Murwillumbah

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

The population of Murwillumbah is estimated at around 7,650 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 7,616 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of a resident population of 7,582 in June 2024 and 43 new addresses validated since the Census date. The population density ratio is 637 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Murwillumbah has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%, outpacing its SA4 region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities, with Murwillumbah expected to grow by 762 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 9.1% 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 around 11 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years from FY-20 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 59 homes. As of FY-26, one approval has been recorded so far. The area's population decline has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $599,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY-26, $7.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to the rest of NSW, Murwillumbah has approximately half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 15th percentile nationally, offering more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. New building activity comprises 91% detached houses and 9% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1083 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate Murwillumbah will gain 694 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Murwillumbah Depot, Quarry Business Park, Industry Central Land Swap, and Hundred Hills Estate. The following 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.

The employment landscape in Murwillumbah shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Murwillumbah has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.4% as of December 2025. This rate is 0.4% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Murwillumbah was 54.7%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, only 11.4% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries include 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%. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, Murwillumbah's labour force decreased by 0.5% and employment declined by 0.4%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Murwillumbah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Murwillumbah had a median taxpayer income of $41,194 and an average income of $51,777. These figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively in Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes in Murwillumbah as of September 2025 would be approximately $44,844 and $56,364 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Murwillumbah all fall between the 9th and 12th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment in Murwillumbah comprises 28.5% earning $400 - $799 weekly (2,180 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

In Murwillumbah, as per the latest Census, 76.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 24.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murwillumbah stood at 36.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.5% and rented ones at 31.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Regional NSW's average, while the median weekly rent was $346, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Murwillumbah's mortgage repayments were lower than 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 account for 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 aligns with the Regional 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 NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 10.8% and certificates for 29.8%. Educational participation is high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.7% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 58 different routes that together facilitate 881 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 112 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility. In this predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 92% of residents, with walking accounting for 5%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 11.4% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 125 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately four weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this data, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Murwillumbah is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Murwillumbah faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,631 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues impact 10.2% of residents, while arthritis affects 10.0%, with 62.7% declaring themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 25.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,912 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW.

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% of its population born in Australia, 89.6% being citizens, and 94.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 48.5%. The 'Other' category showed overrepresentation at 1.7%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.8%.

Top ancestry groups were English (31.8%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (10.9%). French (0.7% vs regional 0.4%), Scottish (8.9% vs 8.0%), and Welsh (0.6% vs 0.5%) showed notable divergences in representation.

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

Murwillumbah has a median age of 46, which is higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and significantly greater than the national average of 38. The age group of 45-54 accounts for 12.3% of Murwillumbah's population, compared to Regional NSW, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 11.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.8% to 10.5%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.6% to 11.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.9% to 12.5%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 13.5% to 12.2%. By the year 2041, Murwillumbah's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 26%, reaching 821 people from 650. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.