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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Cumbalum is around 2,773, reflecting a 25.4% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,211 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,746 based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 259 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 184 persons per square kilometer. Cumbalum's growth exceeded that of its SA4 region (3.3%) and the non-metro area, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed about 48.0% to overall 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.

Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is projected to grow by 641 persons, reflecting an increase of 5.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Cumbalum recorded around 42 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), approximately 214 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved so far in FY-26. This new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of these properties is $561,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. In terms of commercial approvals, Cumbalum registered $5.3 million this financial year, demonstrating its primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Cumbalum has 222.0% more construction activity per person, indicating strong developer confidence in the location and greater choice for buyers. New development consists of 60.0% detached dwellings and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 94.0% houses). This change suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 42 people per dwelling approval, Cumbalum exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate it will gain 155 residents by 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Ballina Airport Boulevard & Southern Cross Industrial Estate Expansion, Southern Cross Industrial Estate Boeing Avenue, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport Terminal and Infrastructure Upgrade, and New Ballina SES Headquarters. 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Cumbalum places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Cumbalum has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 0.5% as of June 2025, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

In this month, 1,241 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.2 percentage points below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Cumbalum was 69.6%, surpassing Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Retail trade stood out with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 1.6% compared to the regional 5.3%. Local employment opportunities appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force decreased by 4.4%, employment declined by 4.1%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points in Cumbalum. Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cumbalum's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant population growth for illustrative purposes.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

Cumbalum's median income among taxpayers was $54,547 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $72,476 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 $61,425 (median) and $81,615 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in Cumbalum cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. In terms of income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominated with 37.1% of residents (1,028 people). High housing costs consumed 16.5% of income in Cumbalum, however strong earnings placed disposable income at the 75th percentile nationally. The area'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

Cumbalum's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. In Cumbalum, home ownership stood at 32.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.2% and rented ones at 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 in Cumbalum was $610, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $450. Nationally, Cumbalum's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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%, with lone person households at 10.8% and group households comprising 2.9%. 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 educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 29.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of NSW average of 21.3%. This rate also exceeds that of the SA4 region (24.3%). Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%).

Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 11.7% and certificates make up 28.1%. Educational participation is high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.4% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Cumbalum has eight active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by ten different routes that together facilitate 154 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 248 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are approximately 22 trips across all routes, which equates to about 19 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 with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~1,540 people), compared to 52.3% across Rest of NSW.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues impacting 10.1% of residents and asthma impacting 8.6%. A total of 70.8% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.0% across Rest of NSW. As of the latest data in 20XX (exact year not specified), 13.3% of residents are aged 65 and over (368 people), which is lower than the 23.6% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors perform 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.1% of its population born in Australia and 90.6% being citizens. English was spoken exclusively at home by 93.0%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 50.4% of Cumbalum's residents.

Buddhism, while still a minority, was overrepresented compared to the rest of NSW, comprising 1.7% versus 1.6%. The top three ancestral groups were Australian at 31.0%, English at 29.4%, and Irish at 8.5%. Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.2% compared to the regional average of 0.6%, as were Hungarians at 0.3% versus 0.2%, and Welsh individuals at 0.6%.

Cumbalum's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Cumbalum is 36 years, significantly below Rest of NSW's average of 43 years. This is somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 35-44 age group shows strong representation at 16.6% compared to Rest of NSW, while the 75-84 cohort is less prevalent at 3.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.1% to 12.0% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 12.6%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 11.1% to 10.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Cumbalum. Leading this shift, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 21%, reaching 414 people from 341. Conversely, the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 cohorts are forecasted to experience population declines.