Cumbalum

Cumbalum lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of Nov 2025, Cumbalum's estimated population is around 2,751. This reflects a 24.4% increase since the 2021 Census, which reported 2,211 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,705 residents following examination of ABS' June 2024 ERP data release and an additional 259 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 182 persons per square kilometer. Cumbalum's growth exceeded the SA4 region (3.9%) and non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and 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. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Cumbalum expected to grow by 645 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 6.6% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Cumbalum when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Cumbalum has seen approximately 44 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 223 homes from FY-17 to FY-21. As of FY-26, there have been 26 approvals recorded. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 has resulted in 0.5 new residents per year. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections.

The average expected construction cost of new properties in Cumbalum is $561,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end developments. Additionally, $2.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Cumbalum has seen 237.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. However, construction activity has eased recently. New building activity in Cumbalum consists of approximately 64.0% detached houses and 36.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from the area's existing housing stock, which is currently 94.0% houses. This shift may indicate decreasing availability of developable sites and a response to changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 78 people per approval, Cumbalum reflects a developing area with a population expected to grow by 181 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Cumbalum has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure projects. AreaSearch has identified three such projects that could impact this area. Notable projects include Ballina Airport Boulevard & Southern Cross Industrial Estate Expansion, Southern Cross Industrial Estate Boeing Avenue, and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport Terminal and Infrastructure Upgrade. Additionally, the New Ballina SES Headquarters project is also underway.

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

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Employment conditions in Cumbalum rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Cumbalum's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate stands at 0.8%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 1,276 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 3.1% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is notably higher at 69.6%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Retail trade shows a particularly high concentration, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.6%, compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.0% alongside a 1.8% employment decline, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a rise in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Cumbalum's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data shows Cumbalum's median taxpayer income was $54,547 and average was $72,476 in financial year 2023. These figures are higher than national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,380 (median) and $78,897 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Cumbalum's household, family, and personal incomes are at the 71st percentile nationally. The largest income segment in Cumbalum comprises 37.1% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,020 residents), similar to broader area trends of 29.9%. High housing costs consume 16.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 75th percentile. Cumbalum's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Cumbalum is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Cumbalum, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cumbalum was at 32.7%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (48.2%) or rented (19.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,980. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $610, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $450. Nationally, Cumbalum's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Cumbalum features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 86.4% of all households, including 44.8% couples with children, 29.9% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 13.6%, consisting of 10.8% lone person households and 2.9% group households. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Cumbalum demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 29.1%, higher than the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region's 24.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 39.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 28.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.6% currently enrolled in formal education: 12.4% in primary, 8.9% in secondary, and 3.5% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Cumbalum shows nine active transport stops operating, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by ten unique routes, collectively facilitating 154 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically situated 238 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 22 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Cumbalum's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Cumbalum. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~1,528 people), compared to 51.7% across Rest of NSW. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.1 and 8.6% of residents respectively, while 70.8% declare themselves as completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.0% across Rest of NSW. As of 2021, 13.4% of residents are aged 65 and over (368 people), which is lower than the 23.6% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Cumbalum ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cumbalum had a cultural diversity below average, with 85.1% of its population born in Australia, 90.6% being citizens, and 93.0% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity, comprising 50.4% of Cumbalum's population. Buddhism, however, was overrepresented at 1.7%, compared to the Rest of NSW's 1.6%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian was the most represented group at 31.0%, higher than the regional average of 26.0%. English followed at 29.4%, and Irish at 8.5%. Notably, New Zealand (1.2% vs 0.6%), Hungarian (0.3% vs 0.2%), and Welsh (0.6% vs 0.6%) were also overrepresented in Cumbalum compared to regional averages.

Cumbalum's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Cumbalum is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years. It is also somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 35-44 shows strong representation at 16.7% compared to Rest of NSW, while the 75-84 cohort is less prevalent at 3.8%. Post-census data from 2021 shows that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.1% to 12.0% of Cumbalum's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 12.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Cumbalum. Leading this shift, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 23%, reaching 415 people from its current figure of 338. Conversely, the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.