Iluka (NSW)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Iluka (NSW) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 1,930 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 166 people (9.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,764 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,780 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 150 persons per square kilometer. Iluka's 9.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (5.7%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected. The area is expected to expand by 173 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 4.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Iluka averaged approximately 13 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 68 homes. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. Over this period, an average of 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed was observed, indicating a balanced supply and demand scenario. However, recent data shows this has moderated to 1.2 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting an improved supply-demand balance. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $513,000, reflecting developers' targeting of the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This year, there have also been $112,000 in commercial approvals, predominantly focusing on residential development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Iluka shows moderately higher new home approvals, with 37.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, offering reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. New building activity is composed of 92.0% detached houses and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused 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 approximately 85 people per approval, Iluka reflects a developing area. Population forecasts indicate Iluka will gain 78 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while 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 affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects potentially impacting the region. Notable ones are 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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The labour market performance in Iluka lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Iluka has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 7.7% as of September 2025.

This rate is 3.9% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Iluka lags at 31.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction employs 1.4 times more residents than the regional average, while public administration & safety employs only 3.9% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 7.5%.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 2.2%, but employment declined by 0.4%, raising the unemployment rate by 2.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local growth patterns may differ based on Iluka's industry mix.

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

The suburb of Iluka has a lower income level compared to national averages based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Iluka is $33,498 and the average income stands at $43,345. These figures contrast with those of Rest of NSW, which are $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. As of September 2025, current estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% would be approximately $36,466 for median income and $47,185 for average income in Iluka. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Iluka all fall between the 0th and 2nd percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 39.0% of Iluka's population (752 individuals) earn within the $400 - $799 income range, while the region has a higher proportion (29.9%) in the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket. This indicates that 47.6% of Iluka residents have incomes below $800 per week, suggesting constrained household budgets across much of the suburb. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Iluka, with only 84.2% of income remaining, 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 evaluation, 72.2% of dwellings were houses while 27.8% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's 86.5% houses and 13.5% 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 $310. Nationally, Iluka's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $300 compared to 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 comprise 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 the remaining 40.6%, with lone person households at 36.3% and group households making up 4.1%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is 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 discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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 them - advanced diplomas account for 9.8% and certificates for 33.5%.

School and university attendance comprises 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 active public transport stops, consisting of both ferry and bus services. These are served by 8 different routes, offering a total of 162 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 157 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is 23 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 7 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. Private health cover is low at approximately 44%, covering around 852 people, compared to 46.6% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (15.9%) and mental health issues (8.4%).

Conversely, 51.4% report no medical ailments, lower than the 58.7% in Rest of NSW. Iluka has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 45%, with approximately 868 people falling into this age group compared to 27.5% across Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are better than those of the general population.

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 have low cultural diversity, with 90.6% born in Australia, 92.5% being citizens, and 98.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 59.5% of Iluka's population, 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, significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and above the national average of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, Iluka has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (25.0%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 (3.8%). This 65-74 concentration is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, Iluka's population aged 35-44 has grown from 6.2% to 7.2%, while the 55-64 group 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 shift notably. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 52 people (65%) from 81 to 134. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting Iluka's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both 5-14 and 65-74 age groups are expected to decrease in number.