Coolum Beach
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Coolum Beach's population is around 17,083 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,135 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,948 people. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 16,992 in June 2024 and an additional 248 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 943 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 for the area 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, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of national regional areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 2,635 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, with an increase of 14.9% in total 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 FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. On average, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 3.4 new residents arrived per year for each dwelling constructed. This indicates a substantial supply-demand imbalance, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $693,000, which is higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, $11.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Coolum Beach records markedly 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.

New building activity comprises 78.0% standalone homes and 22.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The population reflects a transitioning market, with around 252 people per approval. Future projections show Coolum Beach adding 2,544 residents by 2041. Development is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Coolum Beach has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 50 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Yaroomba Beach Development (former Palmer Golf Course), Sunshine Coast Mass Transit - Northern Extension Planning, David Low Way Intersection Upgrades, and Enclave Coolum Beach. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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. Its unemployment rate is 2.4%.

As of June 2025, 9,282 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.5% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld at 61.7%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Coolum Beach specializes in construction with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 0.6% of its workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. 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. In contrast, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2%. As of Sep-25, QLD's employment contracted by 0.23% with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coolum Beach's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Coolum Beach median taxpayer income was $48,335 with an average of $70,514 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is higher than the national average and contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Using Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $53,995 (median) and $78,771 (average) as of March 2025. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly in Coolum Beach, between the 47th and 48th percentiles. Income distribution data indicates 33.4% of the population fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range (5,705 individuals), consistent with broader trends across surrounding regions showing 31.7% in the same category. 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 while 30.0% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This differs from Non-Metro Qld's composition of 51.7% houses and 48.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coolum Beach stood at 33.4%, similar to Non-Metro Qld. Of the remaining dwellings, 37.4% were mortgaged and 29.2% were rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,820 but lower than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Coolum Beach was $450, higher than Non-Metro Qld's figure of $420 and substantially above the national average 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%. The median household size is 2.4 people, 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% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region's 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 – advanced diplomas account for 13.0% and certificates for 26.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.4% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education. Coolum State School and Coolum State High School collectively serve 2,501 students, reflecting typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1042) with balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub, offering 14.6 school places per 100 residents – significantly higher than the regional average of 9.7 – and attracts students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 40 active stops operating in Coolum Beach, served by buses. Three routes operate collectively providing 374 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 358 metres from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 53 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 for Coolum Beach indicates positive outcomes for residents, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level. Approximately 55% (~9,395 people) of the total population has private health cover, compared to 52.7% in Rest of Qld.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.6%) and mental health issues (7.7%). A majority, 70.0%, report no medical ailments, compared to 67.2% across Rest of Qld. Residents aged 65 and over constitute 20.1% (3,433 people), lower than the 24.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with the general population's health 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 has a low level of cultural diversity, with 80.5% of its population born in Australia and 88.5% being citizens. The majority of residents speak English only at home, at 94.6%. Christianity is the dominant religion in Coolum Beach, accounting for 42.9% of people.

Judaism has a slightly higher representation in Coolum Beach compared to the rest of Queensland, with 0.1% versus 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups are English (32.9%), Australian (25.0%), and Irish (10.6%). Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented at 9.6%, French remains steady at 0.7%, and Dutch is slightly higher than the regional average at 1.7%.

Coolum Beach hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Coolum Beach's median age is 44 years, slightly higher than Queensland's average of 41 and Australia's average of 38 years. Among its residents aged between 45-54, 14.3% belong to this group, making it particularly prominent compared to other age groups. Meanwhile, the proportion of those aged 25-34 is relatively smaller at 10.2%. Between 2021 and present day, the percentage of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 9.6% to 11.0%, while the share of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 15.5% to 14.3%. Looking ahead, population forecasts for Coolum Beach in 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 33%, adding 579 residents to reach a total of 2,317. Conversely, the number of residents aged 15-24 is expected to decrease by 69.