Marulan

Marulan lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, Marulan's population is estimated at around 1,513, reflecting an increase of 85 people since the 2021 Census. This growth rate of 6.0% exceeds both the SA4 region (5.2%) and Rest of NSW. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,431 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, along with an additional 166 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 8.0 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for Marulan's SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections 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. Future population trends project an above median growth for regional areas, with Marulan expected to increase by 325 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 16.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Marulan recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Marulan had around 11 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 59 homes. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $566,000, targeting the premium segment.

This year, there have been $352,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting Marulan's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Marulan has recorded 19.0% higher construction activity per person over the past five years, offering good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. All new constructions were detached houses, maintaining Marulan's low density character and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 91 people per dwelling approval, Marulan exhibits low-density characteristics. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Marulan to gain 243 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

Marulan has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified nine projects potentially impacting the area. Major initiatives include Marulan Master Planning, Southern Highlands Overtaking Opportunities, Marulan Water Treatment Plant Upgrade (2021-2023), and Marulan Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade (commencing 2024). The following list details those most relevant projects.

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

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AreaSearch analysis places Marulan well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Marulan's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with construction being notably represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.2% as of December 2025, lower than Regional NSW's 3.9%. In that month, 719 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 1.8% below the regional average.

Workforce participation was 64.8%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 61.3%. Only 10.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries were construction, retail trade, and manufacturing. Construction stood out with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance had lower representation at 8.6%, compared to the regional average of 16.9%. The area may have limited local job opportunities, as indicated by a lower working population-to-resident ratio. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Marulan's labour force decreased by 4.8%, along with employment, while unemployment remained stable. This contrasted with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose slightly. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Marulan's industry mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 5.5% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The latest postcode level ATO data from AreaSearch for financial year 2023 shows Marulan's median income among taxpayers is $49,917, with an average of $62,661. This is below the national average. In comparison, Regional NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $54,340 (median) and $68,213 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Marulan rank modestly, between the 34th and 36th percentiles. Income distribution shows 33.2% of Marulan's population (502 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the broader metropolitan region at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Marulan, with only 81.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 31st percentile.

Marulan is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Marulan's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 99.4% houses and 0.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Marulan stood at 34.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.1% and rented ones at 22.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Marulan was $380, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Marulan's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Marulan has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 72.3% of all households, including 31.6% couples with children, 29.0% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.2%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (0.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (34.7%). Educational participation is high at 30.3%, comprising primary education (11.9%), secondary education (8.2%), and tertiary education (1.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Marulan has 62 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 10 routes that facilitate 402 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as good with residents typically located 205 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 95%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.9, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 10.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

On average, there are 57 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Marulan faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be high for common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover was relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population, which numbered around 782 people. The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.8% and 9.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 65.2% of residents declared 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. Marulan has 17.9% of its residents aged 65 and over, totaling approximately 270 people, which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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

Marulan has a cultural diversity level below average, with 86.9% citizens, 88.2% born in Australia, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 60.3%, compared to Regional NSW's 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (36.2%), English (29.0%), and Irish (7.1%).

Notably, Maltese (1.8%) and Macedonian (0.5%) populations in Marulan exceed regional averages of 0.4% each, while Samoan is also higher at 0.5%.

Marulan's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Marulan's median age is 38, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 but matches the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 14.8% of Marulan's population compared to Regional NSW. The 65-74 cohort makes up 9.2%, whereas Regional NSW has a higher percentage. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 5.3% to 6.7%. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort increased from 8.8% to 10.2%. However, the 45-54 cohort decreased from 11.5% to 10.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Marulan's age profile. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 25%, reaching 279 people from the current 223. Conversely, numbers in the 15-24 age range are projected to decrease slightly.