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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 Malua Bay is $860k, with units at $1.75m. House values have moved 1.3% 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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Sales Detail
Malua Bay has an estimated 2,290 residents, up from 2,071 at the 2021 Census — a change of 219 people, or 10.6%. Growth has averaged 2.4% a year over five years. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 68.0% of that increase. That puts 185 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 investigations of ABS population revisions for the surrounding region, combined with new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Malua Bay has a population estimated at around 2,290 as of May 2026. This represents a rise of 219 people (10.6%) from the 2021 Census, which counted a population of 2,071 people. This shift is calculated from the resident population of 2,282, estimated by AreaSearch using the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 61 validated new addresses since the Census date.
This population level translates to a density ratio of 185 persons per square kilometer, which offers substantial space per individual and possible capacity for subsequent development. The 10.6% growth observed in the suburb of Malua Bay since the 2021 census was higher than the SA3 area (2.6%) and the SA4 region, establishing it as a local growth leader. Population growth in the suburb of Malua Bay was mostly driven by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 68.0% of all population increases during recent periods. AreaSearch implements ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For SA2 areas without this data, AreaSearch uses the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, published in 2022 using 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these sources are also applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of locations outside of capital cities is anticipated, with the suburb of Malua Bay expected to grow by 195 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, representing a total gain of 8.2% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
75 new dwellings have been approved in Malua Bay over the past five years, an average of 15 a year. That places the area in the 74th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 7 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 19, 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
Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Malua Bay has averaged about 15 new dwelling approvals per year, summing to an estimated 75 homes over the past 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 18 approvals have been registered. With an average of 3.4 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is outstripping supply by a wide margin, which generally drives up prices and intensifies buyer competition, while new homes are being built at an average value of $604,000, showing developers are concentrating on the premium market with upscale properties.
Furthermore, commercial development approvals worth $1.1 million have been recorded this financial year, pointing to a mostly residential emphasis. Relative to the Rest of NSW, Malua Bay exhibits slightly more development (22.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), which preserves solid buyer options while supporting existing property values. New building activity consists of 88.0% standalone homes and 12.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With about 113 people per approval, Malua Bay shows characteristics of a developing area. Future projections indicate Malua Bay will add 187 residents by 2041 (starting from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current building levels, housing supply should successfully satisfy demand, establishing positive conditions for buyers and potentially allowing growth to outpace current forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Malua Bay
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside Malua Bay, worth an estimated $3 million. A further 26 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $1.29 billion. 10 are already under construction and 8 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, residential development and transport & logistics. 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
Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 2 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Lot 5 Bunderra Circuit Residential Subdivision, Future Rosedale, Princes Highway Safety And Capacity: Nowra, Nsw To Victorian Border, and Sydney-Canberra Rail Connectivity And Capacity, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.
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
Lot 5 Bunderra Circuit Residential Subdivision
DA-approved 21-lot residential subdivision on a 52,684 sqm englobo site at Malua Bay on the NSW South Coast. Lots range from 619 sqm to 11,470 sqm, all north-facing, with a leafy coastal setting near Malua Bay Beach and Batemans Bay. Vegetation clearing is complete and the site is ready for civil works. The englobo parcel sold in 2024/25 for $2.7 million.
Future Rosedale
A masterplanned community featuring 741 residential lots, open space, and ecological lots. The project is focused on creating a coastal lifestyle with a strong emphasis on environmental conservation and community spaces.
The Sebel Hotel
Replacement of the Batemans Bay Hotel with a four-storey hotel and luxury apartments, including more than 70 hotel rooms, 11 luxury three-bedroom townhouse apartments, a gym, breakfast room, business centre, and 72 carparking spaces.
Batemans Bay Community Health Facility
New purpose-built community health facility offering various healthcare services including allied health, Aboriginal health, community mental health, drug and alcohol, child, youth and family services, primary healthcare, consultation, treatment, pathology, group rooms, and a gymnasium. The facility will bring together a range of services in one location including women's health and mental health services.
24 Beach Road Residential Development
DA approved residential development site with an existing motel offering holding income. Proposed for 34 apartments with unobstructed views, designed for building efficiency. Waterfront locale.
Greater Batemans Bay Structure Plan
A visionary document setting out the strategic planning framework for development over 25 years, guiding the scale, pattern, and broad location of development, including provision for new housing and business. It aims to balance demands for new housing, commercial development, and servicing with environmental preservation and character retention.
Batemans Bay Dredging
Regular dredging of the Clyde River Bar to maintain safe vessel movement, improve navigation, and support local businesses, tourism, and the economy. Includes removing approx. 30,000 cubic metres of sand and placing it in water to nourish nearby beaches.
3 Clyde Street Mixed Use Tourist, Residential & Retail Development
Proposed hotel/serviced apartment, permanent residential apartment, and retail development in two, 4 and 5 level buildings. Comprises 46 hotel rooms/serviced apartments, 10 permanent residential apartments, 2 ground level retail tenancies, and on-site parking.
940 residents of Malua Bay are employed, from a labour force of 989. Unemployment sits at 5.0%, with participation at 51.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Malua Bay is home to a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.0%, and relative employment stability over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026940 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.8% higher than the Regional NSW rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is significantly lower (51.2% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). Census responses reveal that a modest 14.4% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be taken into account. The major employment sectors among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.
The area displays a particularly strong concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, employing only 1.0% of Malua Bay's workforce compared to 5.3% in Regional NSW. The area seems to provide few local employment opportunities, as shown by the comparison of Census working population to resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas, the 12-month period saw employment rise by 0.3% while the labour force shrank by 0.4%, leading to a fall in unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 0.9%, the labour force declined by 0.4%, and unemployment rose 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can supply additional context on potential future demand in Malua Bay. These projections, spanning five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Malua Bay's employment mix suggests local employment should rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate localised population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Malua Bay is $1,423 a week (about $74,000 a year), with median personal income at $716 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $48,820 a year against an average of $60,620. 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
As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Malua Bay's median income among taxpayers is $48,820, with an average of $60,620. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $53,858 (median) and $66,876 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Malua Bay, between the 30th and 31st percentiles.
Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.6% of the community (700 individuals), reflecting patterns seen the broader area where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 86.8% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 34th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Malua Bay had 830 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 97% detached houses and 1% apartments. 28% are owned with a mortgage, 18% rented and 54% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $418 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,733 a month. Rent absorbs 29.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 28.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Dwelling structure within Malua Bay, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.8% houses and 3.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Malua Bay was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 53.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.1%) or rented (18.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Regional NSW average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $418, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330.
Nationally, Malua Bay's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Malua Bay counted 830 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 918 today, averaging 2.3 people each. 21% are couples with children, fewer than in 83% of areas nationally, against 42% couples without children. 24% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households dominate at 74.0% of all households, comprising 21.2% couples with children, 42.2% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.0%, with lone person households at 23.6% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
23.2% of adults in Malua Bay hold a university qualification, including 15.5% with a bachelor degree and 4.7% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 94% of areas nationally. A further 30.3% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Educational qualifications in Malua Bay trail regional benchmarks, with 23.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 32.2% in NSW. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (30.3%). A substantial 24.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Malua Bay reaches 44 stops on 21 routes, timetabled for about 170 services a week. The typical home sits about 220 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.6 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 analysis reveals 44 active transport stops operating within Malua Bay comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 21 individual routes, collectively providing 165 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 215 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. Some 14.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions). Service frequency averages 23 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
61.2% of residents in Malua Bay report no long-term health condition. 5.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 50.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Malua Bay demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,166 people). The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.3 and 9.1% of residents, respectively, while 61.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW.
Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 29.2% of residents aged 65 and over (668 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. , though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Malua Bay is largely Australian-born, at 83.9% of residents, with 4.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (32.8%) and Australian (26.8%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Malua Bay was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.9% of its population born in Australia, 91.1% being citizens, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Malua Bay was found to be Christianity, which makes up 53.7% of people in Malua Bay. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW. In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Malua Bay are English, comprising 32.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 26.8% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.3% of the population.
Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.6% of Malua Bay (vs 8.0% regionally), Croatian at 1.3% (vs 0.3%) and French at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Malua Bay is 52, older than 94% of areas nationally. 17.0% 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 52-year median age in Malua Bay is significantly above Regional NSW's average of 43 similarly well above the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional NSW average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (18.1% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (7.3%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.4%. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.2% to 9.7% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 11.9%.
Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Malua Bay. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 24%, adding 39 residents to reach 207. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Malua Bay
9 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 9 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. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jun 2026 2 months ago all 2 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 Jun 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 2 sections | ||
| 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 — 61 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,071 at the 2021 Census → 2,290 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 (SAL12471). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.