Norfolk Island

Norfolk Island lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Norfolk Island is around 2,200, reflecting an increase of 12 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,188. This estimation by AreaSearch follows examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and address validation since the Census date. The current population density is approximately 56 persons per square kilometer. Population growth in the suburb was primarily driven by balanced factors across natural increase and migration patterns. AreaSearch uses a combination of ABS/Geoscience Australia projections and state government data for estimation, with historical growth trends used where specific projections are unavailable.

According to this methodology, projections indicate no overall population change by 2041.

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Norfolk Island has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch's recent evaluation of significant projects and crucial infrastructure for Norfolk Island shows minimal ongoing project activity in the nearby region at present.

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Employment performance in Norfolk Island has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Norfolk Island has a skilled workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate is 0% as of September 2025, based on AreaSearch data aggregation. Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable.

According to Census responses, 8.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for Norfolk Island's residents are accommodation & food, retail trade, and public administration & safety. The area is particularly specialized in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 10.7% of the workforce compared to 19.6% regionally.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparison between working population and local population. Employment trend data compilation for Norfolk Island is currently underway. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide insight into potential future demand within Norfolk Island. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Norfolk Island's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting 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 2023 shows that Norfolk Island has a median income among taxpayers of $0 and an average income of $0. This is below the national average, which stands at $63,573 median and $68,723 average. Census data indicates that household incomes in Norfolk Island are at the 12th percentile, while personal incomes are at the 35th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 29.4% of residents (646 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, which is similar to the metropolitan region where 32.2% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are modest in Norfolk Island, with 87.3% of income retained, but the total disposable income ranks at just the 16th percentile nationally.

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

Norfolk Island's educational qualifications lag behind regional benchmarks. As of 2021, 21.2% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 44.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.8% and certificates for 31.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the 2021 census. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Norfolk Island are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Norfolk Island's health indicators show below-average outcomes. AreaSearch's assessment found common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 0%, compared to 53.8% in NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.0%) and asthma (6.3%), while 71.6% reported no medical ailments, compared to 75.7% nationally. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. There are 0.0% of residents aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, ranking higher than the general population nationally.

Norfolk Island was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Norfolk Island's population showed high cultural diversity, with 29.8% born overseas and 40.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 56.9% of the island's population, compared to 37.6% regionally. The primary ancestry groups were Other (29.7%), Australian (22.2%), and English (21.5%).

Notably, New Zealanders constituted 4.8%, Maori made up 1.7%, and French residents accounted for 0.6%.

Norfolk Island ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Norfolk Island's median age was 46 as of the 2021 Census, slightly higher than Australia's national median age of 38 and the Northern Territory's median age of 43. The age cohorts on Norfolk Island generally resembled those seen across the Northern Territory. Post-2021 Census data indicated a rejuvenation trend with the median age decreasing from 50 to 46 years. Specifically, the percentage of individuals aged 55 to 64 dropped from 18.7% to 0%, and the proportion of those aged 65 to 74 decreased from 14.6% to 0%. By 2032, Norfolk Island's age composition is projected to shift significantly. The 65 to 74 age cohort is expected to grow steadily, increasing by 381 people (from 0 to 381). Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 age cohort is forecast to grow modestly by 0% (adding 63 individuals).