Murwillumbah Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Murwillumbah Surrounds' population is approximately 10,793 as of Aug 2025. This figure represents an increase of 441 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,352. The growth was inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 10,692 in June 2024 and 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 11.9 persons per square kilometer. Murwillumbah Surrounds' 4.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (3.2%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. 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 uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, while using 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 and latest population numbers, 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, recording a gain of 18.1% in total 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 FY26 so far, 14 approvals have been recorded. On average, 8.6 new residents per year arrived for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This indicates demand significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $620,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. There have been $19.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Murwillumbah Surrounds has significantly less development activity, 58.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

New development consists of 90.0% detached dwellings and 10.0% 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 1545 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Murwillumbah Surrounds is expected to grow by 1958 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 40thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Murwillumbah Depot, Animal Pound and Rehoming Centre, Quarry Business Park, and Murwillumbah Schools Upgrades. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, Murwillumbah Surrounds has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Murwillumbah Surrounds has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 3.8% as of June 2025. In this period, 4925 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.2% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation stands at 53.7%, below Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area has a significant specialisation in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 4.6% compared to the regional average of 7.5%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population figures. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force decreased by 4.8%, employment declined by 4.2%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point fall in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 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 growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Murwillumbah Surrounds' median taxpayer income was $40,866 and average income was $51,563 in the financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $46,019 and average income $58,065, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Murwillumbah Surrounds fall between the 16th and 28th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.6% of the community (3,302 individuals), similar to the surrounding region at 29.9%. After housing expenses, 85.7% of income remains, ranking at the 30th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places 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' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.5% houses and 1.5% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is in contrast to Non-Metro NSW's 66.3% houses and 33.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murwillumbah Surrounds stood at 48.5%, with mortgaged properties at 35.6% and rented ones at 15.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,745, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,872. The median weekly rent in Murwillumbah Surrounds was $350, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Murwillumbah Surrounds' mortgage repayments and rents were lower than the Australian averages of $1,863 and $375 respectively.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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

Educational qualifications in Murwillumbah Surrounds trail regional benchmarks; 24.2% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to 32.2% in NSW. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (30.0%).

Educational participation is high; 30.9% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.2% in primary, 9.6% in secondary, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education. As of 2021, 11 schools serve 579 students with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 981), offering balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 8 primary, 1 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. Limited local school capacity (5.4 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 14.3) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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

Murwillumbah Surrounds has 582 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 59 different routes that collectively provide 697 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 150 meters.

Service frequency averages 99 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one trip per week for each individual stop.

Murwillumbah Surrounds's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Murwillumbah Surrounds' health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, showing typical levels of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is notably low at approximately 46% of the total population (~5,007 people), compared to 49.3% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.4 and 7.9% of residents respectively, while 68.3% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 64.2% in Rest of NSW.

The area has 22.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,452 people), lower than the 26.1% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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 low cultural diversity, with 85.5% citizens, 85.7% born in Australia, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, at 42.2%. Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.2% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were English (32.3%), Australian (28.9%), and Irish (10.5%). Scottish (8.7%) and French (0.6%) were notably overrepresented, while Welsh was equally represented at 0.6%.

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, making up 16.8% of the population, while those aged 25-34 make up only 8.0%. This concentration of those aged 55-64 is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of those aged 75 to 84 has increased from 5.2% to 6.6%, while those aged 15 to 24 have increased from 10.1% to 11.3%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 55 to 64 has decreased from 18.9% to 16.8%, and those aged 45 to 54 have dropped from 14.0% to 12.9%. By 2041, Murwillumbah Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The demographic shift will be led by the 75 to 84 group, which is projected to grow by 54%, adding 384 people and reaching a total of 1,095 from the current figure of 710. The 65 to 74 group is expected to display more modest growth, adding only 36 residents.