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, as of Feb 2026 the suburb of Lake Munmorah's population is estimated at around 5,202. 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 suburb expected to increase by 3 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 around 9 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 45 homes. In FY26 so far, 6 approvals have been recorded. The area has experienced population decline, with new supply likely meeting demand and offering affordable housing options, with 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.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Lake Munmorah has 60.0% lower building activity per person. The area's low construction rate typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. New developments consist of 86.0% detached houses and 14.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character appealing to those seeking space. With an estimated 735 people per dwelling approval, Lake Munmorah has a quiet development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, the area 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 affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include 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 has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 4.4%. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 3.1%.

As of December 2025, 2,171 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.3% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Lake Munmorah is significantly lower at 52.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. According to Census responses, 22.5% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction employment levels are particularly high at 1.8 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 3.8%, compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.1% while labour force grew by 3.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In Greater Sydney, employment rose by 2.2%, labour force grew by 2.3%, and unemployment rose marginally during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Lake Munmorah's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

The suburb of Lake Munmorah had a median taxpayer income of $51,791 and an average of $62,811 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is below the national average of $60,817 for median income and $83,003 for average income in Greater Sydney. By September 2025, estimates based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth suggest a median income of approximately $56,380 and an average income of $68,376. The 2021 Census data revealed that incomes in Lake Munmorah fell between the 10th and 15th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution showed that 30.0% of residents (1,560 people) earned between $400 - $799, differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominated with 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, 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

Lake Munmorah's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.6% houses and 3.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is in contrast to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lake Munmorah stood at 51.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (30.7%) or rented (17.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Lake Munmorah was $380, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Lake Munmorah's mortgage repayments were below 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 make up the remaining 33.2%, with lone person households at 30.6% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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%, considerably lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (33.7%).

A significant portion of the population, 23.6%, is actively engaged in 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

Lake Munmorah has 47 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 57 different routes that together facilitate 454 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average located 193 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most Lake Munmorah residents commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 97%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 22.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 64 trips per day, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per stop.

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

Lake Munmorah faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions impacts both younger and older age cohorts substantially.

Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 52% of the total population (~2,694 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (14.1%) and mental health issues (10.1%). Conversely, 54.4% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, while this figure is 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (33.4%, or 1,737 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally in line with the overall 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average. As of the 2016 Census, 88.1% of its population were born in Australia, with 92.6% being Australian citizens and 96.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 60.7% of Lake Munmorah's population, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.6%), Australian (31.9%), and Irish (8.2%). Notably, Maltese, Australian Aboriginal, and Lebanese ethnicities had higher representations in Lake Munmorah than the regional averages: Maltese at 1.0% vs 1.0%, Australian Aboriginal at 3.8% vs 1.3%, and Lebanese at 0.4% vs 2.6%.

Lake Munmorah ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Lake Munmorah's median age is 50 years, which is 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 (14.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.7%). This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6.1%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of Lake Munmorah's population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 12.0% to 14.4%, while the proportion aged 85+ has increased from 3.1% to 4.6%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has declined from 10.8% to 8.5%, and the proportion of those aged 25 to 34 has dropped from 10.1% to 8.7%. By 2041, Lake Munmorah is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition, with the 85+ group projected to grow by 85%, reaching 442 people from 239. The demographic aging trend continues as residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 98% of the population growth. Conversely, both the 65-74 age group and the 15-24 age group are projected to decrease in numbers.