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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Coombabah's population is around 10,819 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 521 people (5.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,298 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,773 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 931 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Coombabah's 5.1% growth since the census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 70.1% 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. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of locations outside of capital cities is expected, with the area expected to grow by 830 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 7.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Coombabah has seen around 4 new homes approved per year, with 21 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 3 so far in FY-26. With an average of 12.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $371,000. There have also been $666,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Relative to the rest of Qld, Coombabah has significantly less development activity (90.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though construction activity has intensified recently. This is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area'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 amid 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 through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 12 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area park upgrades, Serenity 4212, and the Coombabah Sewage Treatment Plant Stage 6 Upgrade, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

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

Coombabah possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 4.4%, and 3.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,819 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (53.2% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in in administrative & support, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.4% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.1% and labour force increased by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Coombabah. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Coombabah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Coombabah SA2's income level is lower than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Coombabah SA2's median income among taxpayers is $43,607 and the average income stands at $60,574, compared to figures for Regional Qld of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $47,928 (median) and $66,577 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Coombabah all fall between the 6th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the largest segment comprises 31.3% earning $400 - 799 weekly (3,386 residents), differing from patterns across the metropolitan region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are 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

Dwelling structure within Coombabah, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 49.3% houses and 50.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Coombabah was higher than that of Regional Qld, at 43.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.1%) or rented (28.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Qld average at $1,647, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $415, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Coombabah's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 61.6% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (16.1%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (28.1%).

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

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

Public transport analysis reveals 30 active transport stops operating within Coombabah comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 1,790 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 221 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 11.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 255 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 59 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Coombabah is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Coombabah faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~5,322 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 13.1% and 8.1% of residents, respectively, while 58.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 33.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,603 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 11.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 34.2% born overseas. The main religion in Coombabah is Christianity, which makes up 53.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Coombabah are English, comprising 33.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 22.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 1.7% of Coombabah (vs 0.9% regionally), Maori at 1.6% (vs 0.8%) and Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.2%).

Coombabah ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 51, Coombabah notably exceeds the Regional Qld figure of 41 and is well above Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (13.6% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (7.4%). This 75 - 84 concentration is well above the national 6.1%. In the period since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 9.6% to 11.2% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.1% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 9.9% to 7.4% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 16.5% to 14.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Coombabah's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase markedly, expanding by 462 people (89%) from 520 to 983. Senior residents (65+) will drive 60% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 cohorts.