Culburra Beach

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

The population of Culburra Beach, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, was around 2,904 in Nov 2025. This marked a decrease of 42 people from the previous figure of 2,946 recorded in the 2021 Census, indicating a change of -1.4%. The current population estimate of 2,896 is derived from AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 217 persons per square kilometer, suggesting ample space per person and potential room for further development. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in Culburra Beach during recent periods.

AreaSearch is employing ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, to forecast future trends. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth is anticipated for Australia's regional areas, including Culburra Beach. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 112 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 3.6% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Culburra Beach recorded approximately 20 residential properties approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 101 homes were approved, with a further seven approved in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $629,000, higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. This year has seen $13.1 million in commercial approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Culburra Beach maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market balance consistent with the broader area. New developments consist of 73.0% standalone homes and 27.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

This shift from the current housing pattern of 88.0% houses suggests diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. With around 223 people per dwelling approval, Culburra Beach exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Culburra Beach is expected to grow by approximately 104 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Culburra Beach has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a single project likely affecting the region: West Culburra Development. Key projects include West Culburra Development, Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan 2041, Sydney-Canberra Rail Connectivity And Capacity, and South Pacific Offshore Wind Project. Below are details of those most relevant.

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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.

The labour market strength in Culburra Beach positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Culburra Beach has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 1.2%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.5%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 1,200 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 2.4% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation lagged significantly, at 47.8% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Culburra Beach showed strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, at 0.8% of Culburra Beach's workforce compared to 5.3% in Rest of NSW. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.5%, while labour force increased by 3.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.1%, labour force expanded by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offered further insight into potential future demand within Culburra Beach. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggested national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Culburra Beach's employment mix indicated local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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

Culburra Beach's median income among taxpayers was $47,354 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $59,691 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW which were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $53,325 (median) and $67,218 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Culburra Beach all fall between the 16th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that the $800 - 1,499 bracket dominates with 27.3% of residents (792 people). This contrasts with the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Culburra Beach, with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Census data from Culburra Beach shows 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings, compared to Non-Metro NSW's 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Culburra Beach was 48.6%, with mortgaged properties at 26.9% and rented ones at 24.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,768, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Culburra Beach was $350, the same as Non-Metro NSW's figure. Nationally, Culburra Beach's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,768 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $350 compared to the national figure of $375.

Culburra Beach features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.1% of all households, including 18.5% couples with children, 35.8% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 4.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 19.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 31.8%.

School and university attendance encompasses 19.5% of the community, including 6.8% in primary education, 5.0% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education. Culburra Public School, established in 1974, serves Culburra Beach with an enrollment of 204 students. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with ICSEA score of 955 indicating typical Australian school conditions and balanced educational opportunities. Secondary options are available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 7.0, below the regional average of 12.7, suggesting some students may attend schools outside the area.

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

Culburra Beach has 43 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 8 different routes that together offer 93 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 174 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 13 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Culburra Beach is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Culburra Beach faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents.

Approximately 51% (~1,468 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 14.1% of residents) and mental health issues (9.5%). In contrast, 58.9% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 59.4% reported across Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 34.7% (1,007 people) compared to the regional average of 27.8%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Culburra Beach are generally better than those in the general population.

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

Culburra Beach had low cultural diversity, with 87.7% born in Australia, 94.1% being citizens, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 55.1%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top ancestry groups were English (32.4%), Australian (30.2%), and Irish (9.4%). Hungarian (0.4%) and Maltese (1.1%) were also overrepresented, while Australian Aboriginal was slightly underrepresented at 4.2%.

Culburra Beach ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Culburra Beach is 54 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented at 17.2% locally, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 7.4%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 7.9% to 9.9%, while the 85+ cohort increased from 4.5% to 5.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 17.0% to 15.2%, and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 10.4% to 8.9%. By 2041, Culburra Beach is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 82 people (50%) from 165 to 248. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 57% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, both the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.