Ulladulla

Ulladulla lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Ulladulla's population is approximately 18,873 as of February 2026. This represents an increase of 1,847 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,026. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 17,436 in June 2024 and an additional 297 validated new addresses post-census. This results in a population density of 403 persons per square kilometer. Ulladulla's population grew by 10.8% between the 2021 Census and February 2026, surpassing both its SA4 region (4.8%) and SA3 area growth rates. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 64.9% of Ulladulla's population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections forecast significant population growth in Ulladulla's top quartile of national non-metropolitan areas, with an expected increase of 5,337 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.7% over the seventeen-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Ulladulla among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Ulladulla has seen approximately 140 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 702 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 49 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.5 people move to the area each year for every dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $332,000.

In FY-26, there have been $32.6 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum compared to the rest of NSW, where Ulladulla is 20.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. Recent construction comprises 62.0% detached houses and 38.0% medium and high-density housing, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 87.0% houses due to reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Ulladulla has around 236 people per approval, indicating a transitioning market. Population forecasts suggest Ulladulla will gain 3,899 residents by 2041, with current development appearing well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Population forecasts indicate Ulladulla will gain 3,899 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Ulladulla has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 17 projects likely influencing the region. Notable ones are Ulladulla Harbour Masterplan, 131 St Vincent Street Mixed-Use Precinct, Ulladulla Bunnings Warehouse, and Ulladulla Public School Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Ulladulla maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Ulladulla has a skilled workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4%. As of September 2025, 6947 residents were employed, below Rest of NSW's participation rate of 61.5%.

The unemployment rate was 0.7% lower than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Home-based work was reported by 14.5% of residents in Census responses. Leading industries include construction, healthcare & social assistance, and retail trade. Accommodation & food services had notably high employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 2.2%.

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.4% and labour force by 3.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ulladulla's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Ulladulla SA2 has an income below the national average. The median income is $42,525 and the average income is $54,975. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures where the median income is $52,390 and the average income is $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Ulladulla would be approximately $46,293 (median) and $59,846 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census shows that household, family and personal incomes in Ulladulla fall between the 11th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 27.6% of Ulladulla's population, which is 5,208 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range. This aligns with the surrounding region where this cohort represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures in Ulladulla are severe, with only 84.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

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

Ulladulla's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.7% houses and 13.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ulladulla stood at 51.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.2% and rented ones at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,647, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Ulladulla was $351, higher than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $330. Nationally, Ulladulla's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Ulladulla has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 68.8% of all households, including 20.9% couples with children, 36.0% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.2%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Ulladulla fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 19.4%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (31.1%). A total of 23.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 8.8% in primary, 7.4% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.8% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Ulladulla has 227 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are serviced by 33 individual routes, providing a total of 458 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 203 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, predominantly using cars at a rate of 93%, while 4% walk. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.3, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 14.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 65 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health outcomes in Ulladulla are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Ulladulla's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of Ulladulla's total population (~8,832 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 13.6%) and mental health issues (8.6%). Sixty-point-three percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Ulladulla has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 31.7%, compared to 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Ulladulla had a cultural diversity level below average, with 86.2% of its population born in Australia, 91.1% being citizens, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Ulladulla, making up 53.0% of people, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.9%), Australian (29.1%), and Irish (9.3%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 8.8%, compared to the regional average of 8.0%. Maltese ancestry was also higher than average at 0.6% versus 0.4%, as was Welsh ancestry at 0.6% versus 0.5%.

Ulladulla ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Ulladulla's median age is 51 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Ulladulla at 17.1%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.3%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.1% to 11.6% of Ulladulla's population, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.3% to 12.9%. By 2041, Ulladulla is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 45 to 54 group growing by 34% (685 people) to reach 2,697 from 2,011. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 cohort grows by a modest 4% (120 people).