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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Iluka (NSW) is around 1,817. This figure reflects a growth of 53 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,764. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,765 in June 2025 and an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 142 persons per square kilometer. Iluka's growth rate of 3.0% since the census is within 1.6 percentage points of the SA4 region's 4.6%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 72.0% to the 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 from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase its population by 148 persons to reach 2041, reflecting a gain of 5.3% in total over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Iluka recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Iluka averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 70 homes. As of FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), there was an average of 0.4 people moving to the area per dwelling built. This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more buying options and potentially enabling population growth beyond current expectations.

The average expected construction cost value for new properties in Iluka is $513,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been $112,000 in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Comparatively, Iluka shows moderately higher new home approvals than the rest of NSW, with 44.0% more approvals per person over the past five years.

This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. New building activity in Iluka consists of approximately 92.0% detached houses and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (72.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. With around 81 people per approval, Iluka reflects a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Iluka is forecasted to gain approximately 96 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Iluka has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that may impact this region. Notable projects 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 likely to be relevant.

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

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The labour market performance in Iluka lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Iluka's workforce comprises an equal mix of white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector is notably prominent, with an unemployment rate of 7.4% and a growth of 0.9% in the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of December 2025452 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate stands at 3.4%, higher than Regional NSW's 3.9%.

Workforce participation is lower, at 30.3% compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. Approximately 16.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, public administration & safety has lower representation at 3.9% versus the regional average of 7.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the Census working population count compared to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, while labour force remained stable at 0.0%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw an employment decline of 1.2% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, local projections suggest Iluka's employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation using the local employment mix.

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

Iluka's income level is below national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Iluka is $33,498 and average income stands at $43,345, compared to Regional NSW's figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $36,955 (median) and $47,818 (average) as of March 2026. From the Census conducted in 2021, incomes in Iluka fall between the 0th and 2nd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 39.0% of population falls within the $400-$799 income range, differing from regional patterns where $1500-$2999 dominates with 29.9%. Economic circumstances reflect widespread financial pressure, with 47.6% of households operating on modest weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Iluka, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.2% houses and 27.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Iluka was at 56.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 12.9% and rented ones at 31.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Iluka was $300, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Iluka's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian 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 constitute 59.4% of all households, including 9.9% couples with children, 38.8% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for 40.6%, consisting of 36.3% lone person households and 4.1% group households. The median household size is 1.9 people, lower than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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 qualification at 8.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (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.

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

Iluka has 23 operational public transport stops offering a mix of ferry and bus services. These stops are served by 8 distinct routes, collectively facilitating 162 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 157 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode at 87%, with walking at 10% and cycling at 3%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below regional norms.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.3% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 23 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 7 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Iluka is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Iluka faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 44% of the total population (around 802 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 15.9% of residents) and mental health issues (8.4%). Conversely, 51.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population health is notably challenged by high chronic condition rates. Iluka has a higher proportion of seniors, with 46.6% of residents aged 65 and over (846 people), compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. Senior health outcomes present challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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 showed low cultural diversity, with 90.6% born in Australia, 92.5% being citizens, and 98.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, at 59.5%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups were English (36.9%), Australian (26.6%), and Irish (11.7%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 10.3% compared to the regional average of 8.0%, while Hungarian and Russian ancestries were also slightly higher at 0.3% each.

Iluka ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Iluka has a median age of 62 years, which is significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Iluka has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (25.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (3.8%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, Iluka's population aged 75 to 84 increased from 15.0% to 16.9%, while the 35 to 44 age group grew from 6.2% to 7.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group decreased from 21.1% to 18.8%. By 2041, Iluka's population aged 85 and above is projected to grow significantly by 51 people (62%), reaching a total of 135 individuals. The combined age groups of 65 years and above will account for 56% of the overall population growth in Iluka, reflecting its aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 65-74 age groups are expected to decrease in number.