Chart Color Schemes
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
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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Norfolk Island has an estimated 2,193 residents. Growth has averaged 0.8% a year over five years, slower than 90% of areas nationally. Density is about 57 people per 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
An evaluation of regional ABS updates alongside post-Census address validations conducted by AreaSearch places the population of the suburb of Norfolk Island at approximately 2,193 as of Aug 2026. This represents a slight rise of 5 people (0.2%) from the 2,188 people recorded in the 2021 Census. AreaSearch arrived at this 2,193 resident estimate by reviewing address validations since the Census date together with the ABS June 2025 ERP release. With 56 persons per square kilometer, the locality maintains a low-density living environment with generous personal space, while demographic gains have been supported equally by natural changes and migration.
Future demographic trajectories modeled by AreaSearch incorporate state data and ABS/Geoscience Australia series, relying on past growth patterns when localized forecasts are absent. Under this forecasting approach, the suburb of Norfolk Island is anticipated to experience a general demographic contraction, with projections showing no net gain in residents by 2041.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Over the preceding five years, the area recorded no building approvals for new residences. Residential construction remains essentially nonexistent despite the established character of the locality. While such constrained additions to the housing stock can help preserve existing asset values, they may also point to market sluggishness or regulatory development controls.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Norfolk Island
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 82 current infrastructure and development projects close to Norfolk Island, worth an estimated $4.69 billion. 20 are already under construction and 22 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and transport & logistics. 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
Strategic planning policies, major civil works, and infrastructure upgrades serve as key drivers of regional growth. Current project tracking by AreaSearch highlights modest major infrastructure activity taking place within the immediate vicinity.
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
Sharpes Beach Carpark Upgrade
Upgrade of Sharpes Beach carpark facilities including additional parking spaces, improved access, and environmental sustainability measures.
Aureus Village
New beachfront village with 200 residential lots, a neighbourhood retail centre, landscaped parklands, playgrounds, and walking/cycling trails. Aims to be a balanced coastal luxury and relaxed living environment.
Lusso
Melbourne-based developer CADRE's LUSSO project in Byron Bay includes six luxury town homes with private pools.
Aureus Townhomes
A $21.5-million residential development by Intrapac Property involving demolition of a sales office and construction of a two-storey multi-dwelling housing development comprising 25 dwellings (13 three-bedroom and 12 four-bedroom townhouses), each with double garages, ocean views, passive cooling features, associated earthworks, retaining walls, landscaping, and infrastructure works. Part of the broader Aureus Estate master-planned community at Skennars Head.
Aureus Village Centre - Skennars Head
Two lot Torrens Title subdivision to create 1 x 6,402m2 Lot (Proposed Lot 1) and 1 x 6,649m2 Lot (Proposed Lot 2). Construction of a mixed use development (Commercial/Residential) on Proposed Lot 1 comprising 3 retail premises, 5 food and drink premises and 17 shop top housing dwellings, and associated car parking, landscaping and infrastructure works, and subsequent Stratum subdivision and Strata Title subdivision.
Mixed-Use Development at 21 Aureus Boulevard, Skennars Head
Two-lot subdivision for a mixed-use development, including 3 retail premises, 5 food and drink premises, and 17 shop-top housing dwellings, with associated parking, landscaping, and infrastructure.
Tennyson Street Upgrade
Council has extended Tennyson Street to connect with Gilmore Crescent near the Byron Bay Skate Park to support a future NSW emergency services precinct. Road construction finished in July 2025, with opening pending completion of lighting, line marking and signage. The upgrade improves pedestrian and cycle links through the Sandhills precinct and adds 33 new parking spaces.
Waves Motel Lawson St, Byron Bay
New luxury hotel in Byron Bay with 76 rooms, rooftop bar, pool, spa, and parking for 110 vehicles. Includes demolition of existing motel and refurbishment of another.
Detail
Local workforce figures compiled across statistical areas by AreaSearch show a skilled talent base with strong hospitality and tourism activity, a negligible jobless rate of essentially no unemployment, and stable year-on-year employment conditions. As of March 2026, no residents are recorded in employment. Census returns indicate that only 8.0% of local workers operated from home, though pandemic-related movement restrictions must be taken into account. Accommodation & food, retail trade, and public administration & safety represent the primary sectors employing local residents. Accommodation & food features heavily, with participation reaching 1.4 times the regional benchmark.
Conversely, public administration & safety accounts for only 10.7% of workers locally, trailing the 19.6% recorded across Other Territories. Comparing the local resident count with Census workplace figures suggests a substantial proportion of workers travel beyond the immediate area for employment. While historical labor market series are currently being assembled for the locality, broader guidance on future hiring requirements can be drawn from the Mar-26 national employment projections by Jobs and Skills Australia. Calibrating these five- and ten-year national trajectories against the local industry profile provides an indicative outlook. Against nationwide gains projected at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years across varying industries, applying these sector-level expectations to the local workforce mix suggests employment expansion of 5.9% across five years and 12.3% across ten years, noting this represents an unadjusted weighted projection rather than a population-adjusted forecast.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Norfolk Island is $1,184 a week (about $62,000 a year), with median personal income at $736 a week. 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
Postcode-level ATO statistics for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch indicate no median or average taxable earnings among local taxpayers. These figures fall below national standards and contrast with the median of $63,573 and average of $68,723 observed across Other Territories. According to 2021 Census metrics, household income places in the 12th percentile, whereas personal earnings reach the 35th percentile. Around 29.4% of the population (644 individuals) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket, closely aligning with the regional share of 32.2%. Although households preserve 87.3% of earnings after housing outlays, overall disposable income sits at the 16th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Norfolk Island had 898 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 98% detached houses and 1% apartments. 26% are owned with a mortgage, 31% rented and 44% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $240 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 20.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 25.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census records show that standalone houses constitute 97.6% of local dwellings, with the remaining 2.4% comprising other categories such as apartments and semi-detached properties, compared to 83.3% houses and 16.6% other forms across Other Territories. Full home ownership stands at 43.6%, markedly outperforming regional levels, while mortgaged properties account for 25.6% and rental housing represents 30.8%. Typical monthly mortgage payments equal the Other Territories benchmark at $1,300, whereas median weekly rents reach $240 against $200 regionally and $1,300 for regional mortgages. By contrast, local financing costs and rents sit well below Australian medians of $1,863 for mortgages and $375 for weekly rents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Norfolk Island counted 898 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.1 people each. 19% are couples with children, fewer than in 90% of areas nationally, against 32% couples without children. 38% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 60.0% of local living arrangements, consisting of couples without children (31.5%), couples with children (18.6%), and single parent households (8.5%). Non-family residences comprise the remaining 40.0%, predominantly consisting of lone person dwellings at 38.0% alongside group households at 2.3%. The typical household size is 2.1 people, tracking below the Other Territories benchmark of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
21.2% of adults in Norfolk Island hold a university qualification, including 14.5% with a bachelor degree and 4.3% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 31.3% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 291 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 998 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
Tertiary educational attainment trails nationwide figures, with 21.2% of individuals aged 15+ holding higher education degrees compared to 30.4% across Australia, pointing to opportunities for upskilling. Bachelor degrees account for the largest share at 14.5%, followed by postgraduate credentials at 4.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational and technical qualifications are widespread, held by 44.1% of residents aged 15+, consisting of certificates (31.3%) and advanced diplomas (12.8%). Engagement in formal learning is substantial, encompassing 28.7% of the population. Among those studying, 12.0% attend primary school, 8.5% are enrolled in secondary education, and 2.2% are engaged in tertiary courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Norfolk Island means driving: households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
71.6% of residents in Norfolk Island report no long-term health condition. 4.6% need daily assistance with core activities. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of chronic illness and mortality metrics point to softer health indicators overall, with common ailments slightly elevated across older and younger cohorts, while private medical coverage is virtually nonexistent, accounting for no recorded coverage among residents (~no residents), compared to 53.8% across Other Territories and 55.7% nationally. Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 8.0 and 6.3% of the community respectively, while 71.6% of residents reported having no medical conditions, compared to 75.7% across Other Territories. The working-age population exhibits strong baseline health with minimal chronic issues.
No residents are aged 65 and over (no residents), and older demographic health indicators rank exceptionally well relative to nationwide standards.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
29.8% of Norfolk Island residents were born overseas and 40.7% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 75% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (22.2%) and English (21.5%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity is pronounced compared to most areas, with overseas-born individuals making up 29.8% of the populace and 40.7% using a non-English language in their households. Christianity is the primary faith, observed by 56.9% of residents relative to 37.6% across Other Territories. Looking at parental heritage, the most frequently reported backgrounds are Other (29.7%), Australian (22.2%), and English (21.5%). Specific cultural representations also exceed regional averages, including New Zealand heritage at 4.8% (against 2.8% regionally), Maori ancestry at 1.7% (compared to 1.0%), and French background at 0.6% (versus 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Norfolk Island is 46, older than 91% of areas nationally. That is 4 years younger than at the 2021 Census. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The local age distribution aligns closely with broader Other Territories patterns, showing no percentage point variance at its widest divergence. The median age stands at approximately 46, dropping from 50 in the 2021 Census, while remaining 3 years older than the Other Territories median of 43 and above the nationwide median of 38 recorded at that Census. Since then, the proportion of residents aged 45 - 64 has dropped from 32.3% to essentially no representation. Over the period to 2032, senior cohorts aged 65+ are anticipated to experience the primary expansion, increasing by 826 residents (no percentage change) to reach 826.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Norfolk Island
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 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 last month 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 last month 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 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| 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 Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 months ago all 2 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 May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 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) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago 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. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (2,188 at the 2021 Census → 2,193 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 (SAL90004). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.