Merimbula (NSW)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Merimbula's population is estimated at around 3,853 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 32 people (0.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,821 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,849, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 213 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. The suburb of Merimbula's 0.8% growth since census positions it within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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A skilled workforce characterizes Merimbula, with a strong presence in essential services and an unemployment rate of only 2.8% based on localized data. Employment figures for March 2026 show 1,765 residents in active jobs, keeping the unemployment rate 1.3% lower than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%, while workforce participation is notably lower at 52.8% compared to the state regional average of 60.6%. Census records indicate that 15.0% of the working population operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic lockdowns.

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According to postcode tax data from the 2023 financial year, Merimbula taxpayers recorded a median income of $46,125 and an average income of $59,827. These amounts are below national benchmarks, contrasting with a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Factoring in a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current estimates for March 2026 stand at roughly $50,885 for median income and $66,001 for average income. Census data ranks household earnings at the 9th percentile, while individual earnings are slightly higher at the 30th percentile. Income distribution details show that 27.8% of the community (1,071 individuals) earn between $400 - 799, whereas the broader surrounding region is dominated by the - range at . Affordability constraints are highly pronounced, with residents retaining only of their income, placing the area in the th percentile nationally and the th decile on the SEIFA income index.

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The housing stock in Merimbula at the time of the last Census consisted of 59.4% detached houses and 40.6% alternative housing types, such as apartments and semi-detached properties, which differs from the Regional NSW profile of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Outright home ownership in Merimbula was higher than the regional average at 43.3%, while mortgaged properties accounted for 23.6% and rented properties made up 33.1%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,517 was lower than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $310 compared to the regional figure of $330. On a national scale, Merimbula's mortgage payments sit well below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also far below the national median of $375.

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Families make up 55.7% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 14.4%, couples without children at 31.9%, and single parents at 8.8%. The remaining 44.3% are non-family households, with single-person households representing 41.0% and group houses accounting for 3.1%. The median household size of 2.0 individuals is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Formal qualifications among Merimbula residents are lower than regional averages, with 23.6% of people aged 15+ holding a tertiary degree compared to 32.2% across NSW. Among these degrees, bachelor level qualifications are the most common at 16.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.1%. Vocational education is highly represented, with 40.2% of the population aged 15+ possessing technical qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 28.1%.

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Local transit options include 58 active bus stops within Merimbula, which are serviced by 27 distinct routes that run a total of 256 weekly passenger trips. Access to public transit is highly rated, with residents living an average of 159 meters from the closest stop. Commuting patterns reflect the residential nature of the area, with 88% of working residents driving to work, 8% walking, and average vehicle ownership at 1.1 cars per household, which is below the regional norm. Additionally, 15.0% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic measures.

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Health assessments indicate notable medical challenges in the area based on mortality data and chronic illness rates across various age brackets, while private health insurance coverage is relatively low at approximately 51% of the population, representing about 1,950 people, compared to the national benchmark of 55.7%.

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The population shows lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with 82.4% of residents born in Australia, 89.1% holding citizenship, and 94.5% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 45.6% of the community, while the most distinct overrepresentation is seen in Judaism, which accounts for 0.3% of residents compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 54 years in Merimbula is much higher than the Regional NSW median of 43 and the national average of 38. The 75 - 84 age bracket is highly represented at 13.1% locally, compared to the regional average, while children aged 5 - 14 are underrepresented at 7.8%. The local concentration of residents aged 75 - 84 is also higher than the national figure of 6.1%. Between the 2021 Census and the current period, the 75 to 84 cohort expanded from 11.3% to 13.1% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort rose from 8.6% to 10.3%, while the to demographic fell from to . By demographic shifts are expected to increase the number of residents aged + by individuals (), growing from to while the to age bracket is projected to decline by residents.

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Merimbula currently has an estimated 154 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 92 children aged 0-2 and 62 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 19% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 14% by 2041 (to approximately 176 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 278. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 6.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.