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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of November 2025, Mullumbimby's population is estimated at around 4,802. This reflects an increase of 622 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,180. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 4,487 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 173 persons per square kilometer. Mullumbimby's growth rate of 14.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (3.9%) and non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. 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 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are utilized, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Mullumbimby is expected to expand by 939 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 12.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Mullumbimby has recorded around 37 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 188 homes were approved, with an additional 17 so far in FY-26. This results in an estimated average of 1.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

The supply and demand dynamics appear stable, with new dwellings developed at an average value of $506,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In terms of commercial development, there have been $5.7 million in approvals this financial year, suggesting limited focus on commercial projects compared to residential ones. When comparing Mullumbimby's construction levels with the rest of NSW over the five-year period, the area records elevated construction activity, approximately 49.0% above the regional average per person.

This maintains good buyer choice and supports existing property values. The new development consists of 79.0% standalone homes and 21.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 131 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Mullumbimby is expected to grow by 586 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects expected to impact this region. Notable projects are Mullumbimby Hospital Redevelopment, Mullumbimby Rail Corridor Housing, Station Street Affordable Housing, and Mullumbimby Road Upgrade. The following list provides details on these key initiatives.

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 a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 7.1% as of AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,958 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 3.3% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Retail trade had a particularly strong specialization with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

Public administration & safety was under-represented, with only 3.2% of Mullumbimby's workforce compared to 7.5% in Rest of NSW. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.0% while employment declined by 2.1%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. This compared to Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.5%, labour force contracted by 0.1%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. This compared favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested that national employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Mullumbimby's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Mullumbimby had a median income among taxpayers of $35,115 and an average income of $64,082 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $38,226 (median) and $69,760 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Mullumbimby all fall between the 21st and 24th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, 30.8% of residents (1,479 people) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to the broader area where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Mullumbimby, with only 78.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 19th percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Mullumbimby is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Mullumbimby, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.2% houses and 10.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Mullumbimby was 39.7%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (28.7%) or rented (31.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,929, below the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,980. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $500, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $450. Nationally, Mullumbimby's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 35.4%, with lone person households at 28.1% and group households comprising 7.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of 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 higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 31.8% have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 24.3% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas account for 13.8% while certificates make up 20.5%.

Educational participation is high in Mullumbimby, 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 unique routes that together facilitate 515 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 179 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 73 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately six weekly trips per individual bus stop.

Mullumbimby's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Mullumbimby's health metrics closely match national benchmarks, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age groups.

Approximately 52% (~2,510 people) have private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues affect 8.8% of residents, while arthritis impacts 7.1%. About 70.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 68.0% in Rest of NSW. Around 21.0% (1,008 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the 23.6% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, even better than those of the general population.

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 main religion, comprising 26.1%. Judaism was overrepresented at 2.3%, compared to 0.6% in Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.9%), Australian (21.8%), and Irish (11.5%). French (1.2%) and Polish (1.1%) were notably overrepresented, while Russian was slightly higher at 0.5%.

Mullumbimby hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Mullumbimby's median age is 44 years, similar to Rest of NSW's 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Mullumbimby has a higher percentage of residents aged 45-54 (14.1%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (9.3%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35-44 age group increased from 12.6% to 14.4%, while the 25-34 cohort rose from 9.9% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort decreased from 13.8% to 12.2%, and the 45-54 group fell from 15.3% to 14.1%. By 2041, Mullumbimby's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 35-44 group is projected to grow by 24% (162 people), reaching 854 from 691. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.