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 Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Iluka (NSW) is estimated at around 1,943, reflecting an increase of 179 people since the 2021 Census. This growth rate of 10.1% exceeds that of the Rest of NSW and the SA4 region, marking Iluka as a growth leader in the area. The population density is approximately 151 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing around 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in Jun 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 from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to expand by 165 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 0.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Iluka averaged around 14 new dwelling approvals each year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 70 homes. As of FY-26, 17 approvals have been recorded. Over these years, an average of 1.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed was observed, suggesting a balanced supply and demand, though this moderated to 1.3 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $513,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This year, there have been $112,000 in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to Rest of NSW, Iluka shows moderately higher new home approvals (42.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), offering reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. New building activity comprises 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 despite densification trends.

Iluka reflects a developing area, with around 83 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Iluka will gain 2 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With 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 in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could impact this 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's workforce comprises an equal mix of white and blue collar jobs, with the construction sector being particularly prominent. The unemployment rate in Iluka is 6.9%, having grown by 2.5% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas. As of December 2025, there are 489 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 2.9% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Iluka is significantly lower at 32.4%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census responses indicate that 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. Iluka shows strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while public administration & safety has lower representation at 3.9% compared to the regional average of 7.5%.

Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, labour force by 1.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw a decline in employment and labour force, with an increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Iluka's employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

The suburb of Iluka's income level is below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Iluka was $33,498 and the average income stood at $43,345. These figures compare to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ended 2023, current estimates for Iluka would be approximately $36,466 (median) and $47,185 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Iluka all fell between the 0th and 2nd percentiles nationally. Income analysis revealed that 39.0% of Iluka's population (757 individuals) had incomes within the $400 - $799 range, differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 range dominated with 29.9%. Economic circumstances indicated widespread financial pressure, with 47.6% of households operating on weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability pressures were 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

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 is compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Iluka was at 56.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (12.9%) or rented (31.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Iluka's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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% couples with children, 38.8% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 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, which is smaller 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 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, offering a mix of ferry and bus services. These are served by 8 routes, providing 162 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 157 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward daily. Car use dominates at 87%, with 10% walking and 3% cycling. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.1, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 23 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Iluka is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Iluka faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 44% of the total population (~858 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 15.9% of residents) and mental health issues (affecting 8.4%). However, 51.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Iluka has 45.5% of its residents aged 65 and over (884 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than those for 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 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 predominant religion, practiced by 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 in Iluka at 10.3% compared to the regional average of 8.0%. Hungarian and Russian ancestry also showed higher representation in Iluka, at 0.3% each, compared to Regional NSW's 0.2%.

Iluka ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Iluka's median age is 62 years, which is significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Iluka has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 years (25.0%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 years (3.8%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of Iluka's population aged 35-44 has increased from 6.2% to 7.6%, while the proportion of those aged 55-64 has decreased from 21.1% to 19.4%. By the year 2041, Iluka's age composition is projected to change significantly. The number of residents aged 85 and above is expected to increase by 42 people (a rise of 48%) from 89 to 132. Notably, the combined population growth in the age groups 65 years and above will account for 52% of Iluka's total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.