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, as of November 2025, is approximately 10,819 people. This figure represents a growth of 521 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported 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 since the Census date. This results in a population density of 931 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Coombabah's growth rate of 5.1% since the census places it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.5%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. 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 are used, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using a base year of 2022. Looking ahead, future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median for locations outside capital cities. Based on the latest population numbers, Coombabah is expected to grow by approximately 830 persons by 2041, 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 approvals between FY-21 and FY-25. In FY-26, three homes have been approved so far. This results in an average of 12.4 people moving to the area per dwelling built yearly over these five years.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies 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, being 90.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes tends to strengthen demand and prices for existing properties.

Recently, construction activity has intensified, although it remains below 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. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (49.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. The estimated count of 1836 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Twelve projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Among these key projects are Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area Project, Serenity 4212, Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area Park Upgrades, and Coombabah Sewage Treatment Plant Stage 6 Upgrade. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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 is balanced across white and blue collar jobs with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 4.5% in June 2021, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2%.

As of June 2025, there are 4,767 employed residents, a rate 0.5% higher than Rest of Qld's 3.9%, but workforce participation lags at 49.0%. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with administrative & support services being particularly strong at 1.5 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.4% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparison.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2%, labour force grew by 2.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8% with a slight increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project growth rates varying between sectors. 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 these are simple extrapolations 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, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $63,333 during the same period. These figures compared to Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Coombabah would be approximately $47,255 (median) and $72,193 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Coombabah all fell between the 7th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income analysis revealed that the largest segment comprised 31.3% earning $400 - $799 weekly (3,386 residents), differing from patterns across the metropolitan region where $1,500 - $2,999 dominated with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Coombabah, with only 79.2% of income remaining, 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 49.3% houses and 50.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 41.7% houses and 58.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coombabah was 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 in Coombabah was $415, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $410. Nationally, Coombabah's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,647 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $415 compared to Australia's figure of $375.

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

Family households compose 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 make up 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, 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%, considerably lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This 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%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 28.1%.

A total of 23.5% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 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 combined total of 1,798 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 993) with balanced educational opportunities. There is one primary and one secondary institution providing education in the area. As an education hub, it offers 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

Transport analysis shows 30 active stops operating in Coombabah. These are mixed bus routes, with 5 individual services providing a total of 1,790 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically 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 notable health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 51% of the total population (~5,539 people), 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% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 64.5%. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 33.1%, higher than the Rest of Qld's 25.8%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but better than those of the general population in terms of 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's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 11.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 34.2% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Coombabah, accounting for 53.3%. Notably, Judaism had an overrepresentation of 0.2%, equal to that of Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestral groups were English (33.1%), Australian (22.2%), and Irish (8.4%). Significant differences included New Zealand's representation at 1.7% compared to the regional average of 1.4%, Maori at 1.6% versus 1.5%, and Hungarian at 0.4% against 0.3%.

Coombabah ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Coombabah's median age is 51, exceeding 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 grown from 8.1% to 9.4%, while 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 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.