Ulladulla

Ulladulla lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Ulladulla's population is estimated at around 7946 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 684 people (9.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7262 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7437 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 47 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 579 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Ulladulla's 9.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.6%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's regional areas is forecast, with the Ulladulla statistical area (Lv2) expected to increase by 2338 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 23.2% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Ulladulla when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Ulladulla shows around 43 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 216 homes were approved, with a further 20 approved so far in FY-26. This translates to an average of 2.1 new residents per year for each dwelling during this period, indicating robust demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $672,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, Ulladulla has registered $13.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Ulladulla shows 14.0% lower construction activity per person, while it ranks among the 56th percentile nationally. New building activity comprises 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from existing housing patterns (currently 81.0% houses), potentially due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

Ulladulla reflects a transitioning market with around 275 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Ulladulla will gain 1,845 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Ulladulla has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified fifteen projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Ulladulla Bunnings Warehouse, 131 St Vincent Street Mixed-Use Precinct, Ulladulla Harbour Masterplan, and Ulladulla Public School Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Ulladulla recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Ulladulla's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Tourism and hospitality sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 4.4% in September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.7%. The unemployment rate is 0.6% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, with workforce participation at 45.4%, significantly lower than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors include retail trade, accommodation & food, and construction. Retail trade is particularly strong, employing 1.8 times the regional average.

Health care & social assistance employs 13.0% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, while labour force rose by 3.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts indicate overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but sector-specific projections suggest Ulladulla's employment could increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

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

Ulladulla's median taxpayer income is $37,477 and average income is $50,163 in financial year 2023. This is lower than the national averages of $52,390 for median income and $65,215 for average income in Rest of NSW. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $40,797 (median) and $54,607 (average), based on an 8.86% increase from the financial year 2023 Wage Price Index growth. According to the 2021 Census, income percentiles in Ulladulla range between the 3rd and 7th nationally for households, families, and individuals. The $400 - 799 income bracket dominates with 32.4% of residents (2,574 people), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category is predominant at 29.9%. Income pressures are severe due to housing affordability issues, with only 82.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Ulladulla's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 80.9% houses and 19.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ulladulla was at 49.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.1% and rented dwellings at 28.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,579, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Ulladulla was $340, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $350. Nationally, Ulladulla's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 65.6% of all households, consisting of 19.5% couples with children, 32.0% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.4%, with lone person households at 31.8% and group households making up 2.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Ulladulla fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 14.1%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (32.6%).

A substantial 24.0% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.8% in primary, 7.8% in secondary, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

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

Ulladulla has 70 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 30 different routes that together facilitate 418 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is considered good, with residents on average being located 227 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, an average of 59 trips per day is maintained, which works out to approximately 5 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Ulladulla is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Ulladulla faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% (around 3,721 people), compared to 49.1% across the rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 14.4% of residents) and mental health issues (9.4%), while 57.6% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 59.4% in the rest of NSW.

Ulladulla has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 31.1% (2,471 people), compared to 27.8% in the rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges despite performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Ulladulla had a lower cultural diversity, with 85.8% born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 55.3%, compared to 52.6% regionally. The top three ancestral groups were English (32.8%), Australian (30.1%), and Scottish (8.2%).

Notably, Maltese (0.7%) and Macedonian (0.1%) had similar representation to the regional average, but Australian Aboriginal was lower at 3.7% compared to 4.4%.

Ulladulla ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Ulladulla's median age of 50 is higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and the national average of 38. The proportion of residents aged 65-74 stands at 15.9%, exceeding Rest of NSW's percentage and the national average of 9.4%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up 8.8% of Ulladulla's population, lower than Rest of NSW's figure. According to the 2021 Census, Ulladulla's 35-44 age group has increased from 9.7% to 11.0%, while the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 14.3% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Ulladulla's age profile. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 311 people (35%), reaching 1,201 residents from its current total of 889. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 5% (53 people).