Iluka (NSW)

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Iluka NSW is around 1,956. This reflects a growth of 192 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,764. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 1,793 in June 2024, based on ABS ERP data, and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 152 persons per square kilometer. Iluka's growth of 10.9% since the 2021 Census exceeded the SA4 region's growth of 5.1%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 72.0% of 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. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, 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, the suburb is expected to increase by 175 persons, reflecting a gain of 2.8% over the 17-year period, consistent with the median growth rate of Australian non-metropolitan areas.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Iluka shows an average of around 11 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 59 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built has resulted in an average of 2.1 new residents per year over this period, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost value of $513,000. In FY-26, $2.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus for development. Compared to the rest of NSW, Iluka has moderately higher new home approvals, with 20.0% more approvals per person over the past five years.

This preserves buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. New building activity consists of 91.0% detached houses and 9.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Iluka's traditional low density character and focus on family homes. Notably, developers are constructing a higher proportion of detached housing than the existing pattern implies (72.0% at Census), suggesting persistent strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. With around 117 people per approval, Iluka reflects a developing area with a population forecast to gain 54 residents by 2041 according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current construction levels should adequately meet housing demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Iluka 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 eight projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Yamba Heights Residential Subdivision, Yamba Golf Course Clubhouse Renovation, Golding Street Townhouse Development, and Yamba Marina Tourist Facility. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Iluka face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Iluka's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with construction being notably prominent. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 8.0%.

The area's residents in work totalled 471, with an unemployment rate 4.4% higher than Rest of NSW's 3.7%. Workforce participation was significantly lower at 31.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries for employment among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, public administration & safety employs only 3.9% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 7.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by a lower Census working population compared to resident population. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels increased by 2.6%, while employment declined by 0.6%, leading to a 3.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Rest of NSW, where employment contracted slightly, labour force grew marginally, and unemployment rose moderately. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Iluka. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Iluka's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years. However, note that this extrapolation is illustrative and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Iluka's median income among taxpayers was $33,498 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $43,345 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998. By September 2025, estimates suggest Iluka's median income will be approximately $37,722 and the average income will be around $48,811, based on a 12.61% growth in wages since financial year 2022. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Iluka all fall between the 0th and 2nd percentiles nationally. In terms of earnings, 39.0% of Iluka's population (762 individuals) have incomes within the $400 - $799 range, contrasting with the regional lead of the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket at 29.9%. The prevalence of lower-income residents in Iluka is evident, with 47.6% earning less than $800 per week, indicating constrained household budgets across much of the area. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

In Iluka, as per the latest Census data, 72.2% of dwellings were houses while 27.8% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW where 86.5% were houses and 13.5% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Iluka stood at 56.1%, with mortgaged properties at 12.9% and rented ones at 31.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,387. The median weekly rent in Iluka was $300, compared to Non-Metro NSW's figure of $310. Nationally, Iluka's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 59.4% of all households, including 9.9% that are couples with children, 38.8% that are couples without children, and 9.1% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 40.6%, with lone person households at 36.3% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 1.9 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

Iluka faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 33.5%.

School and university attendance encompasses 17.5% of the community, including 6.8% in primary education, 5.9% in secondary education, and 1.0% pursuing tertiary education. Iluka Public School serves the local educational needs within Iluka, with an enrollment of 89 students as of a recent report. The school has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 991) and offers balanced educational opportunities, focusing exclusively on primary education while secondary options are available in nearby areas. Local school capacity is limited, with only 4.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.0, resulting in many families traveling for schooling.

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

Iluka has 21 active public transport stops, offering a mix of ferry and bus services. These are served by 8 different routes, together offering 130 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 157 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 18 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Iluka faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 44% (~863 people) have private health cover, compared to 46.3% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (15.9%) and mental health issues (8.4%).

51.4% claim no medical ailments, lower than the 58.7% in Rest of NSW. Iluka has 44.9% residents aged 65 and over (878 people), higher than the 27.5% in Rest of NSW. Seniors' health outcomes present challenges but perform better than general population metrics.

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

Iluka's population was found to be predominantly Australian-born, with 90.6% having been born in Australia as of 2016 Census data. This is lower than the national average of 67.3%. Additionally, 92.5% of Iluka residents were citizens, and 98.7% spoke English only at home.

Christianity was the primary religion, with 59.5% adherents in Iluka compared to 55.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (36.9%), Australian (26.6%), and Irish (11.7%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 10.3%, while Hungarian and Russian ancestries were also higher than regional averages at 0.3% each.

Iluka ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Iluka's median age is 62 years, which is considerably higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Iluka has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (24.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (3.8%). This concentration is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 35-44 has grown from 6.2% to 7.2%, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 21.1% to 19.7%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 9.7% to 8.6%. By 2041, Iluka's age composition is expected to change notably. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly by 51 people (63%), increasing from 82 to 134 residents. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting Iluka's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 65-74 age groups are expected to decrease in number.