Merimbula

Population growth drivers in Merimbula are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, Merimbula's estimated population is around 3,907, reflecting an increase of 86 people since the 2021 Census. This growth rate of 2.3% positions Merimbula within 1.2 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth rate of 3.5%. The population density stands at 216 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains in recent periods. AreaSearch, adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in June 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas, projects an above median growth for non-metropolitan Australian areas. By 2041, Merimbula's population is expected to grow by 609 persons, reflecting a total increase of 12.2% over the 17 years.

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. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 609 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting reflecting an increase of 12.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Merimbula has received approximately 13 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 69 homes were approved, with an additional three approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 1.9 new residents have arrived per new home over these five years, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. However, this has decreased to 1.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting more balanced supply conditions recently.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $526,000, reflecting a focus on premium segment development with upmarket properties. This year, $3.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, highlighting Merimbula's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Merimbula shows approximately 63% of construction activity per person. Nationally, it ranks among the 70th percentile of areas assessed, though building activity has accelerated recently. This level is lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 43.0% detached houses and 57.0% attached dwellings, a shift from existing housing patterns which are currently 59.0% houses.

This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has approximately 189 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections estimate Merimbula to add 477 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Merimbula has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Club Sapphire Hotel and Conference Centre, Templo Merimbula, Lakewood Lifestyle Village, and Ocean Drive Townhouse and Apartment Complex. The following list details those most 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.

Employment performance in Merimbula has been broadly consistent with national averages

Merimbula has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.7%. This rate is 1.3% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Merimbula is at 54.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 15.0% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Accommodation & food has particularly high representation, with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.5% of Merimbula's workforce compared to 5.3% in Regional NSW. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.4%, while employment declined by 4.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Merimbula's employment mix indicates a potential local employment increase of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The suburb of Merimbula had a lower than average income level nationally according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $46,125 and the average income stood at $59,827. These figures compared to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $50,212 (median) and $65,128 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021 income data, household incomes were at the 9th percentile while personal income was at the 30th percentile. The earnings profile showed that 27.8% of the population (1,086 individuals) fell within the $400 - 799 income range, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket led at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

Merimbula displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Merimbula's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 59.4% houses and 40.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Merimbula stood at 43.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.6% and rented ones at 33.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Merimbula was $310, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Merimbula's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 55.7% of all households, including 14.4% couples with children, 31.9% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 44.3%, with lone person households at 41.0% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Merimbula aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Merimbula's educational qualifications lag behind regional averages. Among residents aged 15+, 23.6% have university degrees, compared to NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.2% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 28.1%.

Currently, 21.0% of the population is engaged in formal education: 7.5% in primary, 6.1% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education.

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

Merimbula's public transport system comprises 58 active stops, served by 27 routes offering 256 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 159 meters to the nearest stop. Commuting patterns show a majority using cars (88%), followed by walking (8%). Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average. In 2021 Census data, 15.0% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 36 trips per day, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per stop.

Service frequency averages 36 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Merimbula faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,977 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.1 and 8.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. As of 30 June 20XX, the area has 33.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,324 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Merimbula ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Merimbula's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 82.4% of its population born in Australia, 89.1% being citizens, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Merimbula, comprising 45.6% of the population. Judaism is overrepresented in Merimbula compared to Regional NSW, with 0.3% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (34.3%), Australian (26.3%), and Irish (10.1%). Dutch (2.0%) and Welsh (0.7%) are notably overrepresented in Merimbula compared to Regional NSW, which has 1.0% and 0.5%, respectively. Hungarian is also slightly overrepresented at 0.3% versus 0.2%.

Merimbula ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Merimbula's median age is 53, which is higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and significantly exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, Merimbula has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (12.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.5%). This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national figure of 6.1%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population of those aged 35 to 44 has grown from 8.6% to 10.6%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 11.3% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 16.8% to 14.5%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 17.3% to 16.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Merimbula's age structure. Notably, the 85+ group is expected to grow by 82%, reaching 348 people from 191. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to experience population declines.