Murwillumbah

Population growth drivers in Murwillumbah are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Murwillumbah's population, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, is around 7,379 as of November 2025. This reflects a decrease of 237 people (3.1%) from the previous population of 7,616 recorded in the 2021 Census. The current resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 7,358, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 614 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth in the suburb during recent periods, contributing approximately 83.0% of overall population gains.

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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate an expected increase just below the median for locations outside capital cities, with Murwillumbah projected to grow by 752 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 12.7% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Murwillumbah is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Murwillumbah averaged approximately 12 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 64 homes. As of July 2021, one approval has been recorded in FY-26. The area's population decline has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $599,000, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. In the current financial year, $10.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating steady investment activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Murwillumbah has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 11th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer choices and supporting demand for existing properties. This activity is below the national average, implying an established area with potential planning limitations.

New building activity comprises 92% detached houses and 8% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (76% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1516 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts suggest Murwillumbah will gain 937 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Murwillumbah has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Murwillumbah Depot, Quarry Business Park, Industry Central Land Swap, and Hundred Hills Estate. The following details these projects, focusing on 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.

While Murwillumbah retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.9%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Murwillumbah has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 3.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

There were 3,196 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% higher than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Murwillumbah lagged significantly behind that of the Rest of NSW, at 51.2% compared to 56.4%. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 2.8% versus the regional average of 5.3%. 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 June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.9%, combined with a decrease in employment of 3.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a rise in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Murwillumbah. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Murwillumbah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Murwillumbah had a median income among taxpayers of $41,194. The average income stood at $51,777. This is below the national average. Comparing to Rest of NSW, incomes were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Murwillumbah would be approximately $46,389 (median) and $58,306 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Murwillumbah all fall between the 9th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that the largest segment comprises 28.5% earning $400 - $799 weekly (2,103 residents), contrasting with metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Murwillumbah, with only 79.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 8th percentile nationally.

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

Murwillumbah's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.0% houses and 24.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 66.3% houses and 33.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murwillumbah was at 36.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.5% and rented ones at 31.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,872. The median weekly rent in Murwillumbah was $346, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Murwillumbah's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less at $346 compared to the national figure of $375.

Murwillumbah features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 65.8% of all households, including 23.9% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 15.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.2%, with lone person households at 31.1% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the average for the Rest of NSW.

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

The area's university qualification rate in 2016 was 20.7%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees were most common at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials were prominent, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (29.8%). Educational participation was high in 2016, with 30.6% of residents enrolled in formal education, including primary (11.7%), secondary (9.1%), and tertiary (3.3%) levels.

As of 2021, Murwillumbah had a robust network of nine schools educating approximately 2,775 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1012) and balanced educational opportunities. The schools included four primary, three secondary, and two K-12 institutions. As an education hub in 2021, Murwillumbah had 37.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 14.2, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools with 'n/a' enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Murwillumbah has 166 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of buses along 58 individual routes, offering a total of 881 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 112 meters from the nearest transport stop.

On average, service frequency across all routes is 125 trips per day, equating to approximately five weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Murwillumbah is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Murwillumbah faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,502 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.2% and 10.0% of residents respectively. However, 62.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of NSW average of 64.2%. The area has a higher proportion of older residents, with 25.2% aged 65 and over (1,859 people).

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

Murwillumbah had lower cultural diversity, with 85.8% born in Australia, 89.6% being citizens, and 94.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 48.5%. The 'Other' category was overrepresented at 1.7%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were English (31.8%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (10.9%). French, Scottish, and Welsh groups showed notable representation: French at 0.7%, Scottish at 8.9%, and Welsh at 0.6%.

Murwillumbah hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Murwillumbah's median age in 2021 was 46 years, which is higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38 years. The proportion of the population aged 85 years and over was 4.1%, compared to Rest of NSW, while those aged 25-34 years were less prevalent at 10.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the age group 15-24 years grew from 9.6% to 11.0% of Murwillumbah's population, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 8.8% to 10.0%. Conversely, the proportion aged 55-64 years declined from 13.9% to 12.6%. By the year 2041, Murwillumbah's age composition is expected to undergo notable shifts. Leading this demographic shift, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 32%, reaching 971 people from its current figure of 737. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age cohort is anticipated to decline by 48 people.