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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Coopers Plains's population is around 6,295 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 591 people (10.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,704 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,269 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,437 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Coopers Plains's 10.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (9.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 79.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 2,097 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 32.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Coopers Plains has averaged around 43 new dwelling approvals per year, with 217 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 11 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, although recent figures show this has accelerated to 6.6 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, suggesting increasing demand and tightening supply. New homes are being built at an average value of $268,000, in line with regional trends. Additionally, $10.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

When measured against Greater Brisbane, Coopers Plains has 69.0% more new home approvals (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice, though building activity has slowed in recent years. New building activity consists of 84.0% detached dwellings and 16.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. At around 218 people per approval, Coopers Plains reflects a transitioning market.

Population forecasts indicate Coopers Plains will gain 2,071 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.

Coopers Plains has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 6 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Henson Road Industrial Estate, Cross River Rail - Salisbury Station Upgrade, Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital Expansion, and Salisbury Marketplace, 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.

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

Coopers Plains possesses a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.7%, and 2.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,461 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.6% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 5.7% employment compared to 9.0% regionally. With 1.3 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.4% while the labour force increased by 2.6%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Coopers Plains. 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 Coopers Plains's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Coopers Plains SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Coopers Plains SA2's median income among taxpayers is $48,737 and the average income stands at $57,528, which compares to figures for Greater Brisbane's of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,567 (median) and $63,229 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Coopers Plains, between the 32nd and 41st percentiles. The data shows the predominant cohort spans 34.4% of locals (2,165 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places 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

Dwelling structure within Coopers Plains, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 74.1% houses and 25.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Coopers Plains was lagging that of Brisbane metro, at 23.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.3%) or rented (49.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Brisbane metro average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $376, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Coopers Plains's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 65.3% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people 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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in QLD and 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 25.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 27.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (16.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.2% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in tertiary education, 7.8% in primary education, and 5.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 44 active transport stops operating within Coopers Plains, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 31 individual routes, collectively providing 2,838 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 162 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 78%, with 9% by bus and 8% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 14.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; 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 sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical, though higher than the national average among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,996 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.2% and 7.2% of residents, respectively, while 72.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 13.0% of residents aged 65 and over (817 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally 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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 49.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 49.6% born overseas. The main religion in Coopers Plains is Christianity, which makes up 41.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 10.7% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.2%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Coopers Plains are Australian, comprising 16.6% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 23.2%, English, comprising 16.6% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.8%, and Other, comprising 15.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 9.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Indian is notably overrepresented at 7.8% of Coopers Plains (vs 2.0% regionally), Filipino at 3.6% (vs 1.2%) and Korean at 1.3% (vs 0.5%).

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

At 33 years, Coopers Plains's median age is slightly younger than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and significantly lower than the 38-year national average. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Coopers Plains has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (22.3%) but fewer 55 - 64 year-olds (7.6%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 15.6% to 18.2% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 23.8% to 22.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Coopers Plains's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 67%, adding 421 residents to reach 1,048.