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Why everyone wants to move to Byron
Words: Clarissa Bye
Byron Bay’s fame as a laid-back coastal haven and home for Hollywood’s rich and famous has bumped up the median income for local residents – but not everyone’s happy with the results.
New Census figures reveal over the past five years, many of NSW’s largest income jumps were recorded in the Byron Bay region.
Bangalow’s median household earned 36 per cent more in 2021 – at $2106 a week – than in 2016, and that’s just one of many booming areas.
The glamorous holiday destination has turned into a magnet for Hollywood superstars like Chris Hemsworth and Zac Efron who own property close to the town.
The laid-back hippy lifestyle and long sandy beaches of the region have also attracted an influx of retirees and wealthy city families, pushing house prices up.
But Byron Shire mayor Michael Lyon says the changing demographics have brought a massive housing affordability crisis for regular residents – who can’t afford to live there anymore.
Higher rents means poorer people can’t afford to live here, so that’s why we have such an employment crisis – there’s no one to do the jobs. No one is coming here to be a barista.
Michael Lyon Shire mayor
“
The census also shows the average NSW household is earning $343 more each week than it was five years ago, but people are unlikely to feel better off as the cost of living rises.
PRODUCER: ANTHONY LUCAS
																																								

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/web-stories/free/tweed-daily-news/why-everyone-wants-to-move-to-byron-2