Murwillumbah

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

Murwillumbah's population is around 9,510 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 9 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,501 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,510 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 84 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 391 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 85.2% 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. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is expected to grow by 903 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 9.5% in total over the 16 years.

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

Murwillumbah has received approximately 16 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY2021 and FY2025, 81 homes were approved, with an additional 3 approved in FY2026 so far. The average construction cost value for new dwellings is $322,000.

In the current financial year, commercial development approvals totalled $12.1 million. Compared to Rest of NSW, Murwillumbah has about 56% of the construction activity per person and ranks in the 14th percentile nationally for construction activity. New development comprises 92.0% detached dwellings and 8.0% attached dwellings. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1150 people.

By 2041, Murwillumbah's population is projected to grow by 903 residents. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth.

Murwillumbah has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. Seven projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to influence this region. Notable ones include Murwillumbah Depot, Industry Central Land Swap, Quarry Business Park, and Hundred Hills Estate, as detailed below for their 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 has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate in December 2025 was 4.2%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 54.6% compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%.

Home workership stands at a low 11.3%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 2.9% of local workers. Many residents commute elsewhere for work.

Over the year ending December 2025, labour force decreased by 0.4%, employment declined by 0.3%, leading to a slight fall in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Murwillumbah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The Murwillumbah SA2 has an income level below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Murwillumbah is $43,008 and the average income stands at $53,257. For Regional NSW, these figures are $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $47,446 (median) and $58,753 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Murwillumbah are between the 10th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 28.0% of locals fall into the $400 - 799 income category, unlike surrounding regions where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Murwillumbah, with only 79.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 8th percentile nationally.

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

Murwillumbah's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.9% houses and 21.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murwillumbah was at 36.6%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (32.6%) or rented (30.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Regional NSW's average, while the median weekly rent was $350, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Murwillumbah's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $350 than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 65.9% of all households, consisting of 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 is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Regional NSW average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 19.6%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (30.5%). Educational participation is high, with 30.1% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.3% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

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

Murwillumbah has 244 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 67 different routes that collectively facilitate 978 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically living within 120 meters of the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward from Murwillumbah. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 93%, while walking accounts for 4%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.3% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 139 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately four weekly trips per individual stop. An accompanying map displays the locations of the 100 nearest stops to the area's centerpoint.

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

Murwillumbah faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, both younger and older age cohorts have high prevalence of common health conditions. Only approximately 46% (~4,403 people) of Murwillumbah's population has private health cover, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (10.5%) and arthritis (10.0%), with 62.3% of residents claiming no medical ailments, slightly lower than Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Murwillumbah has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.8% (2,357 people), compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Murwillumbah had a lower level of cultural diversity, with 89.6% citizens, 86.5% born in Australia, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 48.4%. The most significant overrepresentation was 'Other', comprising 1.6% compared to Regional NSW's 0.8%.

Top ancestry groups were English (32%), Australian (28.3%), and Irish (11.1%). Notably, Scottish (9%) and French (0.7%) were overrepresented, while Australian Aboriginal (2.6%) was underrepresented compared to regional averages.

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

Murwillumbah has a median age of 46, which is slightly higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and significantly greater than the national norm of 38. The 45-54 age group constitutes 12.7% of Murwillumbah's population compared to Regional NSW, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 9.6%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 10.1% to 11.7%, whereas the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 14.1% to 12.7% and the 85+ group has fallen from 4.7% to 3.5%. By 2041, Murwillumbah's age composition is expected to experience notable shifts. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 28%, reaching 1,050 people from 819. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts are anticipated to see population declines.