Murwillumbah (NSW)

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According to ABS demographic updates for the wider region and recent address validations conducted by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Murwillumbah has an estimated population of 7,577 as of May 2026. This represents a reduction of 39 residents (0.5%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 7,616 individuals. This population adjustment is determined from the resident count of 7,577, computed by Districts using the ABS release of ERP data in June 2025 alongside 45 newly validated addresses since the Census date. With this population level, the density stands at 631 persons per square kilometer, indicating substantial space per inhabitant and opportunities for future development. Overseas migration was the primary driver of demographic growth, accounting for approximately 83.0% of total gains in recent times.

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The suburb of Murwillumbah possesses a qualified labor force with strong representation in vital services, an unemployment rate of 4.9%, and an annual employment growth estimate of 2.7% compiled by Districts from local statistical data. By March 2026, employed residents numbered 3,292, with the unemployment rate tracking 0.8% higher than the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, and labor market participation trailing notably at 55.3% versus 60.6% in Regional NSW. Census data indicates a modest 11.4% of residents worked from their homes, though this may have been influenced by pandemic lockdowns.

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The latest postcode-level ATO data from Districts for financial year 2023 indicates that personal earnings in the suburb of Murwillumbah are below the national average, with a median of $41,194 and an average of $51,777. This compares to a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Factoring in a Wage Price Index rise of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be roughly $45,445 for the median and $57,120 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Murwillumbah ranked between the 9th and 12th percentiles across the country. Looking at the brackets, 28.5% of the population (2,159 individuals) earn between $400 - 799, whereas the metropolitan area is led by the - bracket at . Affordability constraints are significant, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile.

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Residential structures in the suburb of Murwillumbah at the time of the latest Census consisted of 76.0% detached houses and 24.0% alternative dwellings such as apartments, townhouses, and other formats, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% alternative dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Murwillumbah trailed Regional NSW slightly at 36.0%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (32.5%) or renting (31.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment matched the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $346, compared to Regional NSW figures of $1,733 and $330. Nationally, mortgage costs in the suburb of Murwillumbah sit below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are lower than the national median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 65.8%, consisting of couples with children at 23.9%, couples without children at 25.2%, and single parents at 15.9%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 34.2%, with single-person households at 31.1% and group homes at 2.9%. The median household size of 2.4 individuals matches the Regional NSW average.

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The suburb of Murwillumbah experiences some educational disparities, with university graduation rates at 20.7%, which is well below the NSW average of 32.2%. This situation presents an opportunity for targeted educational support. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.7%. Vocational qualifications are prominent, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 29.8%.

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Analysis of transit options indicates 182 transport stops are available in the suburb of Murwillumbah, consisting of bus services. These stops are utilized by 58 different routes, offering 881 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is excellent, with residents living an average of 112 meters from their nearest stop. Because of the residential nature of the area, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars being the primary mode at 92%, and 5% of people walking. Car ownership averages 1.2 per household, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 11.4% of residents worked from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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The suburb of Murwillumbah shows notable health challenges based on Districts analysis of mortality rates and chronic illnesses, which affect both younger and older cohorts, combined with a very low private health insurance rate of roughly 47% of the population (around 3,596 people). This compares to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity in the suburb of Murwillumbah is lower than average, with 85.8% of residents born in Australia, 89.6% holding citizenship, and 94.4% using only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 48.5% of the population. The most notable statistical variance is in the Other category, which accounts for 1.7% of residents compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

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With a median age of 46, the suburb of Murwillumbah is older than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38. The 45 - 54 age bracket is highly represented at 12.4% compared to Regional NSW, while the 25 - 34 bracket is less common at 9.8%. Post-2021 Census updates indicate that the 15 to 24 age bracket grew from 9.6% to 11.4%. In contrast, the 55 to 64 group declined from 13.9% to 12.6% and the 85+ demographic fell from 5.0% to 3.8%. By 2041, the age distribution is expected to shift, led by a growth in the to bracket (adding people) to reach from while the to and to demographics are projected to shrink.

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Murwillumbah currently has an estimated 409 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 241 children aged 0-2 and 160 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 12% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 14% by 2041 (to approximately 467 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 734. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 7.9 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.