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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
Sales Activity
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Population
Tullimbar 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 population of Tullimbar is estimated at around 3,171. This reflects a growth of 1,331 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,840. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,591 following examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and an additional 335 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 684 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Tullimbar's growth rate of 72.3% since the 2021 census exceeded that of Rest of NSW (5.9%) and its SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors.
AreaSearch's projections for Tullimbar, based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, predict exceptional growth placing it in the top 10 percent of national non-metropolitan areas by 2041. The area is expected to grow by 1,326 persons over this period, reflecting an increase of 12.1% in total population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Tullimbar among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide
Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Tullimbar has experienced around 71 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 358 homes were approved, with an additional 41 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 1.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five financial years.
The supply and demand dynamics seem well-matched, fostering stable market conditions. New properties are constructed at an average value of $444,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, $134,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Tullimbar records 355.0% more new home approvals per person, providing buyers with ample choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This activity is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area.
Recent construction comprises 57.0% detached dwellings and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, showing an expanding range of medium-density options. This creates a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns which are currently 86.0% houses. With around 45 people per dwelling approval, Tullimbar shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate that Tullimbar will gain 383 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Tullimbar has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally
Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified four projects potentially impacting the area: Tripoli Way Extension, Albion Park Rail Residential Development - Riverside Estate, Con O'Keefe and Russell Street Precinct Master Plan, Cascadia Calderwood. The following details projects likely most relevant.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Regional Multi-Sports, Aquatics & Leisure Facility
The Regional Multi-Sports, Aquatics & Leisure Facility is a priority advocacy project for Shellharbour City Council aimed at addressing the long-term sporting and recreational needs of the Illawarra region. The proposed development involves a phased approach to create an all-purpose indoor and outdoor hub, featuring a state-of-the-art aquatic center and multi-sport courts. The project is designed to serve as a headquarters for regional sports associations and host major events, ensuring equitable access for diverse community groups. Current efforts focus on securing state and federal funding while progressing a comprehensive business case and community consultation to ensure financial sustainability.
Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone
The Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone is a Commonwealth-declared area covering 1,022 square kilometres in the Pacific Ocean, located 20km to 45km off the NSW coast between Wombarra and Kiama. Declared on 15 June 2024, the zone has a potential generation capacity of 2.9 GW, enough to power approximately 1.8 million homes. Following a competitive application process in late 2024, Corio Generation Australia was awarded the first feasibility licence in December 2025. This allows for seven years of detailed environmental assessments, geotechnical surveys, and community consultation to determine the technical and commercial viability of a large-scale floating offshore wind farm.
Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy
State-wide NSW planning reforms to enable diverse low and mid-rise housing, including dual occupancies, terraces, townhouses, and apartment buildings up to 6 storeys. The policy applies to residential zones within 800m of 171 nominated transport hubs and town centres. Stage 1 (dual occupancies) commenced 1 July 2024, and Stage 2 (mid-rise apartments and terraces) commenced 28 February 2025. In June 2025, further amendments adjusted aircraft noise thresholds and clarified storey definitions to expand the policy's reach. The initiative is expected to facilitate approximately 112,000 additional homes by 2030.
Mariyung Fleet (New Intercity Fleet)
The Mariyung Fleet is a 610-carriage double-deck electric train fleet (D sets) replacing the aging V-set fleet across the NSW intercity network. Delivered by the RailConnect consortium, the trains feature 2x2 seating, charging ports, dedicated luggage/bicycle spaces, and enhanced accessibility with wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets. The fleet operates in 4, 6, 8, or 10-car formations. Passenger services commenced on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line on 3 December 2024 and the Blue Mountains Line on 13 October 2025. South Coast Line services are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026. The project includes the Kangy Angy Maintenance Facility and extensive corridor upgrades such as platform extensions and signaling modifications.
Con O'Keefe and Russell Street Precinct Master Plan
A comprehensive master plan adopted by Shellharbour City Council in May 2024 to revitalize Con O'Keefe Park and Russell Street Precinct in Albion Park. The project includes library extension, new amenities building, community garden relocation, improved sports facilities with lighting, upgraded playgrounds, skate plaza, fitness stations, enhanced landscaping and accessibility improvements. The master plan will be delivered in stages over multiple years to serve the growing community needs.
Shellharbour Airport Master Plan Upgrades
Comprehensive long-term development planning for Shellharbour Airport. The Master Plan (adopted May 2024) evaluates current infrastructure and considers future needs, proposing three scenarios for expanding commercial airline operations (medium or large aircraft) and establishing a vibrant business hub. The next stage, active for up to 2 years, involves detailed safety and business cases for expanded operations, including modelling and analysis of impacts like aircraft noise and flight paths. Prior infrastructure work, including a new terminal and the initial stage of the Aviation Business Park, was part of a $20.35 million upgrade. Future upgrades could include runway lengthening, terminal enhancements, and additional parking, depending on the viability assessment.
Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan 2041
The strategic blueprint for the region's transport network to 2041, comprising 71 initiatives to support a population of 505,000. Key projects include the $1.9 billion Princes Highway Upgrade program, Mount Ousley interchange, Picton Road upgrade, and rail improvements (More Trains, More Services). The plan targets a '30-minute city' vision, ensuring 20% of trips are made by walking, cycling, or public transport, and improving freight connections to Western Sydney.
Tripoli Way Extension
Construction of the final stage of the Tripoli Way Extension to create an uninterrupted travel route connecting Terry Street in the east to the Illawarra Highway at Broughton Avenue in the west, bypassing the Albion Park town centre. The project includes widening to four lanes to Calderwood Road and two lanes to Tongarra Road at Tullimbar. This will reduce traffic congestion on the Illawarra Highway/Tongarra Road and improve connectivity to growing communities like Tullimbar and Calderwood Valley. Early electrical works began February 2025. The full scope, including the Terry Street intersection upgrade, is now funded as part of a $74 million project.
Employment
The labour market in Tullimbar demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia
Tullimbar's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.7% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.7%.
This rate is below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, with a workforce participation rate of 67.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. As of Census responses in September 2025, 27.9% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.
Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.4% versus the regional average of 5.3%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.7%, while labour force increased by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Tullimbar. These projections estimate local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific growth rates against Tullimbar's employment mix.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2023, the suburb of Tullimbar had a median income among taxpayers of $62,211 with the average level standing at $72,708. This is above the national average and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $67,723 (median) and $79,150 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 77th percentile nationally in Tullimbar. Family income ranks at the 78th percentile and personal income ranks at the 79th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 42.8% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,357 residents). This pattern is also seen regionally where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 18.9% of income in Tullimbar. However, strong earnings still place disposable income at the 74th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Tullimbar is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region
Tullimbar's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.1% houses and 13.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tullimbar stood at 23.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 56.9% and rented ones at 20.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,383, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Tullimbar was $520, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Tullimbar's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,383 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Tullimbar features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households account for 85.4% of all households, including 43.1% couples with children, 29.0% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 14.6%, with lone person households at 13.4% and group households comprising 1.3%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
The educational profile of Tullimbar exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics
The area's university qualification rate is 22.1%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives in the region. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 16.0% of residents holding such qualifications, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 46.9% having acquired them, including advanced diplomas at 12.7% and certificates at 34.2%.
Educational participation is notably high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.3% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Tullimbar has 11 operational public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These are covered by five different routes offering 146 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated highly, with residents typically residing 174 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward, primarily by car (97%). Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, exceeding regional norms. Notably, 27.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census).
Service frequency averages 20 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 13 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health outcomes in Tullimbar are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts
Tullimbar shows below-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment as of 17th June 2021. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.
Private health cover is very high at approximately 56% (~1,764 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW. The most common conditions are asthma (9.0%) and mental health issues (8.7%). 68.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. 10.4% of residents are aged 65 and over (329 people), lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Tullimbar ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Tullimbar's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.2% of its population born in Australia, 92.8% being citizens, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Tullimbar, making up 54.8% of people, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (29.8%), English (29.0%), and Scottish (7.3%).
Notably, Spanish (1.0%) is overrepresented in Tullimbar compared to the regional average of 0.3%, as are Maltese (1.8% vs 0.4%) and Macedonian (0.8% vs 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Tullimbar hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide
Tullimbar's median age is 31, which is younger than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and Australia's average of 38 years. The 35-44 age group constitutes 19.0% of Tullimbar's population compared to Rest of NSW, while the 55-64 cohort makes up 5.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 16.2% to 19.0%, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 7.2% to 5.6%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 10.6% to 9.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Tullimbar's age structure. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 23 people (from 602 to 743), while both the 55-64 and 85+ age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.