumbimby stood at 43.0%, similar to Non-Metro NSW. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (28.9%) or rented (28.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,980. The median weekly rent figure in Mullumbimby was $450, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure. Nationally, Mullumbimby's median monthly mortgage repayment is higher at $1,950 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while its median weekly rent figure of $450 is substantially above the national average of $375.

Mullumbimby features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.1% of all households, including 25.3% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 13.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 7.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Mullumbimby shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Mullumbimby's educational attainment is notably high, with 35.5% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 24.3% in the SA4 region. The most common university qualification is a Bachelor degree (24.4%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 35.6% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 13.5%, while certificates make up 22.1%. Educational participation is high in Mullumbimby, with 32.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.7% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mullumbimby has 242 active public transport stops. These are served by a mix of buses along 59 different routes, offering 618 weekly passenger trips in total. The town's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 202 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 88 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Mullumbimby is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Mullumbimby shows superior health outcomes for both young and elderly residents, with a low prevalence of common health conditions.

The area has approximately 51% private health cover, slightly lower than the average SA2 region (~4,888 people). Mental health issues affect 7.7% of residents, while arthritis impacts 7.0%. About 73.1% report no medical ailments, higher than the Rest of NSW's 68.0%. The area has 20.7% residents aged 65 and over (1,973 people), lower than Rest of NSW's 23.6%. Senior health outcomes are particularly strong, outperforming general population metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Mullumbimby records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mullumbimby's population shows cultural diversity, with 9.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 23.2% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 24.1%. Judaism is overrepresented compared to Rest of NSW, at 2.1% versus 0.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (30.1%), Australian (22.8%), and Irish (11.2%). French, Russian, and German ethnicities are notably more prevalent in Mullumbimby than regionally: French at 1.3% vs 0.9%, Russian at 0.6% vs 0.3%, and German at 5.3% vs 3.8%.

Mullumbimby hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Mullumbimby's median age is 45 years, which is slightly higher than Rest of NSW's median age of 43 and considerably older than Australia's national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, Mullumbimby has a notably higher proportion of people aged 45-54 (14.0% locally) but a lower proportion of those aged 15-24 (8.7%). Between 2021 and present, the population aged 35 to 44 grew from 12.7% to 14.3%, while the 25 to 34 age group increased from 10.1% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age cohort declined from 15.6% to 13.8%, and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 15.4% to 14.0%. Demographic projections suggest Mullumbimby's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 35 to 44 age cohort expected to expand by 426 people (31%), reaching a total of 1,795 from its current figure of 1,368. Conversely, numbers in the 65 to 74 age range are projected to decrease.