Coombs
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Coombs' population is around 6,482 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,631 people (33.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,851 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,872 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 684 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,794 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Coombs' 33.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state's (5.7%) and SA4 region's growth rates, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 57.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Future population trends predict exceptional growth placing Coombs in the top 10 percent of Australian statistical areas, with an expected expansion by 2,790 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, resulting in a total increase of 33.6% over the 17 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 seen approximately 228 dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that between Financial Year 20 (FY-20) and FY-25, 1,141 dwellings were approved, with a further 93 approved in FY-26. Each new dwelling has resulted in an average of 3.0 new residents per year over the past five financial years. The average construction cost for these dwellings is $197,000, which is lower than regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options.

In terms of commercial development, Coombs has seen $1.8 million in approvals this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Coombs has 70.0% less building activity per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Recent construction in Coombs comprises 4.0% detached dwellings and 96.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift towards compact living that caters to affordability requirements and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This is a significant change from the current housing mix of 38.0% houses. Coombs has around 215 people per approval, indicating a transitioning market. Looking ahead, Coombs is projected to grow by 2,180 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Coombs has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects likely affecting the area: Molonglo Group Centre transition to Town Centre, including Molonglo Town Centre, Molonglo River Bridge, John Gorton Drive Extension, and Fetherston Weston.

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

Employment performance in Coombs exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Coombs has an educated workforce with key sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%, with estimated employment growth of 1.7% in the past year as of June 2025.

There are 3,494 residents employed, with an unemployment rate at 0.3% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation is high at 82.1%, compared to the ACT's 69.6%. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Health care & social assistance has a notable concentration with levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Construction employment is limited at 5.2% compared to the regional average of 6.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. In the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.7%, labour force by 1.6%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. This compares to the ACT where employment grew by 1.9%, labour force expanded by 1.6%, and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points. As of Sep-25, ACT employment contracted by 0.33% (losing 1,480 jobs), with an unemployment rate at 4.2%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coombs' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Coombs is among the highest in Australia, with a median of $76,864 and an average of $91,441. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $85,150 (median) and $101,298 (average) as of March 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Coombs, between the 93rd and 96th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 38.6% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,502 residents), mirroring regional levels where 34.3% occupy this bracket. The substantial proportion of high earners, at 42.1%, indicates strong economic capacity throughout the suburb. High housing costs consume 16.4% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 92nd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Coombs displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Coombs dwelling structure in the latest Census comprised 37.5% houses and 62.5% other dwellings. In Australian Capital Territory, it was 40.9% houses and 59.2% other dwellings. Home ownership level in Coombs was 7.6%, similar to ACT's rate. Remaining dwellings were mortgaged (64.0%) or rented (28.4%). Median monthly mortgage repayment in Coombs was $2,000, below ACT average of $2,099 but above national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent was $480, higher than ACT's $472 and national figure of $375.

Coombs features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical 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 accounting for 5.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

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

Educational attainment in Coombs is notably higher than broader averages. 57.7% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 33.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Vocational pathways account for 20.2%, with advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 10.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 35.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary, 8.7% in tertiary, and 6.0% pursuing secondary education. Charles Weston School serves Coombs, with an enrollment of 460 students as of a recent count. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (7.6 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 6.2), suggesting the area functions as an educational hub for the broader region. Coombs also demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1100.

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

Analysis of public transport in Coombs shows 13 active stops operating. These are a mix of bus stops serviced by 2 routes providing 697 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 231 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 99 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 53 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 has excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population, which consists of 4349 people. This compares to 70.6% in the Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 7.4% and 6.1% of residents respectively. A total of 81.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 80.0% in the Australian Capital Territory. In Coombs, 3.8% of residents are aged 65 and over, which amounts to 244 people. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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. Christianity is the predominant religion in Coombs, comprising 33.7% of the population. Hinduism is overrepresented in Coombs compared to the Australian Capital Territory, making up 12.2% of the population versus 12.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (23.5%), Australian (16.9%), and English (16.2%). Notably, Indian (8.2% vs 9.0%), Korean (1.4% vs 1.1%) and Filipino (3.1% vs 2.5%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in Coombs compared to the regional averages.

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

Coombs' median age is 31, which is younger than the Australian Capital Territory's figure of 35 and significantly below Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Coombs has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (22.0%), but fewer residents aged 65-74 (2.6%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.2%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has increased by 1.1 years from 30 to 31, indicating an aging population. During this period, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 grew from 9.5% to 11.8%, while those aged 5-14 increased from 15.0% to 16.2%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 decreased from 25.9% to 21.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Coombs. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 75%, adding 578 residents and reaching a total of 1,347. Meanwhile, the number of residents aged 75-84 is expected to decrease by 4%.