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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Murwillumbah is $988k, with units at $410k. House values have moved 5.4% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Murwillumbah has an estimated 7,579 residents, down from 7,616 at the 2021 Census. That puts 632 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's evaluation of broader regional ABS demographic releases alongside 46 validated new addresses logged following the Census, the suburb of Murwillumbah has a population estimated at approximately 7,579 as of Aug 2026. This indicates a contraction of 37 people (0.5%) relative to the 2021 Census tally of 7,616 people. Such adjustments draw on an estimated resident population of 7,575 identified via the ABS ERP figures from June 2025 in conjunction with post-Census address updates. The resulting density stands at 631 persons per square kilometer, leaving substantial physical space per resident and capacity for upcoming residential additions.
Recent population expansion has been predominantly underpinned by overseas migration, which generated roughly 83.0% of total demographic additions. Demographic modelling by AreaSearch incorporates 2024 ABS and Geoscience Australia SA2 projections based on 2022 benchmarks, turning to 2022 NSW State Government SA2 forecasts founded on 2021 baselines where coverage is missing, while applying cohort-specific growth rates across all sectors between 2032 and 2041. Based on these combined SA2 trajectories, the suburb of Murwillumbah is projected to experience a demographic expansion slightly trailing the national regional median, gaining 749 persons by 2041 to register an overall increase of 9.8% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
30 new dwellings have been approved in Murwillumbah over the past five years, an average of 6 a year. That is 0.5 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 3, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Examining statistical area building approval datasets from the ABS, AreaSearch notes that the local area averages roughly 6 residential approvals annually, totaling approximately 30 residential dwellings across the preceding 5 financial years from FY-21 through FY-25, alongside 3 approved during FY-25 to date. Against recent population decreases, this pace of residential development has maintained reasonable relative supply to the benefit of purchasers, with newly constructed homes averaging an expected construction cost of $335,000—below regional benchmarks and offering more attainable choices. Concurrently, commercial approvals have reached $7.6 million over the current financial year, underlining the dominant residential focus of the locality.
Relative to Rest of NSW on a per-capita basis, building activity remains exceptionally subdued at 86.0% below the regional standard, a restriction in fresh supply that typically underpins valuation and interest in existing stock. This output similarly trails nationwide levels, pointing to a mature urban environment and prospective planning controls. Among newly sanctioned residential construction, detached dwellings account for 67.0% while medium and higher density formats constitute 33.0%, delivering an expanding spectrum of townhomes and units across multiple price tiers, spanning family residences to compact options. An estimated ratio of 2161 people per dwelling approval highlights this quiet construction backdrop. According to the most recent quarterly projections from AreaSearch, the local population is expected to expand by 745 residents leading up to 2041. If residential construction volumes remain at current levels, new housing creation could struggle to match community expansion, potentially heightening competition among prospective purchasers and reinforcing upward price momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Murwillumbah
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 4 current infrastructure and development projects inside Murwillumbah, worth an estimated $163 million. A further 59 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $8.74 billion. 14 are already under construction and 19 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and health & medical. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local economic momentum and property dynamics are significantly steered by public works, commercial developments, and urban planning schemes. AreaSearch has pinpointed 7 projects anticipated to influence the immediate area, highlighted by the Murwillumbah Depot, Quarry Business Park, Industry Central Land Swap, and Hundred Hills Estate.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Quarry Business Park
Quarry Business Park is a 6.65-hectare industrial land estate in South Murwillumbah, offering 19 freehold lots ranging from 2,006sqm to 6,799sqm and zoned E4 General Industrial. Located in a historically flood-free growth corridor of the Tweed region near the M1 Motorway, the estate has development approval and construction certificate secured, with civil works underway by contractor SEE Civil. Each lot includes a dedicated pad-mount substation and high-speed NBN access, with completion of civil works expected in late 2025 and title registration targeted for early 2026.The project is being delivered by Inca Property Group as part of its industrial land pipeline across South East Queensland and Northern NSW.
Hundred Hills Estate
A residential estate offering 105 urban lots with panoramic views of Mount Warning and the Border Ranges, located 5 minutes from Murwillumbah town center. Stage 1 with 36 lots completed in 2022, next phase of 35 lots scheduled for 2025, and planning for the final stage to begin in 2026.
Murwillumbah Schools Upgrades
Upgrades to four public schools in Murwillumbah, including refurbished classrooms, specialist spaces, libraries, canteens, and facilities, after cancelling a merger plan and returning separate identities to Murwillumbah High School, Wollumbin High School, Murwillumbah East Public School, and Murwillumbah Public School.
Budd Park Revitalisation
The revitalisation of Budd Park in Murwillumbah has transformed it into an inclusive, flood-resilient riverside park featuring accessible shelters, barbecues, picnic tables, pathways, bike racks, public art, landscaping, and improved drainage following the 2017 and 2022 floods.
The Ecovillage at Currumbin
An award winning 270 acre masterplanned eco community in Currumbin Valley with about 140 homes and extensive shared facilities. Original blocks are sold and most of the village has been completed for several years, with the Village Centre progressing. First homes were completed in 2006 and the wider development is regarded as complete by the mid 2010s.
Terranora Village Estate
A staged residential subdivision creating 217 residential lots with a conservation lot and associated civil works on a 61.87-hectare site. The Northern Regional Planning Panel determined to refuse the development application (DA25/0011) in August 2025 due to ecological impacts on mapped coastal wetlands and a lack of public utility infrastructure capacity.
Brightview
Brightview is a 126-hectare masterplanned community in Terranora, Northern NSW, by Intrapac Property. The development will feature approximately 750 homesites, extensive open space networks, waterways, sports fields, and a retail village centre. It adjoins Terranora Public School and Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School.
147 McAllisters Road Masterplanned Community Site
A 62-hectare elevated land parcel zoned R1 General Residential within the Bilambil Heights Urban Release Area. The site is proposed for a future masterplanned community featuring between 700 to 1,000 dwellings and a mixed-use retail precinct. It offers 360-degree views of the Gold Coast skyline and Pacific Ocean, positioned 13 minutes from the Gold Coast. The project is currently being marketed for sale via Expressions of Interest to potential developers.
3,282 residents of Murwillumbah are employed, from a labour force of 3,453. Unemployment sits at 5.0%, with participation at 55.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Local employment profiles highlight a capable workforce with solid representation in essential services, accompanied by an unemployment rate of 5.0% and an estimated annual job expansion of 2.6% according to AreaSearch statistical aggregations. By March 2026, employed residents numbered 3,282, with the jobless rate tracking 0.8% higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1% and participation trailing at 55.1% against 60.6% regionally. Census returns indicated that just 11.4% of working locals operated from home, though prevailing Covid-19 restrictions at the time should be noted. Primary sectors employing local residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, as well as education & training.
Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for a smaller workforce share at only 2.8%, compared with 5.3% across Regional NSW. Comparing the Census tally of locally active workers against the resident workforce suggests a relatively restricted volume of employment options within the immediate boundary. AreaSearch assessment of broader ABS and SALM figures indicates that throughout the 12 months leading to March 2026, local employment expanded by 2.6% while the labor force grew by 3.6%, lifting the unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded a 0.9% drop in employment alongside a 0.4% contraction in the labor pool, resulting in a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide additional context regarding future workforce requirements. While nationwide employment is anticipated to climb by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, sectoral performance varies; aligning these projections with local workforce proportions suggests employment growth of 6.5% over five years and 13.5% across ten years (representing a simplified illustrative weighting that excludes localized demographic projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Murwillumbah is $1,147 a week (about $60,000 a year), with median personal income at $604 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $41,194 a year against an average of $51,777. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The suburb of Murwillumbah shows a median taxpayer income of $41,194 and an average of $51,777 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $45,445 (median) and $57,120 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Murwillumbah all fall between the 9th and 12th percentiles nationally.
Distribution data shows 28.5% of the population (2,160 individuals) fall within the $400 - 799 income range, differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 8th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Murwillumbah had 2,972 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 76% detached houses and 16% apartments. 33% are owned with a mortgage, 32% rented and 36% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $346 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,733 a month. Rent absorbs 30.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 34.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the most recent Census, separate houses made up 76.0% of local residential dwellings, with alternative formats (including semi-detached properties, units, and other housing categories) representing 24.0%, in contrast to 82.6% standalone houses and 17.4% other formats across Regional NSW. Outright home ownership stood at 36.0%, somewhat below the regional level, while 32.5% of properties carried a mortgage and 31.5% were tenanted. Monthly median mortgage commitments matched the regional standard at $1,733, whereas median weekly rents were $346 compared to $1,733 and $330 across Regional NSW. Across Australia, typical mortgage repayments of $1,863 and rent levels of $375 both sit above local medians.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Murwillumbah counted 2,972 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.4 people each. 24% are couples with children, against 25% couples without children. 31% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the majority of local living arrangements at 65.8%, encompassing couple families with children at 23.9%, couples without offspring at 25.2%, and single parent households at 15.9%. Non-family setups make up the remaining 34.2%, led by single person dwellings at 31.1% and group residences at 2.9%. The area records an average of 2.4 residents per household, aligning with the broader Regional NSW figure.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
20.7% of adults in Murwillumbah hold a university qualification, including 14.6% with a bachelor degree and 3.4% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 29.8% hold a vocational qualification. 9 schools serve the area, with 2,775 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,012 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Attainment levels for higher education present an area for development, with tertiary degree completion at 20.7%, noticeably behind the NSW standard of 32.2%. Among these qualifications, bachelor degrees represent 14.6%, followed by postgraduate study at 3.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.7%. Meanwhile, technical credentials are widely held, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (29.8%). Active participation across study programs is substantial, with 30.6% of the local population engaged in structured education. This proportion includes 11.7% attending primary schools, 9.1% enrolled in secondary schools, and 3.3% undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Murwillumbah reaches 182 stops on 58 routes, timetabled for about 1,200 services a week. The typical home sits about 110 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Transit infrastructure across the locality includes 182 active stops providing bus connections, managed over 58 individual routes that deliver 1,196 weekly passenger trips. Proximity to transit is strong, with typical walking distances of 112 meters to reach a stop. Given the area's predominantly residential makeup, outbound travel is common, with personal vehicles accounting for 92% of journeys and walking representing 5%. Household car ownership sits below regional benchmarks at an average of 1.2 vehicles, while 11.4% of workers operated from home at the 2021 Census during a period influenced by COVID-19.
Transit services provide an average frequency of 170 daily trips across the overall network, equating to roughly 6 weekly services for each transit stop. The accompanying mapping illustrates the 100 closest stops relative to the center of the area.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
62.7% of residents in Murwillumbah report no long-term health condition. 8.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 47.5% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Evaluation of mortality statistics and chronic disease trends by AreaSearch highlights substantial health pressures locally, with common conditions observed across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance uptake remains low, covering roughly 47% of residents (~3,597 people), in contrast to 51.9% throughout Regional NSW and 55.7% across Australia. Mental health conditions and arthritis represent the most prevalent diagnosed concerns, affecting 10.2 and 10.0% of community members respectively, while 62.7% report having no long-term medical conditions compared to 63.3% regionally. Elevated chronic condition rates create notable impacts among working-age individuals.
Seniors aged 65 and over account for 25.6% of the community (1,940 people), exceeding the Regional NSW proportion of 23.3% and registering higher rankings nationally than the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Murwillumbah is largely Australian-born, at 85.8% of residents, with 5.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (31.8%) and Australian (28.0%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Demographic measures indicate below-average cultural diversity, with 85.8% of residents born domestically, 89.6% holding Australian citizenship, and 94.4% using solely English in domestic settings. Christianity represents the leading faith, adhered to by 48.5% of locals. The most noticeable variation above regional norms occurs among individuals identifying with Other religions, who make up 1.7% locally versus 0.8% across Regional NSW. Regarding ancestral background (based on parental birthplaces), the most common lineages comprise English (31.8%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (10.9%). Specific higher representations relative to regional figures include French heritage at 0.7% (compared to 0.4% regionally), Scottish heritage at 8.9% (versus 8.0%), and Welsh ancestry at 0.6% (compared with 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Murwillumbah is 46, older than 82% of areas nationally. 20.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Demographic composition aligns relatively closely with the wider Regional NSW distribution, showing a maximum variation of 2.8 percentage points. The median age is estimated at 46, matching the 2021 Census figure, while sitting 3 years higher than the Regional NSW median of 43 and above the nationwide median of 38 at that Census. Since then, residents aged 0 - 24 have shifted from 27.9% to an estimated 29.2%. Projected growth through 2041 will be led by senior cohorts aged 65+, expanding by 349 residents (18%) to reach 2,289.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Murwillumbah
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 2 months ago all 4 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 46 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (7,616 at the 2021 Census → 7,579 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL12877). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.