Cooma

Cooma has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Cooma's population is around 6,782 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 21 people (0.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,761 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,716 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 65 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 96.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, AreaSearch utilizes the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Regarding demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 239 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 103 people.

The level of residential development activity in Cooma is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Cooma has seen around 14 new homes approved per year, totalling 71 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded. As the area has experienced population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $196,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $105.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Relative to the Rest of NSW, Cooma records markedly lower building activity (59.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Further, new construction has been completely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 1604 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Cooma should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Cooma has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 11 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Alpine Rise, Cooma Crown Land Housing Development, 3 Thurrung Street Residential Subdivision, and Cooma Festival Swimming Pool Upgrades, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Cooma maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Cooma possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. As of December 2025, 3,150 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.3% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (58.5% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise retail trade, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in electricity, gas, water & waste, with employment levels at 5.1 times the regional average. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 11.3% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 16.9%. The ratio of 0.6 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.6% alongside a 4.3% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Cooma. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Cooma's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 12.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Cooma SA2 is approximately average nationally, with the median assessed at $55,693 while the average income stands at $67,735. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,627 (median) and $73,736 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 42nd percentile ($771 weekly), while household income sits at the 26th percentile. Income analysis reveals the predominant cohort spans 29.7% of locals (2,014 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. Housing costs are manageable with 87.1% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 31st percentile.

Cooma is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Cooma, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Cooma was in line with that of Regional NSW, at 39.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.8%) or rented (30.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $290, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Cooma's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Cooma features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 62.2% of all households, comprising 22.3% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.8%, with lone person households at 34.4% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Cooma aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (21.3%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (30.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 160 active transport stops operating within Cooma, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 27 individual routes, collectively providing 313 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 157 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 10.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 44 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trip per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Cooma is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Cooma, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover just leads the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~3,567 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.3 and 9.8% of residents, respectively, while 62.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 23.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,596 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Cooma ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cooma was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.9% of its population being citizens, 82.7% born in Australia, and 90.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Cooma is Christianity, which makes up 54.9% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Cooma are Australian, comprising 29.9% of the population, English, comprising 26.8% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Hungarian is notably overrepresented at 0.5% of Cooma (vs 0.2% regionally), German at 4.5% (vs 3.1%), and Lebanese at 0.6% (vs 0.2%).

Cooma hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

With a median age of 43, Cooma is equal to the Regional NSW figure of 43 and well above the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 35 - 44 year-olds are particularly prominent (14.2%), while the 15 - 24 group is comparatively smaller (9.6%) than in Regional NSW. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.1% to 14.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.3% to 10.2% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 13.9% to 12.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Cooma's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 45% (97 people), reaching 316 from 218. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 68% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.