Merimbula

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

The estimated population of Merimbula as of February 2026 is around 3,907, reflecting an increase of 86 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 2.3% increase from the previous population of 3,821. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 3,775 in June 2024, along with an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 216 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Merimbula has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outperforming the SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. 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 Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Merimbula expected to grow by 615 persons to 2041, reflecting a 15.1% increase over the 17-year period.

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 annually approved around 14 dwellings for development. Between FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 71 homes received approval, with an additional 3 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.7 new residents arrived per newly constructed home. However, this number decreased to 0.9 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $526,000, indicating a focus on premium segment development. In FY-26, $3.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Compared to Rest of NSW, Merimbula shows approximately 64% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 71st percentile nationally. New building activity consists of 43.0% detached houses and 57.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from existing housing patterns which are currently 59.0% houses. Merimbula reflects a low density area with around 184 people per approval.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Merimbula is projected to add 591 residents by 2041, and building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections. However, increased competition among buyers may occur as the population grows.

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

Twelve infrastructure projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to influence the local area's performance. These include Club Sapphire Hotel and Conference Centre, Templo Merimbula, Lakewood Lifestyle Village, Ocean Drive Townhouse and Apartment Complex, among others listed below.

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

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While Merimbula retains a healthy unemployment rate of 2.9%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Merimbula has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,781 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Merimbula is at 55.2%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 15.0% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Accommodation & food shows strong specialization with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.5% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.2%, alongside a 5.5% employment decline, raising unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw an employment contraction of 0.5%, labour force fall of 0.1%, and unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, covering May-25 to five and ten-year periods, project national growth rates differing significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Merimbula's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Merimbula had a median income among taxpayers of $46,125 and an average income of $59,827. Both figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively across Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Merimbula would be approximately $50,212 (median) and $65,128 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household incomes in Merimbula sit at the 9th percentile, while personal income is at the 30th percentile. Income distribution shows that 27.8% of individuals earn between $400 and $799, compared to the regional pattern where 29.9% earn between $1,500 and $2,999. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Merimbula, with only 83.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 11th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

In Merimbula, as per the latest Census evaluation, 59.4% of dwellings were houses while 40.6% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's dwelling structure of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Merimbula stood at 43.3%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 23.6% and rented dwellings making up 33.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Merimbula was $310, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Merimbula's median mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,517 versus the Australian 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 make up the remaining 44.3%, with lone person households at 41.0% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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% hold 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 prominent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 28.1%.

Notably, 21.0% of the population is currently pursuing 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 has 58 operational public transport stops, serving a mix of bus routes totaling 27. These routes facilitate 256 weekly passenger trips in the area. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 159 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. In this predominantly residential region, most commuters travel outward, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 88%. Walking accounts for 8% of journeys. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.0% of residents work from home, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The overall service frequency averages 36 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 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 were somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover was 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 were arthritis (affecting 12.1% of residents) and mental health issues (8.9%). Notably, 59.2% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 33.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,308 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Rest of 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. The dominant religion in Merimbula is Christianity, accounting for 45.6% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Merimbula, comprising 0.3% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (34.3%), Australian (26.3%), and Irish (10.1%). Other ethnic groups with notable differences include Dutch at 2.0% in Merimbula versus 1.0% regionally, Welsh at 0.7% versus 0.5%, and Hungarian 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 Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, Merimbula has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (12.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.4%). This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national figure of 6.1%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 8.6% to 10.4%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 11.3% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group declined from 16.8% to 14.4%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 17.3% to 16.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Merimbula's age structure. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 90 people (from 187 to 357), while the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to decline by 12 people.