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

Coolum Beach's population is around 17,097 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,149 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,948 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,992 in June 2024 and an additional 254 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 944 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Coolum Beach has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%, outpacing the non-metro area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 66.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward, an above median population growth of national regional areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 2,635 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 14.8% over the 17 years.

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 annually over the past five financial years, totalling 316 homes. As of FY26, 30 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.4 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed each year between FY21 and FY25. This supply lagging demand indicates heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $693,000, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. In FY26, $11.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Coolum Beach records lower building activity, 52.0% below the regional average per person, supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. New building activity consists of 78.0% standalone homes and 22.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character appealing to those seeking space.

With around 252 people per approval, Coolum Beach reflects a transitioning market. Future projections estimate an addition of 2,530 residents by 2041, with development keeping pace with projected growth despite increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified 49 projects potentially affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Beachside Yaroomba (Residential Community), Enclave Coolum Beach, Sunshine Motorway West Coolum Road Upgrade Interchange, and Sunshine Coast Mass Transit Project - Coastal Corridor. Relevant projects are listed below.

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 conditions in Coolum Beach demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Coolum Beach has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors and a low unemployment rate of 2.4% as of June 2025. The area's unemployment rate is 1.5 percentage points lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, with workforce participation at 61.7%.

Key industries for residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction stands out with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, comprising only 0.6% of Coolum Beach's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by Census data showing fewer working residents than locals.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.2%, employment declined by 1.3%, causing unemployment to fall by 1 percentage point. Meanwhile, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2%. State-level data from Nov-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01%, with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. Job and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies between sectors. Applying these projections to Coolum Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Coolum Beach SA2 is $48,335, with an average of $70,514, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is higher than the national average. The Rest of Qld has a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,097 (median) and $80,379 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Coolum Beach rank modestly, between the 47th and 48th percentiles. Income distribution indicates that 33.4% of the population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.1% of income remaining, 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

In Coolum Beach, as per the latest Census evaluation, 69.9% of dwellings were houses with 30.0% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 51.7% houses and 48.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coolum Beach stood at 33.4%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's rate. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 37.4% and rented ones for 29.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, exceeding Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,820. Weekly rent in Coolum Beach was recorded at $450, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $375. Nationally, Coolum Beach's median monthly mortgage repayment is higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 4.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.2.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 29.2% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region rate of 24.9%. 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 at 26.6%, comprising primary education (9.4%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (3.9%).

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

Transport analysis indicates 40 operational stops within Coolum Beach, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by three distinct routes, facilitating a total of 374 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents generally situated 358 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 53 daily trips across all routes, translating to roughly nine 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 shows positive outcomes for Coolum Beach residents regarding common health conditions across both young and old age groups. Approximately 55% (~9,403 people) have private health cover, higher than the Rest of Qld's 52.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.6%) and mental health issues (7.7%). About 70.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.2% in Rest of Qld. Around 20.1% (~3,436 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the Rest of Qld's 24.4%. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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 cultural diversity index below average, 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 had an overrepresentation compared to regional figures, with 0.1% of the population identifying as such.

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

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

Coolum Beach has a median age of 44 years, which is slightly higher than the Rest of Queensland average of 41 years and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 45-54 are particularly prominent, making up 14.3% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise a smaller proportion at 10.2%. Between 2021 and the present, the percentage of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 9.6% to 11.0%, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 15.5% to 14.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic shifts in Coolum Beach. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 33%, adding 578 residents and reaching a total of 2,317 individuals. Conversely, the number of residents aged 15-24 is expected to decrease by 71.