Coolangatta

Coolangatta lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Coolangatta's population was around 7,434 as of May 2026. This figure represents a 14.5% increase from the 2021 Census population of 6,491 people. The change is inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 7,208 in June 2025 and an additional 677 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 3,912 persons per square kilometer, placing Coolangatta in the top 10% nationally according to AreaSearch's assessment. The area's population growth exceeded both the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and the national average since the 2021 Census. Overseas migration contributed approximately 85.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied when utilized. Future demographic trends forecast a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally. The area is expected to grow by 2,353 persons to reach a total population of 9,784 by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 28.6% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Coolangatta among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Coolangatta averaged approximately 194 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25972 homes were approved, with an additional 177 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 0.7 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built during these years.

This indicates that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new homes was $724,000, suggesting developers targeted the premium market segment. This financial year saw $6.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Coolangatta recorded 200.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. This activity is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area.

New development consisted of 3.0% detached dwellings and 97.0% townhouses or apartments, demonstrating a trend towards denser development that provides accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. The location had approximately 169 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Coolangatta is expected to grow by 2,123 residents through to 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.

Coolangatta has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 29 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Kirra Point Holiday Apartments, Coolangatta Beachside Resort, Coolangatta Creek Boardwalk Extension, and Coolangatta and Kirra Business Centre Place Making Master Plan. The following list details those most relevant.

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 assessment positions Coolangatta ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Coolangatta has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.2% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.3% over the past year. In December 2025, 3,901 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was somewhat lower at 61.2%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 16.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (30%), accommodation & food (25%), and construction (18%). The area shows strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, but limited presence in agriculture, forestry & fishing (0.8% compared to regional 4.5%).

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.3%, labour force grew by 2.6%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7% and an increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coolangatta's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended 30 June 2023 shows Coolangatta SA2 had median income among taxpayers at $49,514 and average income at $66,807. These figures are slightly lower than national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average) for Regional Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 11.36% from financial year ended 30 June 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income is approximately $55,139 and average income is $74,396 as of March 2026. Census data indicates personal income rank at 46th percentile ($785 weekly) and household income at 22nd percentile. Income distribution shows that 28.9% of residents (2,148 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 80.9% of income remaining, ranking at 19th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Coolangatta features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Coolangatta, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 13.1% houses and 86.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This differs from Regional Qld's composition of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coolangatta stood at 37.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.9% and rented dwellings at 42.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,805, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Coolangatta was $405, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Coolangatta's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 54.7% of all households, including 12.1% couples with children, 34.0% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 45.3%, with lone person households at 37.6% and group households comprising 7.6%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate of 28.7%, as of the latest data, exceeds both the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region average of 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 24.6%.

In total, 23.0% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.4% in tertiary, 4.7% in primary, and 3.8% in secondary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Coolangatta shows that there are 25 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 11 individual routes providing service. The combined weekly passenger trips across all these routes amount to 1,379. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 264 meters away from the nearest transport stop. As Coolangatta is primarily residential, most commuting patterns show residents traveling outward. The dominant mode of transport remains car usage at 82%, while walking accounts for 8% and cycling makes up 4%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census data (which may reflect COVID-19 conditions), approximately 16.9% of residents work from home. The service frequency across all routes averages 197 trips per day, equating to roughly 55 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Coolangatta is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Coolangatta faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is slightly lower than the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~3,873 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.5 and 8.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 66.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 24.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,822 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Coolangatta records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Coolangatta's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 82.5% being citizens, 77.4% born in Australia, and 90.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 49.5%. Judaism is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups are English (31.7%), Australian (23.8%), and Irish (10.6%). Notably, Spanish (0.9%) and French (0.9%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively, while Scottish representation is also higher at 9.2%.

Coolangatta ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Coolangatta has a median age of 48, which is higher than Regional Qld's figure of 41 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 21.1% of Coolangatta's population, compared to Regional Qld, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 4.9%. This 25-34 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows a rejuvenation in Coolangatta's population, with the median age falling from 50 to 48 years between 2016 and 2021. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 17.1% to 21.1%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 10.8% to 14.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 16.0% to 13.8%, and the 85+ group dropped from 4.2% to 2.2%. By 2041, Coolangatta is projected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25-34 age cohort expected to grow steadily by 594 people (38%), from 1,567 to 2,162. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort grows by a modest 8%, adding 51 people.