Murwillumbah

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

As of Nov 2025, the Murwillumbah statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 7,650, reflecting a 34-person increase (0.4%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7,616. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 7,582 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 637 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, 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. By 2041, the Murwillumbah (SA2) is expected to grow by approximately 760 persons, reflecting an increase of 8.8% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Murwillumbah recorded approximately 11 residential properties granted approval annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 59 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with one approval so far in FY26. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.

The average construction cost value for new properties is $599,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. This year, there have been $7.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to residential. Relative to the rest of NSW and nationally, Murwillumbah has roughly half the building activity per person, placing it among the 15th percentile of assessed areas. This results in somewhat limited buyer options but strengthens demand for established homes.

New developments consist of 91% standalone homes and 9% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's low-density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1083 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate Murwillumbah will gain 675 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones are Murwillumbah Depot, Quarry Business Park, Industry Central Land Swap, and Hundred Hills Estate. The following details those expected to be 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 Murwillumbah has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Murwillumbah has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.3% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

There were 3,214 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate 0.5% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was lower, at 51.2%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance (17.9%), retail trade (14.8%), and education & training (10.6%).

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 2.8% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The area appeared to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.8%, alongside a 2.0% employment decline, causing unemployment to fall by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data from 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 offered further insight into potential future demand within Murwillumbah. National employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Murwillumbah's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not take into account localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows that Murwillumbah's median income is $41,194 and average income is $51,777. This is lower than the national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) for Rest of NSW. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $44,844 (median) and $56,364 (average), based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census places Murwillumbah's household, family, and personal incomes between the 9th and 12th percentiles nationally. In Murwillumbah, 28.5% of individuals fall within the $400-$799 income range, while in metropolitan regions, the leading bracket is $1,500-$2,999 at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.2% of income remaining, 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 most recent Census, were 76.0% houses and 24.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro NSW had 66.3% houses and 33.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murwillumbah was 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. Median weekly rent in Murwillumbah was $346, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Murwillumbah's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 34.2%, with lone person households at 31.1% and group households making up 2.9%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Rest of NSW average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 20.7%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.6% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 29.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (11.7%), secondary education (9.1%), and tertiary education (3.3%).

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

Murwillumbah has 182 active public transport stops. These are served by a mix of buses along 58 routes, offering 881 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 112 meters.

Services run approximately 125 times daily across all routes, equating to about four weekly trips per 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%, covering around 3,631 people, compared to 50.2% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues affect 10.2% of residents, while arthritis impacts 10.0%.

About 62.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.2% in Rest of NSW. The area has 25.2% aged 65 and over (1,927 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 a cultural diversity below average, with 85.8% born in Australia, 89.6% being citizens, and 94.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 48.5%. The most notable overrepresentation was in Other, 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 had notable divergences: 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 is 46, higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly above Australia's national norm of 38. The percentage of people aged 85 and over is 4.1%, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 10.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, Murwillumbah's population aged 15 to 24 grew from 9.6% to 11.0%, and the 25-34 age group increased from 8.8% to 10.0%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort decreased from 13.9% to 12.6%. By 2041, Murwillumbah's age composition is expected to shift notably. Leading this change, the 25-34 group is projected to grow by 27%, reaching 972 people from 765. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 55-64 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.