Coombabah

Coombabah is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Coombabah's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 10,819. This figure represents a growth of 521 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,298. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,773 in June 2024 and an additional two validated new addresses post-census. This results in a population density ratio of 931 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages observed across other areas assessed by AreaSearch. Coombabah's growth rate of 5.1% since the census is within 1.4 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.5%, indicating competitive growth dynamics. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.1% of overall population gains in recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using a base year of 2022. Looking ahead, Coombabah is expected to experience population growth just below the median rate of locations outside capital cities. By 2041, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, the area's population is projected to increase by approximately 830 persons, reflecting a total increase of 7.2% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Coombabah according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Coombabah has seen approximately four new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, with 21 homes approved between FY-21 and FY-25. Three homes have been approved so far in FY-26. On average, 12.4 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during this period.

This high demand outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $371,000. In FY-26, there have been $666,000 in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Coombabah has significantly less development activity, 90.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

Recently, construction activity has intensified, though it remains under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining Coombabah's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Developers are constructing more detached housing than previously implied (49.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 1836 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Coombabah will gain 784 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly impact local performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects potentially affecting the area. Notable ones are Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area Project, Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area Park Upgrades, Serenity 4212, and Coombabah Sewage Treatment Plant Stage 6 Upgrade. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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

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The employment landscape in Coombabah shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Coombabah's workforce in September 2025 comprised 4,765 residents with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. This was 0.5% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation was at 49.0%, significantly lower than the regional average of 59.1%. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area showed strong specialization in administrative & support services with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 0.4% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

In the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5%, while labour force grew by 2.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7% and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coombabah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Coombabah SA2's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $41,455. The average income stood at $63,333 during the same period. These figures are lower than those of Rest of Qld, which had a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844 in 2022. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $47,255 (median) and $72,193 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Coombabah fell between the 6th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income analysis revealed that the largest segment comprised 31.3% earning $400 - $799 weekly (3,386 residents), differing from metropolitan patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 dominated with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 79.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 6th percentile.

Coombabah displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Coombabah's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 49.3% houses and 50.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 41.7% houses and 58.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coombabah stood at 43.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.1% and rented ones at 28.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,647, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Coombabah was $415, slightly higher than Non-Metro Qld's $410. Nationally, Coombabah's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,647 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 61.6% of all households, including 18.2% couples with children, 30.2% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.4%, with lone person households at 34.6% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.2.

Educational outcomes in Coombabah fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (28.1%).

A substantial 23.5% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.2% in primary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 3.6% in tertiary education.

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

Coombabah has 30 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 1,790 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 221 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 255 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 59 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Coombabah is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Coombabah faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 51% (around 5,539 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area's 53.9%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.1% of residents) and mental health issues (8.1%). Around 58.8% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 64.5% in the rest of Queensland. Coombabah has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 33.1% (3,576 people), compared to Queensland's average of 25.8%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Coombabah was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Coombabah was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 11.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 34.2% born overseas. The dominant religion in Coombabah is Christianity, comprising 53.3% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Coombabah compared to the rest of Queensland, with 0.2% of its population identifying as Jewish.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (33.1%), Australian (22.2%), and Irish (8.4%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: New Zealanders are overrepresented at 1.7%, Maori at 1.6%, and Hungarians at 0.4%.

Coombabah ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Coombabah's median age is 51, surpassing Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and Australia's 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld average, Coombabah has a notably higher percentage of the 75-84 cohort (13.6%) while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented (7.9%). This 75-84 concentration is significantly above the national average of 6.0%. Between 2021 and present, Coombabah's population has seen growth in the 15 to 24 age group from 8.1% to 9.4%, and the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 9.6% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 9.9% to 7.9%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 16.5% to 15.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Coombabah's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to more than double, increasing by 496 people (102%) from 486 to 983. Senior residents aged 65 and above will contribute to 57% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 cohorts.