Murwillumbah Surrounds

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

Murwillumbah Surrounds' population is approximately 10,850 as of Feb 2026. This figure represents an increase of 498 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,352. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 10,690 in June 2024 and an additional 58 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 11.9 persons per square kilometer. Murwillumbah Surrounds' growth rate of 4.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.1%) and SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 36.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends, an above median population growth is projected for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Murwillumbah Surrounds expected to expand by 2,061 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 17.5% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Murwillumbah Surrounds according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Murwillumbah Surrounds has seen approximately 13 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling 67 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded to date. On average, around 8.6 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25. This has led to a significant outpacing of demand over supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $390,000. In the current financial year, $19.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting balanced commercial development activity compared to previous years. However, Murwillumbah Surrounds has significantly less development activity relative to the rest of NSW, with 58.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 90.0% detached houses and 10.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population count is 1545 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Murwillumbah Surrounds will gain 1,901 residents through to 2041. 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 Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects that may impact this region. Key projects include Murwillumbah Depot, Quarry Business Park, Animal Pound and Rehoming Centre, and Hundred Hills Estate. The following list details those likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Murwillumbah Surrounds recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Murwillumbah Surrounds has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 4.3% as of September 2025. The area's unemployment rate is 0.5% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, while workforce participation is lower at 59.1%. According to Census responses, 21.0% of residents work from home.

Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area has a notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. Public administration & safety employs only 4.6% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 7.5%. Analysis of SALM and ABS data shows that over a 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.4%, employment declined by 2.0%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.4 percentage points.

In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a rise in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. 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 Murwillumbah Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Murwillumbah Surrounds SA2 had a median income of $43,617 and an average income of $53,977 in financial year 2023. These figures are lower than the Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $47,481 (median) and $58,759 (average), based on an 8.86% growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Murwillumbah Surrounds' household, family, and personal incomes ranked between the 16th and 27th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captured 30.6% of the community (3,320 individuals), similar to the surrounding region's 29.9%. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remained, ranking at the 30th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

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

Murwillumbah Surrounds' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 98.5% houses and 1.5% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% others. Home ownership in Murwillumbah Surrounds was 48.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.6% and rented ones at 15.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,745, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $1,733. Median weekly rent in Murwillumbah Surrounds was $350, versus Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, mortgage repayments averaged $1,863 and rents were $375.

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

Family households constitute 74.4% of all households, including 28.1% couples with children, 34.0% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.6%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

Murwillumbah's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks; 24.2% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to NSW's 32.2%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (30.0%).

Educational participation is high at 30.9%, comprising primary education (11.2%), secondary education (9.6%), and tertiary education (3.6%).

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

Murwillumbah Surrounds has 612 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 59 individual routes that collectively provide 707 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located within 150 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 93%, while walking accounts for 4% of journeys. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 21.0% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 101 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop. A map accompanies this information, showing the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Murwillumbah Surrounds shows better-than-average health results based on AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups have low rates of common health conditions. Private health cover is quite low at around 47% (~5,056 people), compared to 51.9% in the rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical issues are arthritis (9.4%) and mental health problems (7.9%), while 68.3% report no medical ailments, higher than the rest of NSW's 63.3%. Health outcomes among working-age residents are generally typical. There are 22.8% seniors aged 65 and over (2,474 people), with strong health outcomes ranking even better nationally than the general population.

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

Murwillumbah Surrounds had a cultural diversity index below average, with 85.5% of its population being citizens, 85.7% born in Australia, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 42.2% of people in Murwillumbah Surrounds. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.3%), Australian (28.9%), and Irish (10.5%). Notably, Scottish (8.7%) and French (0.6%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 8.0% and 0.4%, respectively.

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

Murwillumbah Surrounds has a median age of 47 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and substantially exceeds the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent, comprising 16.5% of the population, while those aged 25-34 make up only 8.1%. This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.2% to 6.8%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 10.1% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 18.9% to 16.5%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 14.0% to 12.6%. By 2041, Murwillumbah Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 47%, adding 351 people and reaching a total of 1,095 from the current 743. The 65 to 74 group is expected to grow more modestly at 3%, adding only 45 residents.