Coopers Plains

Population growth drivers in Coopers Plains are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Coopers Plains' population was approximately 6,433 as of May 2026, showing a rise of 729 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 12.8% growth from the previous census figure of 5,704 people. The change is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 6,428 in June 2025 and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,468 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Coopers Plains' growth rate exceeded both the national average (9.3%) and its SA3 area's average since the 2021 census. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends indicate a significant increase in Coopers Plains' top quartile of national statistical areas. By 2041, the area is forecast to expand by 1,881 persons, reflecting a total gain of 29.2% over the 16 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Coopers Plains when compared nationally

Coopers Plains averaged approximately 43 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY21 and FY25217 homes were approved, with a further 69 approved in FY26 to date. This averages around 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling over the past five financial years. However, recent figures show this has increased to 6.6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing demand and tightening supply.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $268,000, aligning with regional trends. Additionally, $10.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Coopers Plains has 69.0% more new home approvals per capita, providing buyers with greater choice. However, building activity has slowed recently.

The area consists of 84.0% detached dwellings and 16.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes. With approximately 218 people per approval, Coopers Plains reflects a transitioning market. By 2041, the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate projects an increase of 1,876 residents in Coopers Plains. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Coopers Plains has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Six projects identified by AreaSearch may impact the area's performance: Henson Road Industrial Estate, Cross River Rail - Salisbury Station Upgrade (commencing 2017), Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital Expansion (completed 2018), and Salisbury Marketplace (opening 2019).

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

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Employment performance in Coopers Plains has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Coopers Plains has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.7% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 2.4%.

As of December 2025, there are 3,461 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is 1.6 percentage points higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Coopers Plains is similar to Greater Brisbane's at 69.6%. According to Census responses, 14.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food services with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average, while construction has limited presence at 5.7% compared to the regional average of 9.0%. There is one worker for every resident in Coopers Plains, indicating it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 2.4% while labour force increased by 2.6%, resulting in a rise of unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a drop of unemployment by 0.1 percentage point. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coopers Plains's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Coopers Plains SA2 had an income level below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $48,737 and the average income stood at $57,528. These figures compared to Greater Brisbane's of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $54,274 (median) and $64,063 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all ranked modestly in Coopers Plains, between the 32nd and 41st percentiles. The predominant income cohort spanned 34.4% of locals (2,212 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 33.3% similarly occupied this range. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Coopers Plains is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Coopers Plains, as per the latest Census, had 74.1% houses and 25.9% other dwellings, compared to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coopers Plains was 23.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.3% and rented ones at 49.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Brisbane metro's $1,863, and the median weekly rent was $376, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Coopers Plains's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Coopers Plains features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 65.3% of all households, including 26.1% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.7%, with lone person households at 25.3% and group households comprising 9.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Brisbane average.

Educational attainment in Coopers Plains aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Coopers Plains is notable, with 40.6% of residents aged 15 and over holding university qualifications. This compares to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 25.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.7% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.2% of residents aged 15 and over holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (16.4%). Educational participation is high, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes tertiary education (10.3%), primary education (7.8%), and secondary education (5.1%).

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

Transport analysis shows 44 active public transport stops in Coopers Plains, serving a mix of train and bus routes. These stops are served by 31 individual routes, collectively providing 2838 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 162 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 78%, while bus accounts for 9% and train for 8%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

In 2021 Census data, 14.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 405 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 64 weekly trips per individual stop.

Coopers Plains's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Coopers Plains's health metrics align closely with national benchmarks, as per AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,062 people), which is lower compared to Greater Brisbane's 55.8% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.2% of residents, followed by asthma at 7.2%. A total of 72.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. Health outcomes among the working-age population are generally typical. The area has 12.3% of residents aged 65 and over (793 people), lower than Greater Brisbane's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

Coopers Plains is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Coopers Plains has a high level of cultural diversity, with 49.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 49.6% born overseas. The predominant religion in Coopers Plains is Christianity, comprising 41.2% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, making up 10.7%, compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 2.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (16.6%), English (16.6%), and Other (15.5%). Notably, Indian (7.8%) Filipino (3.6%), and Korean (1.3%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.0%, 1.2%, and 0.5% respectively.

Coopers Plains's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Coopers Plains has a median age of 32 years, which is lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and significantly below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Coopers Plains has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (23.5%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (7.4%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 15.6% to 18.1%, while the proportion of those aged 55-64 has decreased from 8.6% to 7.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Coopers Plains's age profile, with the 45-54 age cohort expected to expand by 401 people (63%), growing from 633 to 1,035 residents.