Coombabah
Statistical Area - sa2

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 was around 10,819 as of August 2025. This represented an increase of 521 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,298. The growth was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 10,773 in June 2024 and two validated new addresses added after the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 931 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Coombabah's growth rate of 5.1% since the census was within 1.4 percentage points of the SA3 area average of 6.5%, indicating competitive growth trends. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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 used. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilized. Future population dynamics anticipate a median increase for locations outside capital cities, with Coombabah expected to grow by 830 persons to reach 11,649 by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 7.2% over the 17-year period based on the latest population numbers.

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. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, showing 21 homes over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), and one so far in FY-26. On average, 12.4 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these years. This indicates substantial supply lagging behind demand, which typically results in heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $423,000, below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. In FY-26, $666,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Coombabah has significantly less development activity, 90.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (49.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes. The estimated count of 1836 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Coombabah is expected to grow by 784 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Coombabah has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified a total of 13 projects that could impact the area, with key ones being Serenity 4212, Coombabah Lake and Creek Conservation Project (May 2019 - Dec 2021), Coombabah Creek Catchment Climate Coastal Adaptation Plan (Jul 2020 - Jun 2023), and Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area Park Upgrades (Sep 2021 - Aug 2024).

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

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

Coombabah has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and estimated employment growth of 2.2% in the past year as of June 2025. There are 4,767 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 0.5% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is lower at 49.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a particularly high specialization in administrative & support services, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.4% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparison. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2%, labour force grew by 2.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points in Coombabah, contrasting with Rest of Qld's figures. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coombabah's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Coombabah's median income among taxpayers was $41,455 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $63,333 during the same period. These figures were slightly lower than those for Rest of Qld, which had median and average incomes of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% from financial year 2022 to March 2025, current estimates suggest the median income in Coombabah would be approximately $46,309, with an average income of around $70,749. According to data from the 2021 Census, incomes in Coombabah fall between the 7th and 12th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis shows that the largest segment in Coombabah comprises 31.3% of residents earning $400 - $799 weekly, compared to the metropolitan region where the dominant income bracket is $1500 - $2999 with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Coombabah, with only 79.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally.

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 was 43.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (28.1%) or rented (28.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Coombabah was $1,647, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Coombabah was $415, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $410. Nationally, Coombabah's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 has lower university qualification rates at 16.1% compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (28.1%).

A significant 23.5% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, comprising 8.2% in primary, 6.4% in secondary, and 3.6% in tertiary education. Educational institutions include Coombabah State School and Coombabah State High School, serving a total of 1,798 students. Coombabah demonstrates typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 993). The area functions as an education hub with 16.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 8.8, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Analysis of public transport in Coombabah shows 30 active transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five individual routes that together facilitate 1790 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 221 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 255 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 59 weekly trips per 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. Approximately 51% (~5,539 people) have private health cover, slightly lower than the average SA2 area's 53.9%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.1%) and mental health issues (8.1%). Conversely, 58.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 64.5%. Coombabah has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 33.1% (3,576 people), exceeding Rest of Qld's 25.8%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Coombabah was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Coombabah, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher linguistic diversity than most local areas, with 11.7% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home. Additionally, 34.2% of Coombabah's population was born overseas. Christianity dominated the religious landscape in Coombabah, accounting for 53.3% of the population, but there was an overrepresentation of Judaism compared to the rest of Queensland, with 0.2% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (33.1%), Australian (22.2%), and Irish (8.4%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.7%, Maori at 1.6%, and Hungarians at 0.4%, compared to regional averages of 1.4%, 1.5%, and 0.3% respectively.

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, the 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented at 13.6% locally, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 7.9%. This 75-84 concentration is well above the national figure of 6.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 8.1% to 9.4%, and the 25 to 34 cohort has risen from 9.6% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 9.9% to 7.9%, and the 65 to 74 group has dropped from 16.5% to 15.0%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Coombabah's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to more than double, expanding by 496 people (102%) from 486 to 983. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 57% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 cohorts.