Morisset - Cooranbong
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Morisset-Cooranbong's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 21,099. This figure represents an increase of 2,970 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 18,129. The increase was inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 20,457 in June 2024 and validated new addresses totalling 1,466 since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 63 persons per square kilometre. Morisset-Cooranbong's growth rate of 16.4% since the 2021 Census exceeds the non-metro area's growth rate of 4.8%, indicating it is a growth leader in its region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 90.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics predict exceptional growth, placing Morisset-Cooranbong in the top 10 percent of national regional areas. By 2041, based on latest population numbers, the area is expected to expand by 9,992 persons, recording a total gain of 43.7% over the 17-year period.

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 has recorded approximately 342 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with 1,713 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY-2021 to FY-2025, and 111 approved in FY-2026 so far. On average, 1.9 new residents per year have been recorded per dwelling constructed between FY-2021 and FY-2025, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $373,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

In the current financial year, $52.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting high local commercial activity compared to the rest of NSW, where Morisset-Cooranbong has 110.0% more development activity per person. This activity is significantly above the national average, indicating strong developer interest in the area. New developments consist of 76.0% detached dwellings and 24.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. With approximately 59 people per approval, Morisset-Cooranbong reflects a developing area with population forecasts indicating an increase of 9,212 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Population forecasts indicate Morisset - Cooranbong will gain 9,212 residents through to 2041. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified 37 projects potentially affecting the area. Notable ones include Trinity Point Marina & Resort Development, Life & Home Bulky Goods Centre, Morisset, Cedar Mill Lake Macquarie (Revised), and Mandalong Road Upgrade, Morisset. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Morisset - Cooranbong has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Morisset-Cooranbong has a skilled labour force with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 3.5%, lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.3%. There are 8,778 residents employed currently, with workforce participation at 51.2% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, with only 1.7% employment compared to 5.3% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment increased by 2.3%, labour force grew by 2.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. National forecasts suggest employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Morisset-Cooranbong's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Morisset - Cooranbong at $49,051 and average income at $60,498. This is below the national averages of $49,459 median and $62,998 average for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $54,250 (median) and $66,911 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates Morisset - Cooranbong's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 21st and 27th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 28.7% of locals (6,055 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, consistent with surrounding regions at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe; only 81.4% of income remains, ranking at the 23rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

In Morisset-Cooranbong, as per the most recent Census evaluation, 84.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 15.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This differs from Non-Metro NSW's dwelling structure, which had 89.7% houses and 10.2% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Morisset-Cooranbong was 40.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.8% and rented ones at 23.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,900. The median weekly rent figure for Morisset-Cooranbong was $380, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure but exceeding the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Morisset-Cooranbong were higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

Morisset - Cooranbong has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 69.8% of all households, consisting of 27.9% couples with children, 29.7% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.2%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of NSW.

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

The area's university qualification rate is significantly lower than the NSW average at 18.2%, compared to 32.2%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent among residents with university qualifications at 12.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 10.4% and certificates at 31.7%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.1% in primary, 6.3% in secondary, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education. There are eight schools operating within Morisset - Cooranbong, educating approximately 2,985 students. These schools demonstrate typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 969) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes five primary, one secondary, and two K-12 schools.

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

Morisset-Cooranbong has 143 operational public transport stops. These are a mix of train and bus stations. They are served by 88 different routes which together facilitate 2,257 weekly passenger trips.

Residents enjoy good accessibility to these services, with an average distance of 342 meters to the nearest stop. The service frequency is 322 trips per day across all routes, translating to roughly 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Morisset-Cooranbong faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately half (50%) of its total population (~10,549 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis, impacting 11.1% of residents, and mental health issues, affecting 10.3%. Conversely, 58.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, slightly below Rest of NSW's 60.3%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 24.8% (5,234 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 21.9%. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

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

Morisset-Cooranbong had a cultural diversity score below average, with 85.9% of residents born in Australia and 92.2% being citizens. English was the only language spoken at home by 95.0%. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 59.9%, compared to 54.0% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.9%), Australian (30.4%), and Scottish (7.9%). Notable differences included Samoan representation at 0.4% (vs 0.3% regionally), Maltese at 0.7% (vs 0.4%), and Australian Aboriginal at 3.8% (vs 4.5%).

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

Morisset-Cooranbong has a median age of 45 years, which is slightly higher than the Rest of NSW's median age of 43 and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Comparing with the Rest of NSW average, Morisset-Cooranbong has an over-representation of the 85+ cohort (4.2% locally), while the 45-54 year-olds are under-represented (10.2%). Between 2021 and present, the population aged 35 to 44 increased from 10.2% to 11.7%, and the 25 to 34 cohort rose from 11.1% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age group decreased from 12.5% to 11.4%, and the 85+ group fell from 5.2% to 4.2%. Demographic projections suggest that by 2041, Morisset-Cooranbong's age profile will change significantly, with the 25 to 34 cohort projected to grow by 1,545 people (60%), from 2,576 to 4,122.