Mullumbimby

Mullumbimby 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, the population of Mullumbimby is estimated at around 4810 people. This reflects an increase of 630 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4180 persons. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 4487 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 192 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 174 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Mullumbimby's growth rate of 15.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.1%) and Rest of NSW, positioning it as a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 47.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 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, the suburb is expected to expand by 924 persons to reach approximately 5734 individuals by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.5% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Mullumbimby when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Mullumbimby has recorded approximately 37 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 189 homes were approved, with an additional 20 approved in FY26 so far. This results in an average of 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these years.

The average construction value for new dwellings is $506,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment. In FY26, there have been $5.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential. Mullumbimby records 50.0% more development activity per person than the Rest of NSW, offering buyers ample choice. New developments consist of 76.0% standalone homes and 24.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing.

The location has approximately 131 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Mullumbimby is expected to grow by 601 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Mullumbimby has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five major projects potentially impacting the region. Key initiatives include Mullumbimby Hospital Redevelopment, Mullumbimby Rail Corridor Housing, Station Street Affordable Housing, and Mullumbimby Road Upgrade. The following list details these projects, likely most relevant to the area.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Mullumbimby faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Mullumbimby has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 7.2% as of AreaSearch's statistical aggregation. By December 2025, 1,984 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 3.3%, above Regional NSW's 3.9%.

Workforce participation was lower at 57.7%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 26.2% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, with retail trade notably strong at 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, public administration & safety was under-represented at 3.2% compared to Regional NSW's 7.5%.

Limited local employment opportunities were suggested by Census data comparisons. Over the year ending December 2025, labour force levels increased by 0%, while employment decreased by 0.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mullumbimby's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Mullumbimby had a lower than average national income level according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $35,115 and the average income stood at $64,082. These figures compared to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Mullumbimby would be approximately $38,226 (median) and $69,760 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Mullumbimby all fell between the 21st and 24th percentiles nationally. Income distribution showed that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominated with 30.8% of residents (1,481 people), similar to the broader area where 29.9% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 78.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 19th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Mullumbimby is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Mullumbimby, as per the latest Census evaluation, 89.2% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 10.8% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Regional NSW where 82.6% of dwellings are houses and 17.4% are other types. Home ownership in Mullumbimby was 39.7%, similar to Regional NSW's figure. Of the remaining dwellings, 28.7% were mortgaged and 31.6% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Mullumbimby was $1,929, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Mullumbimby was $500 compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Mullumbimby's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $1,929 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and median weekly rents were substantially higher at $500 compared to the national figure of $375.

Mullumbimby features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.6% of all households, including 24.1% couples with children, 23.2% couples without children, and 16.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.4%, with lone person households at 28.1% and group households making up 7.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Mullumbimby exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Mullumbimby's educational attainment is notably high, with 31.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 24.3% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 34.3% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 13.8% and certificates make up 20.5%. Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.0% in primary, 9.5% in secondary, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mullumbimby has 83 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 38 different routes that together facilitate 515 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest transport stop for residents is 179 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. As a predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 86% of residents, while walking and cycling account for 6% and 5% respectively. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant 26.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 73 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Mullumbimby is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Mullumbimby shows superior health outcomes based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both younger and older age groups exhibit low incidence of common health issues. Private health coverage stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~2,515 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health problems and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 8.8 and 7.1% of residents respectively, while 70.8% report no medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes for those under 65 are better than average. The area has 21.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,014 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings, mirroring general population trends.

In terms of cultural diversity, Mullumbimby records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mullumbimby's cultural diversity was above average, with 10.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 22.4% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 26.1%. Judaism was notably overrepresented at 2.3%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.1%.

The top ancestry groups were English (29.9%), Australian (21.8%) - lower than the regional average of 30% - and Irish (11.5%). French, Polish, and Russian ethnicities were also overrepresented at 1.2%, 1.1%, and 0.5% respectively.

Mullumbimby hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Mullumbimby's median age is 44 years, similar to Regional NSW's 43 and above the national average of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, Mullumbimby has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (14.9%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (9.4%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the 35-44 age group increased from 12.6% to 14.9%, while the 25-34 cohort rose from 9.9% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 group declined from 13.8% to 12.1%, and the 45-54 group decreased from 15.3% to 13.7%. By 2041, Mullumbimby's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 21%, reaching 870 people from 716. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to decrease in population.