Nimbin

Population growth drivers in Nimbin are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, Nimbin's population was estimated at around 1,868 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 261 people from the 2021 Census figure of 1,607 people, marking a 16.2% growth. AreaSearch's estimate is based on resident population data of 1,852 derived from latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024 and additional 62 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 25 persons per square kilometer. Nimbin's growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (0.5%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56% to 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, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from these aggregations for years 2032 to 2041. According to demographic trends, above median population growth is projected for regional areas nationally, with Nimbin expected to increase by 226 persons to reach a total of 2,094 by 2041, reflecting an overall decline of 0.4% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Nimbin recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Nimbin has seen approximately 30 new homes approved per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 150 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved so far in FY26. This suggests that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of these dwellings is $419,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. There have also been $1.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Nimbin has 557.0% more building activity per person, which should provide buyers with ample choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This high level of activity is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area.

The majority of new building activity consists of standalone homes at 96.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 4.0%, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking space. With approximately 136 people per approval, Nimbin reflects a developing area. Population projections show stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers in the future.

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

No infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area. Key projects include the Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025, South Queensland Correctional Facilities Expansion, and the Building Future Hospitals Program.

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Employment conditions in Nimbin face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Nimbin has an educated workforce with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 8.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025685 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.6% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Nimbin lags at 39.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance has a strong presence with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Public administration & safety has limited presence at 3.7%, compared to 7.5% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Nimbin's labour force decreased by 3.1% alongside a 2.0% employment decline, causing unemployment to fall by 1.0 percentage points. Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points during the same period. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Nimbin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that median income in Nimbin is $30,081 and average income is $38,375. This is lower than the national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Nimbin would be approximately $32,746 and average income would be around $41,775 by the latter date. Census data shows that incomes in Nimbin fall between the 0th and 2nd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income brackets reveal that 36.5% of residents (681 people) earn between $400 and $799 weekly, unlike regional trends where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 range. The concentration of 50.2% in sub-$800 brackets highlights economic challenges faced by a significant portion of Nimbin's community. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 2nd percentile nationally.

Nimbin is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Nimbin's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.6% houses and 5.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 86.8% houses and 13.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nimbin stood at 55.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.3% and rented ones at 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,199, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,452. Median weekly rent in Nimbin was $300, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Nimbin's mortgage repayments were well below the Australian average of $1,863.

Nimbin features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 49.9% of all households, consisting of 15.0% couples with children, 20.2% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 50.1%, with lone person households at 43.2% and group households making up 6.0%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Nimbin exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 30.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA3 area average of 20.9% and that of Rest of NSW at 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 14.1% and certificates for 26.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 37.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.4% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Nimbin has 84 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These are served by 16 different routes that together facilitate 225 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 240 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 32 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Nimbin faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 42% (788 people), compared to 46.8% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues affect 13.1% of residents, while arthritis impacts 10.2%.

63.1% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the 61.9% in Rest of NSW. The area has 24.6% (459 people) aged 65 and over, higher than the 22.9% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Nimbin's cultural diversity was found to be below average. Its population is predominantly Australian-born citizens who speak English at home: 74.6% are citizens, 80.3% were born in Australia, and 91.9% speak only English at home. The dominant religion in Nimbin is Christianity, practiced by 17.1% of the population.

Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 2.9%, compared to 1.1% across the rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (30.8%), Australian (20.5%) - lower than the regional average of 30.2% - and Irish (12.8%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Scottish is overrepresented at 11.2%, Dutch at 2.2%, and French at 0.9%.

Nimbin ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Nimbin has a median age of 50, which is higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and well above the national average of 38. The 55-64 age group makes up 19.6% of Nimbin's population, compared to 12.7% in the Rest of NSW and 11.2% nationally. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 8.2%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the 75-84 age group grew from 4.5% to 6.3%, while the 55-64 group declined from 21.2% to 19.6% and the 5-14 group dropped from 11.2% to 9.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Nimbin's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 36 people (31%), from 117 to 154. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 50% of total population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts.