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

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Mullumbimby stands at approximately 9,694 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 798 individuals (9.0%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 8,896 people. This shift is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 9,662 from June 2025 alongside 225 validated new addresses identified since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 36 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious environment for residents. The area's 9.0% expansion rate since the 2021 census outpaced both the Rest of NSW and the broader SA4 region (3.7%), positioning it as a leading growth zone. This population increase was largely underpinned by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 48.4% of the total demographic growth, though natural increase and overseas migration also made positive contributions.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. In instances where this data is unavailable, SA2 level projections from the NSW State Government released in 2022 with a 2021 baseline are applied instead. The age cohort growth rates derived from these sources are extended to cover the period from 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead at demographic trends, population expansion is anticipated to exceed the median for national non-metropolitan zones, with the locality projected to add 1,751 residents by 2041 based on recent annual ERP figures, representing a total increase of 17.7% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Mullumbimby among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Approvals for new dwellings in Mullumbimby have run at an annual average of about 53, with 267 residential properties approved during the previous 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 43 recorded so far in FY-26. With a ratio of 3.2 new residents added for each completed dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is outstripping construction activity, a trend that typically heightens buyer competition and pushes prices upward, while the average expected construction cost for these new properties is $340,000. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $12.0 million during the current financial year, pointing to steady commercial development.

Per capita development rates in Mullumbimby are comparable to the Rest of NSW, aligning with regional trends to support market stability. Detached dwellings comprise 74.0% of the new construction activity, while medium and high-density formats account for the remaining 26.0%, maintaining the spacious layout of the area by focusing on standalone properties suited for buyers seeking extra room. This represents a clear shift from the existing housing stock, which is currently 93.0% detached houses, pointing to a reduction in available greenfield land, evolving household preferences, and a demand for more varied, lower-cost housing options. The market is developing, with a ratio of approximately 239 people for each approved dwelling.

Demographic projections indicate that Mullumbimby will add 1,719 inhabitants by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. Residential construction is keeping up reasonably well with this anticipated growth, though buyers might experience heightened competition as the local population increases.

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

Local infrastructure projects, major planning decisions, and new developments are key factors in regional performance. AreaSearch has tracked 14 developments in progress that are expected to influence the local area. Some of the major undertakings include the Mullumbimby Hospital Redevelopment, Mullumbimby Rail Corridor Housing, Mullumbimby Road Upgrade, and Gulgan Village, with details provided on the most significant projects.

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Employment drivers in Mullumbimby are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

The local workforce is characterized by high educational levels and strong representation in essential service fields, accompanied by an unemployment rate of 7.2% and a 2.5% rise in estimated employment over the prior year. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 4,455, while the unemployment rate was 3.1% higher than the Regional NSW mark of 4.1%, indicating room for labour market improvement, and participation in the labour force was close to the Regional NSW average of 60.6%. Census data indicates that a substantial 30.4% of employed locals worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

Resident employment is heavily weighted toward retail trade, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Professional & technical services represent a key local specialty, with employment concentration in this field reaching 1.7 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, public administration & safety is underrepresented at 3.5% of the workforce compared to the regional figure of 7.5%. Although there are local employment options, the ratio of Census working population to residents suggests a significant portion of the workforce commutes to other areas for employment.

An analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch shows that during the 12 months ending March 2026, employment grew by 2.5% while the labour force expanded by 3.9%, resulting in a 1.3 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. This contrasts with Regional NSW, which saw employment fall by 0.9%, the labour force shrink by 0.4%, and unemployment increase by 0.5 percentage points. Broader trends can be observed through national employment projections released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25. These five and ten-year projections have been compared to the local workforce structure to model future employment paths. Locally, if these national growth projections—which forecast an overall expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years—are weighted against the specific industry mix of Mullumbimby, local employment is modeled to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this calculation is a simple weighting exercise and does not incorporate local population forecasts.

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

According to the most recent postcode level ATO statistics released for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the Mullumbimby SA2 recorded a median income of $37,837 and an average income of $62,160. These figures sit below national benchmarks, and compare to a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Adjusting these figures for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year yields estimated values of approximately $41,742 for the median and $68,575 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census shows that personal, family, and household incomes in the area all sit between the 20th and 25th percentiles nationally. The largest income cohort comprises 28.3% of the local population (2,743 people) earning in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is similar to the metropolitan trend where 29.9% fall into this bracket. Financial strain from housing is high, with residents retaining only 81.2% of their income, placing the area in the 22nd percentile, while the SEIFA index ranks the locality in the 5th income decile.

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

According to the latest Census, the local housing mix consisted of 92.7% standalone houses and 7.3% alternative housing types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwellings, compared to Regional NSW where houses make up 82.6% and other dwellings comprise 17.4%. Home ownership rates in Mullumbimby stood at 43.0%, which is higher than the Regional NSW level, while the remaining homes were mortgaged (28.9%) or rented (28.1%). The median mortgage repayment of $1,950 per month was notably higher than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $450 compared to the regional figure of $330. On a national level, monthly mortgage costs exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are considerably higher than the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 65.1%, consisting of couples with children at 25.3%, couples without children at 25.5%, and single parent households at 13.6%. The remaining 34.9% consists of non-family households, with lone person households representing 27.5% of the total and group living arrangements accounting for 7.3%. The median household size is 2.5 residents, which is slightly larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

Local education statistics show high levels of qualification, with 35.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 24.3% in the SA4 region. This educational profile positions the community well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 7.9% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Vocational training is also well represented, with 35.6% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications in trade or technical fields, consisting of advanced diplomas (13.5%) and certificate credentials (22.1%).

Enrolment in education is strong, with 32.6% of the population participating in formal study. This comprises 11.7% of residents in primary schools, 9.5% in secondary schools, and 4.0% enrolled in tertiary institutions.

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

Analysis of local transit shows 252 active bus stops operating in Mullumbimby. These stops are served by 58 separate routes, which run a combined 751 passenger trips each week. Access to transit is rated well, with residents generally living within 200 meters of their closest stop. The area is primarily residential, and the majority of working residents travel out of the suburb for employment. Private cars are the primary mode of travel at 89%, while 5% of residents walk to work and 3% ride bicycles. The average household has 1.6 vehicles. A significant 30.4% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

Transit services average 107 daily trips across all routes, which represents approximately 2 weekly trips for each individual stop. The mapped information details the 100 closest stops relative to the centre of the suburb.

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

Health metrics for Mullumbimby are positive overall, with AreaSearch identifying low rates of common health conditions across both older and younger age groups, while private health insurance coverage is held by approximately 50% of the population (~4,885 people) compared to a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health conditions and arthritis are the most prevalent diagnosed ailments locally, affecting 7.7 and 7.0% of the population respectively, while 73.1% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population exhibits good health profiles with low rates of chronic disease. Residents aged 65 and over make up 20.8% of the population (2,020 people), which is lower than the Regional NSW level of 23.4%. Seniors in the area record strong health outcomes, ranking higher relative to national averages than the general local population.

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 exhibits higher than average cultural diversity, with 9.8% of residents using a language other than English at home and 23.2% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 24.1% of residents. The most distinct religious concentration relative to wider regional patterns is Judaism, which accounts for 2.1% of the population compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

Regarding parent birthplaces, the three largest ancestry groups are English at 30.1%, Australian at 22.8% (which is lower than the regional average of 30.0%), and Irish at 11.2%. There are also distinct concentrations of other ancestries, with French background at 1.3% of the population (compared to 0.4% regionally), Russian background at 0.6% (compared to 0.2% regionally), and German background at 5.3% (compared to 3.1% regionally).

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

The median age in Mullumbimby is 45 years, which is slightly higher than the Regional NSW median of 43 years and older than the national median of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, there is a higher concentration of residents in the 35 - 44 cohort (14.6%) and a lower share in the 15 - 24 range (9.2%). Since 2021, the 35 to 44 cohort has increased from 12.7% to 14.6% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 4.6% to 6.1%. In contrast, the 55 to 64 group decreased from 15.6% to 13.9%, and the 45 to 54 group fell from 15.4% to 13.8%. Projections to 2041 suggest further shifts in the age structure, with the 35 to 44 group expected to grow by 392 people (28%) from 1,417 to 1,810, while the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to remain relatively flat, increasing by 1% (6 people).