Murwillumbah

Population growth drivers in Murwillumbah are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Murwillumbah's population is around 9,549 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 48 people (0.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,501 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,460 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 82 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 393 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 83.3% 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with the area expected to expand by 928 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 8.8% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Murwillumbah is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Murwillumbah has seen around 16 new homes approved per year, with 81 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 2 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $322,000. Additionally, $12.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Murwillumbah shows approximately half the construction activity per person and ranks in the 14th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 92.0% detached dwellings and 8.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 1150 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Murwillumbah is expected to grow by 839 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Murwillumbah has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 7 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Murwillumbah Depot, Industry Central Land Swap, Quarry Business Park, and Hundred Hills Estate, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The employment landscape in Murwillumbah shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Murwillumbah features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.2%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,103 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.3% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (54.8% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 2.9% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 0.4% alongside a 0.3% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, the labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Murwillumbah. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Murwillumbah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Murwillumbah SA2's income level is lower than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Murwillumbah SA2's median income among taxpayers is $43,008 and the average income stands at $53,257, compared to figures for Regional NSW of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $46,819 (median) and $57,976 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Murwillumbah all fall between the 10th and 11th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 28.0% of locals (2,673 people) in the $400 - 799 category, unlike trends in the surrounding region where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 8th percentile.

Murwillumbah is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Murwillumbah, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 78.9% houses and 21.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Murwillumbah slightly lagged that of Regional NSW, at 36.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.6%) or rented (30.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Regional NSW average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Murwillumbah's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Murwillumbah features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 65.9% of all households, comprising 24.1% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 16.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Regional NSW average.

Educational attainment in Murwillumbah aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (19.6%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (30.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 244 active transport stops operating within Murwillumbah, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 67 individual routes, collectively providing 978 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 120 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 11.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 139 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Murwillumbah is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Murwillumbah, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~4,421 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.5 and 10.0% of residents, respectively, while 62.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 24.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,352 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Murwillumbah was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.6% of its population being citizens, 86.5% born in Australia, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Murwillumbah is Christianity, which makes up 48.4% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.6% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Murwillumbah are English, comprising 32.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.0% of Murwillumbah (vs 8.0% regionally), French at 0.7% (vs 0.4%) and Australian Aboriginal at 2.6% (vs 4.6%).

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

With a median age of 46, Murwillumbah is slightly older than the Regional NSW figure of 43 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 45 - 54 age group shows strong representation at 12.7% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 35 - 44 cohort is less prevalent at 10.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.6% to 10.4% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.1% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.1% to 12.7% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 13.2% to 11.9%. By 2041, Murwillumbah is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 27% (216 people), reaching 1,013 from 796. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.