Coolum Beach

Population growth drivers in Coolum Beach are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, Coolum Beach's population is approximately 17,174. This figure represents a growth of 1,226 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,948. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 17,064 in June 2025 and an additional 306 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of 948 persons per square kilometer, roughly in line with averages across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade (2016-2026), Coolum Beach has exhibited steady growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outperforming the Rest of Qld. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 and based on 2022 data. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 using 2021 data but without age category splits. Therefore, proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort when utilizing state projections. By 2041, Coolum Beach's population is projected to increase by 2,377 persons, reflecting a total increase of 13.2% over the 16-year period (2025-2041), based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Coolum Beach has seen approximately 63 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling 316 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 50 approvals have been recorded to date. On average, around 3.4 new residents per year arrive for every dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates that supply is lagging behind demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $481,000, which is higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In terms of commercial activity, $11.8 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Coolum Beach records significantly lower building activity, with 52.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties.

The majority of new building activity consists of standalone homes (78.0%), with medium and high-density housing making up the remaining 22.0%, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. Currently, Coolum Beach reflects a population of around 252 people per approval, indicating a transitioning market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Coolum Beach is projected to add approximately 2,267 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Coolum Beach has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones are Beachside Yaroomba (Residential Community), Enclave Coolum Beach, Sunshine Motorway West Coolum Road Upgrade Interchange, and Mount Coolum National Park Infrastructure Improvements. 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.

Employment performance in Coolum Beach exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Coolum Beach has an educated workforce with key sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.8%. As of December 2025, 9,021 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than Regional Qld's 4.0%, and participation rate matches Regional Qld's 64.5%.

Census data shows 20.5% work from home, considering Covid-19 impacts. Key industries of employment include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction is particularly prominent with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.6%.

Limited local opportunities are indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. From December 2024 to December 2025, labour force decreased by 3.2%, employment declined by 2.9%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Coolum Beach's mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, assuming no changes in population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Coolum Beach SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $51,161 and an average income of $71,425 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was higher than the national averages for both median ($53,146) and average incomes ($66,593). By March 2026, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% suggest the median income would be approximately $56,973 and the average income $79,539. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Coolum Beach are modest, ranking between the 47th and 48th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 33.4% of the population (5,736 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is consistent with broader trends in the surrounding region at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Coolum Beach displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Coolum Beach, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 69.9% houses and 30.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coolum Beach was 33.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.4%) or rented (29.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Coolum Beach's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Coolum Beach features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.9% of all households, including 28.6% couples with children, 31.1% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 4.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Coolum Beach exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate of 29.2%, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region's 24.9%, indicates a strong emphasis on higher education in the community. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (26.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.4% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 40 active public transport stops in Coolum Beach. These are served by three different bus routes offering a total of 332 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 358 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 93%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.5 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 20.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 47 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately eight weekly trips per individual stop.

Coolum Beach's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data for Coolum Beach shows positive results, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health issues affect both young and elderly residents equally.

Private health cover is high at 55% (~9,428 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (8.6%) and mental health issues (7.7%), with 70.0% reporting no medical ailments, slightly higher than Regional Qld's 67.6%. Under-65 residents have better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 20.8% of residents aged 65 and over (3,568 people), with seniors showing above-average health rankings nationally.

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

Coolum Beach had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 80.5% of its population born in Australia, 88.5% being citizens, and 94.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 42.9% of people in Coolum Beach. Judaism, however, was overrepresented compared to Regional Qld, with 0.1% of the population.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.9%), Australian (25.0%), and Irish (10.6%). Notably, Scottish (9.6%) and Dutch (1.7%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages, while French was slightly overrepresented at 0.7%.

Coolum Beach hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Coolum Beach's median age is 44 years, which is slightly higher than Regional Queensland's average of 41 and considerably older than Australia's average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 45-54 years make up a significant portion (13.9%) of the population, while those aged 25-34 years are relatively smaller (10.4%) compared to Regional Queensland. Between 2021 and now, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 9.6% to 10.9%, while the share of individuals aged 45-54 has decreased from 15.5% to 13.9%. Additionally, the percentage of those aged 5-14 years has dropped from 12.0% to 11.0%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest substantial demographic shifts in Coolum Beach. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 28%, adding 491 residents to reach a total of 2,274. Conversely, the number of individuals aged 15-24 is expected to decrease by 118.