Cumbalum (NSW)

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According to ABS demographic updates for the wider region and recent address validations conducted by Districts after the Census, the suburb of Cumbalum has an estimated population of 2,843 as of May 2026. This indicates a growth of 632 people (28.6%) since the 2021 Census, when the population was recorded at 2,211 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 2,817, which Districts estimated using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) combined with 284 validated new addresses added since the Census date. With this population level, the density stands at 188 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density with ample space per resident and room for potential expansion. The 28.6% population increase in the suburb of Cumbalum since the 2021 census outpaced the SA4 region (3.7%) as well as the Rest of NSW, establishing the area as a regional growth leader. This expansion was driven mostly by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately of the overall population gains in recent times, though other factors such as overseas migration and natural growth also made positive contributions.

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Cumbalum possesses a highly educated labor force with a strong representation in essential services, an unemployment rate sitting at 1.0%, and an estimated employment expansion of 8.7% over the past year, according to Districts aggregated statistical area data. As of March 2026, there are 1,670 residents employed, which keeps the unemployment rate 3.1% below the 4.1% recorded in Regional NSW, while workforce participation is exceptionally high at 76.2% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW. Census data indicates that a moderate 17.6% of employed residents worked from home, although this may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdowns.

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Taxpayer income levels in the suburb of Cumbalum exceed the national average according to ATO figures aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. The median income among local taxpayers is $54,547, and the average income is $72,476, compared to median and average figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Regional NSW. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to approximately $60,176 for median income and $79,956 for average income as of March 2026. The 2021 Census data indicates that household, family, and individual incomes in Cumbalum place the community around the 71st percentile nationwide. The earnings bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 contains 37.1% of the local population (1,054 individuals), which aligns with the surrounding region where fall into the same category. Even though high housing costs account for of income, strong earnings keep disposable income at the th percentile, and the local SEIFA income score falls in the th decile.

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Residential dwelling types in Cumbalum, as recorded at the most recent Census, consisted of 93.7% standalone houses and 6.3% other formats (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to Regional NSW where houses comprised 82.6% and other formats made up 17.4%. The rate of outright home ownership was lower than the Regional NSW average, standing at 32.7%, with the remaining properties occupied by households with a mortgage (48.2%) or renting tenants (19.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, coming in at $2,167, while the median weekly rent was $610 compared to $330 in Regional NSW. Nationally, mortgage payments in Cumbalum are considerably higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are well above the national median of $375.

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Families represent the vast majority of local households at 86.4%, which is composed of couples with children at 44.8%, couples without children at 29.9%, and single parent households at 10.3%. Non-family households account for the remaining 13.6%, consisting of single-person households at 10.8% and group households representing 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 individuals is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The local educational profile is highly distinctive within the region, with university graduation rates (29.1% of residents aged 15+) sitting above the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 regional average of 24.3%, demonstrating a strong local commitment to tertiary studies. Bachelor degrees represent the most common qualification at 20.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational and technical training is also highly prevalent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (28.1%).

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Public transport data shows 9 active transit stops within Cumbalum, consisting of bus services. These stops are connected by 10 distinct routes, which combine to offer 154 passenger trips per week. Transit accessibility is classified as good, with residents living an average of 238 meters from their nearest stop. Because of the residential profile of the area, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars representing the main transport mode at 98%. The average number of motor vehicles per household is 1.9, which exceeds the regional average. In the 2021 Census, 17.6% of residents worked from home, which may reflect pandemic-related travel restrictions.

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Health indicators demonstrate very favorable outcomes across Cumbalum, according to Districts evaluations of mortality rates and chronic disease frequency, with low incidence of common health issues across all age brackets. The rate of private health insurance is high, covering approximately 56% of the population (~1,579 people), compared to 51.9% for Regional NSW.

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Cumbalum displays a lower level of cultural diversity than average, with 85.1% of residents born in Australia, 90.6% holding citizenship, and 93.0% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 50.4% of the local population. However, the most pronounced religious overrepresentation is Buddhism, which is practiced by 1.7% of residents compared to 0.9% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 37 years in Cumbalum is notably lower than the Regional NSW average of 43 and closely matches the national average of 38 years. The local age distribution features a high concentration of 35 - 44 year-olds (16.2%), while the cohort aged 75 - 84 is relatively small (4.3%) compared to Regional NSW. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has increased from 11.1% to 12.3%. In contrast, the group aged 5 to 14 has fallen from 16.2% to 14.2%, and the cohort aged 45 to 54 declined from 13.8% to 12.3%. Looking forward to population projections indicate notable changes in the age profile, with the to cohort expected to grow by people (), rising from to .

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Cumbalum currently has an estimated 201 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 88 children aged 0-2 and 59 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 36% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 35% by 2041 (to approximately 271 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 266. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.5 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.