Coopers Plains
Statistical Area - sa2

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 is approximately 6,295 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 591 people, a rise of 10.4% from the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5,704. The growth is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 6,269 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,437 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Coopers Plains' growth rate of 10.4% since the 2021 census exceeds the national average of 8.9%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 79.4% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population trends indicate a significant increase in Coopers Plains' top quartile of national statistical areas, forecasting an expansion by 2,097 persons to reach 8,392 by 2041. This would represent a total gain of 32.9% over the 17-year period.

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

Coopers Plains averaged approximately 43 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 217 homes approved during this period and an additional 6 approved in FY26. The average increase in residents per year per dwelling constructed was 1.6 over these five years, suggesting balanced supply and demand conditions. However, recent data indicates an acceleration to 6.6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, implying increasing demand and tightening supply. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $268,000, aligning with regional trends.

This year has seen $10.8 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating steady commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Coopers Plains has 69.0% more new home approvals per capita, offering buyers ample choice despite a recent slowdown in building activity. The area's housing mix comprises 84.0% detached dwellings and 16.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining its suburban identity with a focus on family homes. Currently, Coopers Plains has around 218 people per approval, reflecting a shifting market landscape.

By 2041, population forecasts project an increase of 2,071 residents in the area. If current development rates persist, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Coopers Plains has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Henson Road Industrial Estate, Cross River Rail - Salisbury Station Upgrade, Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital Expansion, and Salisbury Marketplace. The following list details those most relevant:.

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.

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 6.4% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5% over the past year.

As of that date, 3,377 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.3% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Coopers Plains was broadly similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Notably, accommodation & food services had an employment level that was 1.3 times the regional average.

However, construction had a limited presence with only 5.7% of employment compared to the regional average of 9.0%. The area functioned as an employment hub with 1.3 workers for every resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.5% while labour force increased by 2.0%, resulting in a rise of unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a drop of 0.4 percentage points in unemployment. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Coopers Plains' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Coopers Plains' median income among taxpayers was $47,611 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $56,175 during the same period. Comparing these figures with Greater Brisbane's median and average incomes of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively, Coopers Plains' incomes were lower than the regional averages. Based on a 13.99% growth in wages from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated current median income is approximately $54,272, and average income is around $64,034. According to data from the 2021 Census, Coopers Plains' incomes rank modestly, between the 33rd and 42nd percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The predominant income cohort in Coopers Plains comprises 34.4% of locals (2,165 people), earning between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. This pattern is similar to the surrounding region where 33.3% fall within this income range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Coopers Plains, with only 81.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 40th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

Coopers Plains' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.1% houses and 25.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Brisbane metro had 77.8% houses and 22.2% 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's average of $2,100. Median weekly rent was $376, compared to Brisbane's $388. Nationally, Coopers Plains' 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 account for 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 make up 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 matches 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 notably high, with 40.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications compared to the state average of 25.7% and the national average of 30.4%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area, which may facilitate knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common, held by 25.3% of residents in this age group, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (16.4%).

Educational participation is high in Coopers Plains, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in tertiary education, 7.8% in primary education, and 5.1% pursuing secondary education. Coopers Plains State School serves the local educational needs within Coopers Plains, enrolling 192 students as of a typical Australian school conditions index (ICSEA) of 985, suggesting balanced educational opportunities. The one school in Coopers Plains focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas due to limited local school capacity (3.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 9.7).

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

Coopers Plains has 46 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 31 different routes, together facilitating 2,559 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located just 162 meters from the nearest stop.

Services run frequently, averaging 365 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 55 weekly trips per individual stop.

Coopers Plains's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Coopers Plains residents showed relatively positive health outcomes, with low prevalence of common conditions among the general population, although higher than national averages in older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover was found to be very low, at approximately 48% of the total population (~3021 people), compared to 57.3% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%. The most common conditions were mental health issues (8.2%) and asthma (7.2%), with 72.9% reporting no medical ailments, similar to the Greater Brisbane figure of 72.3%.

As of 12th June 20XX, 12.7% of residents were aged 65 and over (800 people). Health outcomes among seniors required more attention than 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 high cultural diversity, with 49.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 49.6% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 41.2%. Hinduism is overrepresented at 10.7%, higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 3.9%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (16.6%), English (16.6%), and Other (15.5%). Indian (7.8%) Filipino (3.6%) and Korean (1.3%) ethnicities are notably overrepresented compared to regional averages.

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

Coopers Plains has a median age of 33 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and significantly lower than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Coopers Plains has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (23.4%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (9.6%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has grown from 15.6% to 17.9%, while the proportion of those aged 55-64 has declined from 8.6% to 7.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that Coopers Plains' age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 45-54 cohort, which is expected to increase by 74%, adding 446 residents to reach a total of 1,048.