Urunga (NSW)

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According to evaluations of ABS demographics data for the wider region, along with newer address validations by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Urunga has a population of approximately 3,241 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 56 people (1.8%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 3,185 residents. The estimate is drawn from an Districts resident figure of 3,235, determined via the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) plus 43 validated new addresses since the Census. This count indicates a density of 66 persons per square kilometer, showing a low-density pattern with capacity for expansion. The suburb of Urunga's post-census growth of 1.8% is within 1.9 percentage points of the surrounding SA3 region (3.7%), demonstrating solid progress. Net migration from abroad drove population expansion, representing about 64.0% of recent population increases.

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The locality possesses a skilled workforce with strong representation in key service sectors, showing an unemployment rate of 3.8% and annual job growth of 1.1%, compiled by Districts from regional statistics. In March 2026, 1,248 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.3% lower than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%. Workforce participation is low at 45.9% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW. Census data showed that a modest 12.7% of employed residents worked from home, though pandemic lockdowns during that period should be kept in mind.

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According to postcode-level ATO tax statistics compiled by Districts for financial year 2023, the suburb of Urunga has a median taxpayer income of $42,187 and an average income of $52,057. These levels are below the national average, as well as the Regional NSW median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Incorporating Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of approximately $46,541 for the median and $57,429 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Urunga rank between the 5th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income distribution is dominated by the $400 - 799 weekly bracket, which accounts for 28.9% of residents (936 people), differing from the wider region where the - bracket is the largest at . Housing affordability is under substantial pressure, leaving residents with only of their income, which ranks in the th percentile.

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Residential structures in the suburb of Urunga at the time of the latest Census consisted of 81.4% houses and 18.6% other types of dwellings, such as semi-detached properties, units, or alternative formats, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership was high at 49.0%, exceeding the Regional NSW average, with the remaining residences either mortgaged (22.7%) or rented (28.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,647, below the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent stood at $340, compared to the regional median of $330. Nationally, mortgage costs are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent payments are below the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 63.0%, consisting of couples with children (16.9%), couples without children (32.6%), and single-parent households (13.1%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 37.0%, consisting of lone-person households (32.4%) and group houses (4.2%). The median household size of 2.2 residents is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment in the area is lower than average, with university degree holders representing 19.4% of the population, well below the NSW benchmark of 32.2%. This gap presents an opportunity for targeted educational strategies. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 13.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Technical and trade qualifications are widespread, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, split between advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (32.4%).

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Analysis of local transit indicates that there are 26 public transport stops in the suburb of Urunga, consisting of bus stops and train stations. These are serviced by 22 routes, offering a total of 445 passenger trips each week. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 238 meters from a stop. Since the area is primarily residential, most workers commute out of the suburb, with cars remaining the dominant mode of travel at 94%. Dwellings average 1.3 vehicles, which is below the regional average. A low 12.7% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules.

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Health outcomes present challenges, according to Districts' analysis of mortality rates and chronic health conditions, which affect both younger and older cohorts, alongside a low rate of private health insurance coverage at about 48% of residents (~1,542 people). This compares to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Urunga has lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with citizens making up 90.9% of the population, 90.0% of residents born in Australia, and 97.1% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 51.3% of the community. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 55 years in the suburb of Urunga is higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38. The age distribution shows a high proportion of people aged 65 - 74 years (20.4%), while the 25 - 34 cohort is small at 6.5% compared to the rest of the region. The share of 65 - 74 year-olds is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.6% to 12.7% of the population, and the 35 to 44 age cohort rose from 8.3% to 10.1%. In contrast, the 45 to cohort fell from to , and the to group declined from to . Looking to demographic forecasts project notable shifts. The to age cohort is expected to grow by people () from to . Aging trends are set to continue, with residents aged and older accounting for of the growth. Conversely, population drops are projected for children aged to and adults aged to .

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Urunga currently has an estimated 162 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 84 children aged 0-2 and 56 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 19% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 0% by 2041 (to approximately 162 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 235. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 7.6 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.