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 7,602 as of February 2026, showing an increase of 1,111 people (17.1%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,491. This change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 7,074 in June 2024 and validated new addresses of 657 since the Census date. The population density was 4,001 persons per square kilometer, placing Coolangatta in the top 10% nationally by AreaSearch's assessment. Coolangatta's growth exceeded Rest of Qld (9.1%) and its SA3 area, making it a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 68.9% of population gains recently. 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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Future trends forecast a significant population increase in the top quartile of national non-metropolitan areas by 2041, with an expected expansion of 2,493 persons reflecting a total increase of 25.9% over 17 years based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Coolangatta has received approximately 194 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 972 homes. In FY-26 so far, 107 approvals have been recorded. The average population growth per dwelling built in Coolangatta between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.7 people per year. This suggests that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new dwellings in the area is $724,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $6.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting Coolangatta's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Coolangatta records 201.0% more construction activity per person. This should provide buyers with ample choice, although building activity has slowed in recent years. The area's new building activity shows a focus on higher-density living, with 3.0% detached dwellings and 97.0% townhouses or apartments. This creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 169 people per dwelling approval, Coolangatta exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate that Coolangatta will gain approximately 1,965 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Coolangatta has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 31 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Kirra Point Holiday Apartments, Coolangatta Beachfront Redevelopment, Coolangatta Beachside Resort, and Greenmount Beach Surf Life Saving Club Redevelopment. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

The labour market in Coolangatta demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Coolangatta has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.5% as of September 2021. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.6%.

As of September 2025, 3852 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.5% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 61.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses in 2021, 16.9% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction.

Coolangatta showed strong specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented at 0.8%, compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over September 2024 to September 2025, employment increased by 2.6% while labour force increased by 2.4%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

The latest postcode level ATO data from AreaSearch for financial year 2023 shows Coolangatta SA2's median income among taxpayers is $49,514. The average income in the area is $66,807. Both figures are slightly lower than national averages. In comparison, Rest of Qld has a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Coolangatta SA2's median income are approximately $54,421 as of September 2025, with the average estimated at $73,428 by that date. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 46th percentile ($785 weekly), while household income is at the 22nd percentile. Distribution data shows 28.9% of individuals in Coolangatta SA2 earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (2,196 individuals). This aligns with the broader area where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 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

In Coolangatta, as per the latest Census, 13.1% of dwellings were houses while 86.9% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures 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 ones at 42.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,805, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Coolangatta was $405, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Coolangatta's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $405 versus 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 constitute 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 make up 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 Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 28.7% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region rate of 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 12.3% and certificates make up 24.6%.

A significant portion of the population, 23.0%, is actively engaged in formal education. This includes 7.4% pursuing tertiary education, 4.7% in primary education, and 3.8% undertaking secondary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 25 active public transport stops in Coolangatta, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 11 different routes, providing a total of 1,379 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 264 meters from the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with most commuters travelling outward. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 82%, followed by walking at 8% and cycling at 4%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 197 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 55 weekly trips per 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 (~3,960 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.5%) and mental health issues (8.4%). 66.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 24.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,860 people), higher than the 20.4% in Rest of 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% citizens, 77.4% born in Australia, and 90.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 49.5%. Judaism appears more prevalent here than regionally (0.2% vs 0.1%).

Top ancestry groups are English (31.7%), Australian (23.8%), and Irish (10.6%). Spanish (0.9% vs 0.3%), French (0.9% vs 0.5%), and Scottish (9.2% vs 7.8%) populations show notable differences compared to regional averages.

Coolangatta ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Coolangatta has a median age of 48, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 21.0%, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 4.6%. This 25-34 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows a rejuvenation with the median age falling from 50 to 48 years. The 25-34 age group grew from 17.1% to 21.0%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 10.8% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 11.3% to 9.1%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 16.0% to 13.8%. By 2041, Coolangatta's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 563 people (35%) from 1,598 to 2,162. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort grows by a modest 6% (42 people).