Merimbula

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of Merimbula is around 3,853 people. This figure reflects an increase of 32 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,821 people. The current resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 3,849, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 213 persons per square kilometer for Merimbula. The suburb's population growth rate of 0.8% since the census is competitive, being within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.6%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Merimbula.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, an above median population growth is projected for non-metropolitan Australian areas like Merimbula. By the year 2041, the suburb's population is expected to expand by 552 persons, reflecting a total increase of 14.2% over the 16-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Merimbula according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Merimbula has averaged around 13 new dwelling approvals each year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 69 homes were approved, with a further 3 approved so far in FY-26. The average number of people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these years was 0.2 per year.

This suggests that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties is $526,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $3.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Merimbula shows approximately 63% of the construction activity per person, placing it among the 71st percentile of areas assessed nationally. However, construction activity has intensified recently.

New development consists of 43.0% detached houses and 57.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 59.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Merimbula reflects a low density area, with around 185 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate that Merimbula will gain 548 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Merimbula has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Club Sapphire Hotel and Conference Centre, Templo Merimbula, Lakewood Lifestyle Village, 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 essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.7% as of December 2025, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In this month, 1,748 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Merimbula lagged significantly at 52.3%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. A moderate 15.0% of residents worked from home, according to Census responses, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Merimbula had particular employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 1.5% of Merimbula's workforce compared to 5.3% in Regional NSW. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.9% and employment declined by 4.5%, resulting in a fall of 0.3 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with a rise of 0.4 percentage points in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Merimbula. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, estimated national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Merimbula's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not take into account localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Merimbula has a median taxpayer income of $46,125 and an average income of $59,827 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is below the national average, with Regional NSW having a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $50,885 (median) and $66,001 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household incomes are at the 9th percentile while personal incomes are at the 30th percentile. Income analysis shows that the predominant cohort in Merimbula spans 27.8% of locals (1,071 people) with incomes between $400 and $799, differing from surrounding regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 category dominates at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Merimbula, with only 83.9% of income remaining, 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

Merimbula's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 59.4% houses and 40.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares 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 than 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%. The median household size is 2.0 people, 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 residents aged 15+ have lower university degree holders compared to NSW, with 23.6% versus 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, held by 40.2% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (28.1%). Currently, 21.0% of the population is engaged in formal education, with 7.5% in primary, 6.1% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education.

A substantial 21.0% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.5% in primary education, 6.1% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Merimbula has 58 active public transport stops, served by 27 routes offering 256 weekly passenger trips. Residents are typically 159 meters from the nearest stop. Car is dominant for commuting at 88%, with 8% walking. Average vehicle ownership is 1.1 per dwelling. In 2021 Census, 15.0% worked from home. Service frequency averages 36 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 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 according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,950 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis (12.1%) and mental health issues (8.9%), while 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. The area has 34.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,333 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 people there. However, Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.3% compared to Regional NSW's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (34.3%), Australian (26.3%), and Irish (10.1%). Notably, Dutch (2.0%) and Welsh (0.7%) are overrepresented in Merimbula compared to regional averages of 1.0% and 0.5%, respectively. Hungarian representation is also slightly higher at 0.3%.

Merimbula ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Merimbula is 54 years, which is significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 and considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented in Merimbula at 13.1%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 7.8%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.1%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 11.3% to 13.1%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 8.6% to 10.3%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.8% to 14.9%. By 2041, Merimbula's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 159 people (83%) from 192 to 352. Conversely, numbers in the 15 to 24 age range are expected to fall by 18.