Ulladulla
Statistical Area - sa2

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 17,627 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 601 individuals, a rise of 3.5% since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 17,026. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 17,443 in June 2024 and an additional 232 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 376 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Ulladulla has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 64.9% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Ulladulla is forecasted to experience significant population growth, increasing by 5,337 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 29.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Ulladulla has seen around 140 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 702 homes. So far in FY-26, 37 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.5 people moved to the area per dwelling built each year between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates a balanced supply and demand market supporting stable conditions.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $332,000. In this financial year, there have been $32.6 million in commercial approvals, showing 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. This change indicates reduced development site availability and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

Ulladulla has around 236 people per approval, reflecting a low density area. Population forecasts indicate Ulladulla will gain 5,145 residents by 2041, with development keeping reasonable pace with projected growth despite increasing buyer competition as the population expands.

Ulladulla 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 17 projects that may impact the area. Key projects include Ulladulla Harbour Masterplan, 131 St Vincent Street Mixed-Use Precinct, Ulladulla Public School Upgrade (scheduled for completion in 2023), and Ulladulla High School Upgrade (commencing in 2022). The following list details those 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 places Ulladulla well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Ulladulla has a skilled labour force with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.2% in the year ending June 2025, lower than Rest of NSW's 3.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.2%. As of June 2025, 6890 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below the regional average. Key employment industries include construction, healthcare and social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a notable concentration in accommodation and food services, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing have limited presence, with only 2.2% of residents employed in these sectors compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparisons between working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.2%, labour force grew by 2.5%, and unemployment rate fell by 0.6 percentage points in Ulladulla, contrasting with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.1% and unemployment rose by 0.4%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May 2025, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ulladulla's current employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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 2022 shows Ulladulla's median income is $40,667 and average income is $54,433. This is below the national averages of $51,891 (median) and $73,383 (average). In Rest of NSW, median income is $49,459 and average income is $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes in Ulladulla would be approximately $45,795 (median) and $61,297 (average). The 2021 Census reveals household, family, and personal incomes in Ulladulla rank between the 11th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 27.6% of Ulladulla's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the surrounding region at 29.9%. After housing expenses, 84.9% of income remains, 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, had 86.7% houses and 13.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ulladulla was 51.9%, with the rest mortgaged at 25.2% or rented at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,647, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Ulladulla was $351, similar to Non-Metro NSW's $350. Nationally, Ulladulla's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,647 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also lower at $351 compared to the national figure of $375.

Ulladulla has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

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 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 - advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 31.1%. Currently, 23.8% of the population is engaged in formal education, including 8.8% in primary, 7.4% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

Ulladulla's five schools have a combined enrollment of 2,818 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 991) and balanced educational opportunities. The schools include three primaries, one secondary, and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds local needs at 16.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.8, indicating Ulladulla serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Ulladulla has 211 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 31 different routes that together offer 465 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of public transport in Ulladulla is rated as good, with residents on average located 207 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 66 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Ulladulla faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 47% (around 8,319 people), lower than the Rest of NSW's 49.3%, and the national average of 55.3%. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 13.6 and 8.6% of residents respectively, while 60.3% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 59.4%.

Ulladulla has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 31.7% (around 5,591 people), compared to the Rest of NSW's 27.8%.

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

Ulladulla's population shows lower cultural diversity, with 86.2% born in Australia, 91.1% being citizens, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 53.0%, slightly higher than the 52.6% regional average. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (32.9%), Australian (29.1%), and Irish (9.3%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry is relatively high at 8.8%, matching the regional figure of 8.1%. Maltese and Welsh ancestries also show notable representation in Ulladulla, each at 0.6% compared to the same percentages regionally.

Ulladulla ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Ulladulla's median age is 51 years, 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 17.2%, 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 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.1% to 11.4% of Ulladulla's population, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.3% to 13.2%. By 2041, Ulladulla is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 45 to 54 group projected to grow by 43%, reaching 2,697 people from 1,882.