Morisset - Cooranbong

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

According to AreaSearch's evaluation, the population of Morisset - Cooranbong stands at approximately 21,485 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 3,356 people (18.5%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented 18,129 residents. This shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 21,067 alongside 1,916 validated new addresses identified since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 65 persons per square kilometer, indicating residents have plenty of space. The local growth rate of 18.5% since the 2021 census outstripped both the Rest of NSW (4.9%) and the surrounding SA4 region, positioning the area as a regional growth leader. The expansion was largely propelled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 91.4% of the total population increase over recent times.

ABS and Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are applied to each SA2 location, supplemented by 2022 NSW State Government SA2 projections with a 2021 baseline where necessary. Age-specific growth trends from these collections are projected forward for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on these anticipated demographic shifts, the area is set for outstanding expansion that ranks in the top 10 percent of regional locations nationwide, with an estimated rise of 9,133 persons to 2041 based on the most recent annual ERP data, representing a total increase of 40.6% over the 16 years.

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

Morisset - Cooranbong averages about 342 residential building approvals annually, representing 1,713 new dwellings over the last 5 financial years. Records show 454 approvals so far during FY-26. With an average of 2 people moving to the district for every new residence built over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), there is solid demand that is likely to maintain property values, with new dwellings carrying an average build cost of $296,000. Additionally, commercial development approvals have reached $52.7 million this financial year, showing strong commercial momentum locally.

Residential building approvals per capita in Morisset - Cooranbong are 107.0% higher than in the Rest of NSW, providing home buyers with more opportunities. This volume of building permits significantly exceeds the national benchmark, demonstrating that developers have high confidence in the local market. The mix of new residential projects consists of 76.0% detached houses and 24.0% medium to high-density options, maintaining a low-density profile that appeals to buyers seeking space. An average of approximately 61 people per approval characterizes the region as an expanding area.

Long-term forecasts suggest Morisset - Cooranbong will gain 8,715 new residents by 2041, calculated from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly projections. Current residential building volumes appear well-aligned with future population needs, helping to support balanced market conditions without creating rapid upward pressure on prices.

Morisset - Cooranbong has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major works, and planning updates have a significant impact on local development. A total of 39 projects with the potential to influence the area have been identified by AreaSearch. Prominent projects include the Life & Home Bulky Goods Centre, Morisset, the Trinity Point Marina & Resort Development, Cedar Mill Lake Macquarie, and the Mandalong Road Upgrade, Morisset, with details on the most relevant schemes provided below.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Morisset - Cooranbong faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

The local workforce in Morisset - Cooranbong is skilled and has a solid representation in essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of 5.2%. Jobholders numbered 8,788 as of March 2026, though the unemployment rate sits 1.1% higher than the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, and the participation rate of 53.8% is notably lower than the regional average of 60.6%. Census data indicates that 23.8% of employed locals worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

The primary employment sectors for local workers are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction shows a high level of local specialization, employing workers at a rate 1.4 times that of the regional average. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 1.7% of local jobs compared to 5.3% across the region. Although local businesses provide employment, comparison of the Census working population against the resident population suggests a high percentage of workers travel to other areas for employment.

Analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that during the 12 months leading up to March 2026, the local labour force shrank by 0.5% while total jobs fell by 2.7%, causing the unemployment rate to climb by 2.2 percentage points. Over the same period in Regional NSW, employment decreased by 0.9%, the labour force shrank by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points. National employment trends published by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional context on future demand in Morisset - Cooranbong. These five and ten-year national projections are aligned with local employment sectors to project growth. While overall national employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates vary widely by industry. Weighting these national sector projections against the local industry mix suggests employment in Morisset - Cooranbong could grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming a basic extrapolation that excludes local population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The latest postcode-level ATO statistics for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in the Morisset - Cooranbong SA2 are below national averages, with a median of $52,764 and an average of $63,567. In comparison, Regional NSW recorded a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index rise of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year yields estimated values of $58,209 for the median and $70,127 for the average as of March 2026. According to Census records, family, household, and individual incomes for the area fall between the 20th and 26th percentiles nationally. Looking at distribution, the income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 contains 28.7% of the local population (6,166 people), which is close to the wider region where this segment comprises 29.9%. Housing cost pressures are high, leaving residents with only 81.4% of their income, which sits in the 23rd percentile, while the SEIFA index ranks the area's income in the 4th decile.

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

According to the latest Census, the housing stock in Morisset - Cooranbong is composed of 84.4% separate houses and 15.6% semi-detached, apartment, or other dwelling types, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other options in Regional NSW. Home ownership stands at 40.3%, matching the Regional NSW rate, while 35.8% of properties are owned with a mortgage and 23.9% are rented. The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,000 is higher than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent of $380 exceeds the regional benchmark of $330. Nationally, local mortgage costs are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents exceed the national median of $375.

Morisset - Cooranbong has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Families make up 69.8% of local households, consisting of couples with children at 27.9%, couples without children at 29.7%, and single parent families at 11.3%. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.2% of the area, with single person households representing 27.0% and group households making up 3.1%. The median household size is 2.5 residents, which is slightly above the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Morisset - Cooranbong fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Educational characteristics in the area present certain challenges, as the university qualification rate of 18.2% is lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This situation presents an opportunity for targeted learning programs. Bachelor degrees represent 12.1% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.2% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational qualifications are common, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.4% and certificates at 31.7%.

A high level of educational enrolment is visible, with 25.5% of the population participating in study. This group includes 9.1% in primary school, 6.3% in high school, and 4.2% in higher education.

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

Analysis of local transit shows 174 active public transport stops in Morisset - Cooranbong, consisting of bus and train options. These stops are served by 88 distinct routes, which accommodate 2,250 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is good, with residents living an average of 340 meters from the nearest stop. The area is mainly residential, leading to high levels of outward commuting, and private cars remain the primary transit mode at 94%. Dwellings have an average of 1.6 vehicles. Approximately 23.8% of residents worked from home, according to 2021 Census data, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

Transit services average 321 trips per day across all local routes, which translates to about 12 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 closest transit stops to the central point of the area.

Health performance in Morisset - Cooranbong is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Public health records indicate notable issues in Morisset - Cooranbong, based on an assessment of mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic illnesses that affect both older and younger populations, while private health insurance coverage is low at roughly 50% of residents (~10,849 people) compared to a national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent issues locally, affecting 11.1 and 10.3% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 58.4% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Chronic illness rates are elevated among the working-age population. The community has 24.3% of its population aged 65 and over (5,212 people), and the health outcomes for these seniors are generally consistent with national averages.

Morisset - Cooranbong is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Cultural diversity in Morisset - Cooranbong is lower than average, with 85.9% of residents born in Australia, 92.2% holding citizenship, and 95.0% speaking only English in their homes. Christianity is the dominant religion at 59.9% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

The three most common ancestral backgrounds reported in the area are English at 32.9%, Australian at 30.4%, and Scottish at 7.9%. Some specific backgrounds show different proportions than the wider region, with Samoan backgrounds overrepresented at 0.4% (compared to 0.1% regionally), Maltese at 0.7% (compared to 0.4%), and Australian Aboriginal residents at 3.8% (compared to 4.6%).

Morisset - Cooranbong hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age of 45 years in Morisset - Cooranbong is slightly higher than the Regional NSW median of 43 and notably older than the national median of 38. The local population has an over-representation of residents aged 85+ (4.2%) and an under-representation of the 45 - 54 age group (10.0%) compared to Regional NSW. Since 2021, an influx of younger residents has lowered the median age by 1.2 years to 45. Specifically, the 35 to 44 age cohort grew from 10.2% to 12.2% of the population, and the 25 to 34 cohort rose from 11.1% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 group fell from 12.5% to 11.2%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.1% to 10.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest major demographic changes, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow the fastest at 54%, adding 1,440 people to reach 4,109.