Coombs

Coombs lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Coombs' population is 6,817 as of May 2026. This reflects a growth of 1,966 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,851. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 6,159 in June 2025 and 684 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,938 persons per square kilometer, placing Coombs in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The growth rate of 40.5% since the 2021 census exceeds the state's 8.3%, marking Coombs as a growth leader in its region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 56.0% of overall population gains, though all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in Coombs' top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with an expected increase of 2,551 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 27.8% over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Coombs was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Coombs has averaged approximately 141 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 706 homes. As of FY26, 94 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3 people move to the area per year for each new home constructed between FY21 and FY25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes are built at an average cost of $162,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year has seen $1.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Coombs has significantly less development activity, 60.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Developer confidence in the location is strong, as shown by the higher-than-national-average development activity. New developments consist of 4.0% detached dwellings and 96.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a trend towards denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a significant change from the current housing mix, which is 38.0% houses. Coombs reflects a transitioning market with around 215 people per approval.

Future projections estimate Coombs will add 1,893 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Coombs has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified two projects that could impact the local area's performance. These key projects are: Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Molonglo Town Centre, Molonglo River Bridge and John Gorton Drive Extension, and Fetherston Weston. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch assessment positions Coombs ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Coombs has an educated workforce with key services sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.3%. As of December 2025, 3680 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.7% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was high at 81.3%, compared to the ACT's 70.5%. According to Census responses, only 10.3% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 impacts may have influenced this figure. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical sectors. Notably, health care & social assistance employment is at 1.4 times the regional average, while construction has limited presence with 5.2% employment compared to the regional average of 6.8%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the year ending December 2025, Coombs' employment increased by 1.3%, and labour force grew by 1.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, ACT-wide employment rose by 0.9%, with a labour force growth of 1.2% and an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coombs' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though these estimates are illustrative and do not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2023, Coombs SA2's median income among taxpayers is $79,493 with an average of $92,556. This is among the highest in Australia, compared to Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $87,792 (median) and $102,219 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals household incomes rank at the 93rd percentile nationally, family incomes at the 95th percentile, and personal incomes at the 96th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 38.6% of residents (2,631 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 per week, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. The area demonstrates considerable affluence with 42.1% earning over $3,000 per week. High housing costs consume 16.4% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 92nd percentile nationally. Coombs' SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Coombs displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Coombs, as per the latest Census report dated 27th August 2016, consisted of 37.5% houses and 62.5% other dwellings (including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's dwelling structure, which was 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings at the same time. The home ownership rate in Coombs stood at 7.6%, as of the above-mentioned Census date, with mortgaged dwellings making up 64.0% and rented dwellings accounting for 28.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Coombs was $2,000 as of the 2016 Census, which is lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Coombs was recorded at $480, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Coombs' median monthly mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, as per the 2016 Census data. Meanwhile, rents in Coombs were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Coombs features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.0% of all households, including 39.2% couples with children, 22.9% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 26.0%, with lone person households at 20.4% and group households making up 5.5%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Coombs demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In Coombs, a notable proportion of residents aged 15 years and above have attained university qualifications, with 57.7% surpassing the broader Australian benchmark of 30.4%. Compared to the SA4 region's 46.8%, this indicates a significant educational advantage for the area. Among these residents, bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 33.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 20.5% and graduate diplomas at 4.2%. Vocational pathways account for 20.2% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 10.0%.

Educational participation is high in Coombs, with 35.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary education, 8.7% in tertiary education, and 6.0% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis shows 13 active stops operating within Coombs. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 65 individual routes. They collectively facilitate 4,528 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 231 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 8% by bus.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 10.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 646 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 348 weekly trips per individual stop.

Coombs's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Coombs demonstrates excellent health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Approximately 67% of Coombs' total population (4553 people) has private health cover, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 62.4%, and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 7.4% and 6.1% of residents respectively. 81.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in Australian Capital Territory. Coombs has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 4.1% (278 people), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 14.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Coombs is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Coombs has a high level of cultural diversity, with 43.8% of its population born overseas and 48.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Coombs is Christianity, comprising 33.7% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, making up 12.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are 'Other' (23.5%), Australian (16.9%), and English (16.2%). The representation of 'Other' is substantially higher than the regional average of 12.2%, while Australian and English are notably lower than their respective averages of 23.0% and 23.3%. Additionally, certain ethnic groups show notable divergences: Indian at 8.2% (vs regional 3.3%), Korean at 1.4% (vs regional 0.6%), and Filipino at 3.1% (vs regional 1.2%).

Coombs hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Coombs has a median age of 31, which is younger than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Coombs has a higher concentration of residents aged 35-44 at 21.8%, but fewer residents aged 65-74 at 2.8%. This concentration of residents aged 35-44 is well above the national figure of 14.3%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has increased by 1.2 years from 30 to 31, indicating an aging population. During this period, the percentage of residents aged 45 to 54 has grown from 9.5% to 11.9%, while the percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 has declined from 25.9% to 21.6%. The percentage of residents aged 0 to 4 has also dropped from 9.2% to 8.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Coombs, with the strongest projected growth in the 45 to 54 age group, expected to grow by 62% and add 502 residents to reach a total of 1,316. In contrast, the 75 to 84 age group is projected to show minimal growth of just 5%, adding only 2 people.