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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Iluka (NSW) is $908k, with units at $690k. House values have moved 4.4% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Iluka (NSW) has an estimated 1,817 residents, up from 1,764 at the 2021 Census — a change of 53 people, or 3.0%. That puts 142 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to ABS population updates for the wider region and new address verifications by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Iluka (NSW) has a population of approximately 1,817 in May 2026. This represents a gain of 53 individuals (3.0%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 1,764 residents. The estimate relies on a resident population of 1,765 calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS ERP release from June 2025 alongside an extra 55 validated new addresses since the Census. This population level yields a density of 142 persons per square kilometer, offering ample room per resident and capacity for further growth.
The 3.0% expansion since the census is within 1.6 percentage points of the SA4 region (4.6%), showing competitive growth traits. Interstate migration was the primary driver of population growth, representing roughly 72.0% of the total demographic gains lately. AreaSearch implements ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year, substituting NSW State Government SA2 projections from 2022 using a 2021 base year where data is missing. Age cohort growth rates from these datasets are applied to all locations for the period 2032 to 2041. Looking at future demographic trends, the suburb of Iluka (NSW) is projected to experience population growth slightly under the median for regional Australia, adding 148 persons by 2041 according to collective SA2 projections, representing a total increase of 5.3% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
40 new dwellings have been approved in Iluka (NSW) over the past five years, an average of 8 a year. That is 4.6 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 15, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals assigned from statistical areas indicates that Iluka averages approximately 8 annual dwelling approvals, totaling about 40 homes over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 14 approvals have been documented. Given that only an average of 0.1 people per year relocated to the locality for every completed dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25, new home construction is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing purchasers with more alternatives and supporting faster population growth than current projections suggest, with new homes averaging a construction value of $513,000, which indicates developers are focusing on the higher-priced luxury market.
Commercial approvals have reached $112,000 in the current financial year, highlighting a focus that is overwhelmingly residential. In comparison to the Rest of NSW, construction activity per resident in Iluka is 18.0% lower, placing it in the 43rd percentile of analyzed areas nationwide, which restricts buyer choices and boosts demand for existing homes. Detached houses comprise 86.0% of new residential projects, while townhouses or apartments make up 14.0%, preserving the historically low-density environment with spacious family residences. The density ratio of 392 people for every approved dwelling highlights a quiet, low-scale building environment. Long-term projections indicate that Iluka will add 96 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. The current rate of construction suggests housing availability will comfortably satisfy demand, establishing positive terms for buyers and potentially supporting growth that outpaces current predictions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Iluka (NSW)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Iluka (NSW). A further 60 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $1.47 billion. 15 are already under construction and 21 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and health & medical. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning initiatives, and major developments have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has tracked a total of 8 projects that are expected to influence the area. Prominent developments include the Yamba Heights Residential Subdivision, Yamba Golf Course Clubhouse Renovation, Golding Street Townhouse Development, and Yamba Marina Tourist Facility, with the subsequent list detailing the most relevant projects.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Yamba Golf Course Clubhouse Renovation
Complete renovation of golf club facilities including expanded dining area, new pro shop, improved changerooms and function spaces. Project enhances tourism and recreational facilities.
Yamba Heights Residential Subdivision
New residential subdivision creating 89 lots on elevated land with ocean and river views. Development includes road infrastructure, stormwater management and landscaping. Premium residential opportunity.
Yamba Quays Canal Estate Development
Masterplanned waterfront canal estate comprising 136 residential lots, including 107 waterfront lots with direct boating access to the Clarence River and Pacific Ocean. Stage 3A lots have been released and Stage 4 continues to be marketed with civil works progressing. The development includes canals, public open space and low-density residential housing.
Palm Lake Resort Yamba Cove
Boutique over-50s land lease lifestyle resort at Yamba Cove by Palm Lake Group, planned around 78 owner-occupied homes and the Vantage Country Club. The project includes single and double-storey coastal homes, gated living, resort bus, heated magnesium pool and spa, Milon gym, yoga and reformer pilates studio, sauna, steam room, movie theatre, library, billiards, art and pottery areas, virtual golf and outdoor recreation. The Vantage Country Club opened in July 2024, while home sales and staged delivery continue with completion advertised for January 2026.
Clifton Yamba
Clifton Yamba is a modern over-55s land lease lifestyle resort community comprising 146 designer homes. The masterplanned development features premium resident amenities including a clubhouse, swimming pool, bowling green, gym, cinema, and outdoor recreation facilities.
West Yamba Neighbourhood Centre
Planned local neighbourhood centre within the West Yamba Urban Release Area, intended to provide convenience retail, cafe, service and community uses for the growing West Yamba residential catchment. Clarence Valley Council planning controls identify the centre near the existing Carrs Drive school, at Lot 46 DP 751395 on the Miles Street and Carrs Drive corner. The wider 52-54 Miles Street Yamba subdivision includes 277 low density residential lots plus a 2000 sqm lot intended for future commercial development.The subdivision was refused by the regional panel in 2024, then taken to the NSW Land and Environment Court; recent reporting indicates the appeal was upheld in 2026 subject to detailed conditions, including flood refuge and hydrology requirements. The commercial neighbourhood centre itself still appears to require a separate development application for buildings and operation.
Yamba Marina Tourist Facility
Redevelopment of the shore-based assets across 2.5 hectares to create a major tourist destination. The project includes a 100-room tourist facility with a hotel and stand-alone accommodation, as well as increased berthing facilities catering for super-yachts.
Yamba Road/Witonga Drive Roundabout
Construction of new roundabout at Yamba Road and Witonga Drive intersection to improve traffic flow and safety. Part of broader Clarence Valley road infrastructure improvements.
434 residents of Iluka (NSW) are employed, from a labour force of 471. Unemployment sits at 7.9%, with participation at 29.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,633, about 90% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Iluka features a diverse employment profile across professional and manual occupations, with the building sector showing notable concentration, alongside an unemployment rate of 7.9% based on aggregated statistical area statistics. In March 2026434 local citizens are employed, with the unemployment rate sitting 3.8% higher than the Regional NSW mark of 4.1%, while workforce participation is low at 29.2% compared to the regional figure of 60.6%. Census data indicates a moderate 16.3% of the workforce worked from home, though this may reflect pandemic-era travel limits. Resident employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.
The building sector is highly represented, with a local employment share 1.4 times the regional proportion. On the other hand, public administration & safety has a low share at 3.9% compared to the regional average of 7.5%. The discrepancy between Census workers and residents indicates that the local area provides few employment opportunities. Based on SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from surrounding regions, the labor force shrank by 2.9% and total employment fell by 2.3% during the 12 months ending March 2026, leading to a 0.6 percentage point decrease in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 0.9%, the labor force contract by 0.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.5 percentage points. Employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 offer additional perspectives on prospective local labor demand. These five and ten-year forecasts are mapped to the local industry profile to estimate employment paths. Nationally, employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary significantly by sector. Applying these trends to the local industry mix suggests employment will grow by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Iluka (NSW) is $834 a week (about $43,000 a year), with median personal income at $487 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $33,498 a year against an average of $43,345. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The local income level sits below the national benchmark according to ATO records compiled for the 2023 financial year. Taxpayers in the locality report a median income of $33,498 and an average income of $43,345, compared to Regional NSW benchmarks of $52,390 and $65,215. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be approximately $36,955 for median income and $47,818 for average income in March 2026. The 2021 Census places household, family, and individual incomes in the area within the lowest 0th to 2nd percentiles in the country.
The $400 - 799 weekly income bracket contains 39.0% of the population (708 people), contrasting with regional trends where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is largest at 29.9%. Financial stress is common, with 47.6% of households living on modest weekly budgets below $800. Severe housing cost pressure is present, with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking in the 3rd percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Iluka (NSW) had 852 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 72% detached houses and 4% apartments. 13% are owned with a mortgage, 31% rented and 56% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $300 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 36.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 36.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The local housing stock at the time of the latest Census consisted of 72.2% standalone houses and 27.8% alternative dwellings, compared to the regional mix of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other formats. Home ownership rates are high at 56.1%, with mortgaged properties representing 12.9% and rental homes making up 31.0%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,300 is significantly lower than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent of $300 sits below the regional average of $330. Nationally, local mortgage costs are much lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent is below the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Iluka (NSW) counted 852 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 1.9 people each. 10% are couples with children, fewer than in 97% of areas nationally, against 39% couples without children. 36% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 59.4% of local households, consisting of couples with children at 9.9%, couples without children at 38.8%, and single parents at 9.1%. The remaining 40.6% are non-family households, with lone person households representing 36.3% and group housing at 4.1%. The median household occupancy of 1.9 residents is lower than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
11.3% of adults in Iluka (NSW) hold a university qualification, including 8.5% with a bachelor degree and 1.4% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 80% of areas nationally. A further 33.5% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 89 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 991 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The locality shows low rates of higher education, with university qualifications held by 11.3% of residents compared to the state benchmark of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 8.5%, with postgraduate qualifications at 1.4% and graduate diplomas at 1.4%. Vocational skills are highly prevalent, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 33.5%. A total of 17.5% of the local population is enrolled in education, with primary school accounting for 6.8%, high school representing 5.9%, and tertiary studies making up 1.0%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Iluka (NSW) reaches 23 stops on 8 routes, timetabled for about 160 services a week. The typical home sits about 160 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.1 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport services in the suburb of Iluka (NSW) include 23 stops providing bus and ferry links. These stops are serviced by 8 distinct routes, offering a total of 162 passenger trips per week. Access is highly rated, with residents living an average of 157 meters from their nearest transit stop. Commuting patterns show most residents travel out of the area for work, with private vehicles being the primary mode at 87%, followed by walking at 10% and cycling at 3%. Households own an average of 1.1 cars, which is below the regional average.
In the 2021 Census, 16.3% of working residents worked from home, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions. Transit services average 23 daily trips across all routes, which translates to roughly 7 weekly trips at each individual transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
51.4% of residents in Iluka (NSW) report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 76% of areas nationally. 10.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 44.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators demonstrate significant challenges for the local community, as reflected in mortality figures and the prevalence of chronic illnesses across young and old age brackets, while private health coverage is low at roughly 44% of the population (~802 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues, affecting 15.9% and 8.4% of residents. Meanwhile, 51.4% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Elevated chronic health conditions present difficulties for the local working-age population.
Residents aged 65 and over make up 46.6% of the population (846 people), compared to 23.4% regionally. Senior health outcomes present challenges, with national rankings for older residents being poorer than those of the general community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Iluka (NSW) is largely Australian-born, at 90.6% of residents, with 1.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (36.9%) and Australian (26.6%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The locality has lower levels of cultural diversity than the national average, with 90.6% of residents born in Australia, 92.5% holding citizenship, and 98.7% using only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion at 59.5% of the population, compared to 55.9% in Regional NSW. English ancestry is the most common at 36.9% of the population, exceeding the regional average of 30.5%, followed by Australian ancestry at 26.6% and Irish ancestry at 11.7%. There is also a notable representation of other ethnic backgrounds, with Scottish ancestry at 10.3% (compared to 8.0% regionally), Hungarian at 0.3% (compared to 0.2%), and Russian at 0.3% (compared to 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Iluka (NSW) is 62, older than 99% of areas nationally. 9.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 62 years is significantly higher than both the Regional NSW median of 43 and the national median of 38. The suburb of Iluka (NSW) has a high share of residents aged 65 - 74 (25.1%) compared to Regional NSW, but a lower proportion of young adults aged 25 - 34 (3.8%). The concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is much higher than the national share of 9.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 15.0% to 16.9%, and the 35 to 44 age cohort has grown from 6.2% to 7.6%, while the 55 to 64 group has declined from 21.1% to 18.8%.
Demographic shifts by 2041 will see the 85+ cohort grow by 51 people (62%) from 83 to 135, with the combined 65+ age groups accounting for 56% of total population growth. In contrast, the cohorts aged 5 to 14 and 65 to 74 will decrease in size.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Iluka (NSW)
8 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 8 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 3 sections | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2025 about a year ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2025. | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 55 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,764 at the 2021 Census → 1,817 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL11983). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.