Lake Munmorah

Lake Munmorah is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Lake Munmorah's population is estimated at around 5,202 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 118 people (2.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,084 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,136 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 911 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lake Munmorah's 2.3% growth since census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA4 region (3.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth of national statistical areas is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 6 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decline of 1.2% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Lake Munmorah is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Lake Munmorah shows approximately 9 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 45 homes. In FY26 so far, 3 approvals have been recorded. The area has experienced population decline, with new supply likely meeting demand and offering affordable housing options at an average construction cost of $221,000, below the regional average. This financial year, $290,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

Lake Munmorah records significantly lower building activity compared to Greater Sydney (59.0% below regional average per person), which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is also below national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 86.0% detached houses and 14.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Lake Munmorah's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 735 people. With stable or declining population forecasts, Lake Munmorah may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Lake Munmorah may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects expected to affect the region. Notable projects are Crangan Bay Residential Estate, Lake Munmorah Recreation Facility, Lakes Ridge Residential Estate, and Darkinjung LALC & Landcom Housing Project. The following details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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.

Lake Munmorah has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Lake Munmorah's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the preceding year.

This figure is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there were 2,164 residents employed in Lake Munmorah, while the unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation lagged at 48.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade sectors.

Notably, construction employment is high, at 1.8 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation, at 3.8% versus the regional average of 11.5%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2%, while labour force grew by 3.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.1%, labour force grow by 2.4%, and unemployment increase by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Lake Munmorah. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Lake Munmorah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The median taxpayer income in Lake Munmorah suburb is $51,791, with an average of $62,811, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, which stands at a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003 in Greater Sydney. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $56,380 (median) and $68,376 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Lake Munmorah fall between the 10th and 15th percentiles nationally. The income distribution shows that 30.0% of residents (1,560 people) earn within the $400 - $799 bracket, unlike regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Lake Munmorah, with only 83.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

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

The latest Census evaluated Lake Munmorah's dwelling structures as 96.6% houses and 3.3% other dwellings, compared to Sydney metro's 83.2% houses and 16.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lake Munmorah was 51.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.7% and rented dwellings at 17.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Sydney metro's $1,900. Median weekly rent in Lake Munmorah was $380, compared to Sydney metro's $385. Nationally, Lake Munmorah's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Lake Munmorah features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.8% of all households, including 21.8% couples with children, 32.5% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.2%, with lone person households at 30.6% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.5%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (33.7%). A total of 23.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 8.1% in primary, 6.8% in secondary, and 3.0% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.1% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Analysis of public transport in Lake Munmorah shows 47 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops are serviced by a total of 57 individual routes. Together, they provide 454 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 193 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 64 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Lake Munmorah faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents.

Approximately 52% of the total population (~2,694 people) has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.1%) and mental health issues (10.1%). Conversely, 54.4% reported having no medical ailments, compared to 61.5% in Greater Sydney. Lake Munmorah has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 32.4% (1,685 people), compared to the 22.3% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors largely mirror those of the general population.

Lake Munmorah is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Lake Munmorah, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index of below average. Its population was predominantly born in Australia, with 88.1%, and held citizenship at 92.6%. English was spoken exclusively at home by 96.8% of residents.

Christianity was the prevalent religion, practiced by 60.7% of people, compared to 56.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.6%), Australian (31.9%), and Irish (8.2%). Notably, Maltese ethnicity had a higher representation in Lake Munmorah at 1.0%, compared to the regional average of 1.0%. Australian Aboriginal heritage was also more prominent at 3.8% versus 4.5%, while Lebanese ancestry was less represented at 0.4% against the regional average of 0.2%.

Lake Munmorah ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Lake Munmorah's median age is 50 years, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's 37 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Lake Munmorah has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (14.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.2%). This concentration of residents aged 75-84 is well above the national average of 6.0%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has grown from 12.0% to 14.0%, while those aged 85+ increased from 3.1% to 4.3%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has declined from 10.8% to 8.8%, and those aged 65 to 74 have decreased from 15.6% to 14.1%. By 2041, Lake Munmorah's age composition is expected to change significantly. Leading this demographic shift, the number of residents aged 85+ will grow by 96%, reaching 438 from 223. This growth will be driven entirely by residents aged 65 and older. Conversely, both the 45 to 54 and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to decrease in number.