Urunga

An assessment of population growth drivers in Urunga reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Urunga's population was 4,907 as of May 2021. By May 2026, it had increased to around 4,959, a rise of 52 people (1.1%). This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,947 in June 2025 and an additional 65 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was 45 persons per square kilometer by May 2026. Urunga's growth rate of 1.1% since the Census compares favorably with its SA3 area's growth of 3.7%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Urunga is projected to grow by 201 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall growth rate of 3.8% over the 16-year period.

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

Urunga has seen approximately 11 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 57 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 2.3 people have moved to the area per year for each new home constructed during these years, indicating strong demand which should support property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $367,000. This financial year has seen commercial approvals valued at $490,000 registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Urunga has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 53rd percentile nationally for areas assessed, although building activity has increased in recent years. This lower level may indicate market maturity or possible development constraints.

Recent developments have consisted entirely of standalone homes, maintaining Urunga's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Interestingly, developers are constructing more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (84.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 290 people per dwelling approval, reflecting a low-density market. Future projections estimate Urunga will add around 189 residents by 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Urunga has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely affecting this region. Notable projects are Sewering Coastal Villages Project, Urunga Boardwalk Replacement, Waterfall Way Corridor Strategy, and Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane. The following details those most relevant.

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

Urunga has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.6%, lower than Regional NSW's 3.9%. Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 3.2%.

As of December 2025, 2,015 residents are employed. Workforce participation in Urunga lags at 48.8% compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. A moderate 13.6% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Education & training has notably high employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 3.0% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 3.2%, while labour force increased by 2.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment decline of 1.2% and an increase in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points during this period. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Urunga's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The Urunga SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $45,407 and an average of $56,669 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than average nationally, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $50,093 (median) and $62,517 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Urunga all fall between the 11th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 27.3% of the community earns between $800 - 1,499 (1,353 individuals), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Urunga, with only 84.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

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

In Urunga, as per the latest Census evaluation, 84.3% of dwellings were houses while 15.7% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Urunga stood at 49.5%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 25.7% and rented ones making up 24.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,680, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Urunga was recorded at $350, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Urunga's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Urunga features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.9% of all households, including 20.0% couples with children, 33.9% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 29.4% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 21.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are common, with 41.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 10.3% and certificates for 31.4%. A total of 24.9% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.5% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.9% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Urunga has 87 active public transport stops serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 41 different routes that together offer 562 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically living 226 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commuters travel outward, with cars being the dominant mode at 95%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 13.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 80 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 6 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Urunga is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Urunga faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high among both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,355 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (9.4%). Sixty-point-six percent of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Thirty-three-point-seven percent of residents are aged 65 and over (1,669 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW.

The latest Census data sees Urunga placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Urunga, surveyed in August 2016, had a population with 91.0% citizens, 89.5% born in Australia, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 50.0% of Urunga's population, compared to 55.9% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.9%), Australian (30.8%), and Irish (10.4%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher at 9.4%, while Australian Aboriginal was lower at 3.3%. French ancestry was present at 0.5%, slightly above the regional average of 0.4%.

Urunga ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Urunga has a median age of 53, which is considerably higher than the Regional NSW figure of 43 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Relative to Regional NSW, Urunga has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (18.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.2%). This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Since the Census conducted on 28 August 2021, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 8.9% to 10.8%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 8.9% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 12.8% to 10.7%, and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 8.1% to 6.2%. Looking ahead to the year 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Urunga's age structure. Leading this shift, the population aged 75 to 84 is projected to grow by 22%, reaching 653 people from a current total of 537. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 71% of the projected growth in Urunga's population. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 65-74 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers by the year 2041.