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 6,295 as of Feb 2026. This figure represents an increase of 591 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,704. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an 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 seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Coopers Plains' growth rate of 10.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (9.1%) and the national average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 79.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

AreaSearch uses 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 adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort when utilised. Examining future trends, a significant population increase is forecasted for Coopers Plains. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is expected to expand by 2,097 persons to reach an estimated total of 8,392 by 2041, reflecting a 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 has averaged approximately 43 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25217 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved so far in FY-26. On average, this translates to around 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years. However, recent figures indicate an acceleration to 6.6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting increasing demand and tightening supply.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $268,000, aligning with regional trends. This year has seen $10.8 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Coopers Plains has 69.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers ample choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years, with 84.0% of new dwellings being detached homes and 16.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity.

The population is expected to grow by 2,071 residents by 2041, potentially outpacing housing supply if current development rates continue, which could increase competition among buyers and support stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely impacting the area. Key projects are 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 an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 6.1% as of September 2025. Employment stability over the past year was relative.

As of that date, 3,373 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.2% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was somewhat lower at 68.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 14.3% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

The area had a notable concentration in accommodation & food services with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Construction employment was limited at 5.7%, compared to 9.0% regionally. There were 1.3 workers for every resident, indicating Coopers Plains functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.7%, while employment remained unchanged, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8% and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Coopers Plains. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Coopers Plains' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Coopers Plains SA2 had a median income of $48,737 and an average income of $57,528 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures were below Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799 for the same period. By September 2025, estimates suggest Coopers Plains' median income will be approximately $53,567 and its average income will be around $63,229, based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Coopers Plains ranked modestly, between the 32nd and 41st percentiles. In this area, 34.4% of locals (2,165 people) had incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, similar to the surrounding region where 33.3% fell into this income category. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Coopers Plains, with only 81.6% of income remaining after housing costs, 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' dwelling structure as per the latest Census showed 74.1% houses and 25.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coopers Plains was at 23.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.3% and rented at 49.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Brisbane metro's $1,863, while the median weekly rent was $376 compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Coopers Plains' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 notably higher than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 40.6% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, compared to the Queensland average of 25.7% and the Australian average of 30.4%. This high level of educational attainment positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Among these residents with university qualifications, bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%).

Trade and technical skills are also prominent in Coopers Plains, with 27.2% of residents aged 15 years and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas account for 10.8% while certificates make up 16.4%. Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% pursuing tertiary education, 7.8% in primary education, and 5.1% engaged in secondary education.

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

Coopers Plains has 44 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These include both train and bus services. A total of 31 individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 2,838 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent in Coopers Plains, with residents typically located 162 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 78%, while bus accounts for 9% and train for 8%.

The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.2, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 14.3% of residents work from home, a figure that 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' health metrics are close to national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among its 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 (~2996 people), which is lower than Greater Brisbane's 55.8% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (8.2%) and asthma (7.2%), with 72.9% of residents declaring themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. Coopers Plains has 13.0% of residents aged 65 and over (817 people), lower than Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking 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 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. Christianity is the main religion in Coopers Plains, comprising 41.2% of people. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, making up 10.7%, compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 2.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (16.6%), English (16.6%), and Other (15.5%). Indian, Filipino, and Korean ethnicities are also notably overrepresented in Coopers Plains at 7.8%, 3.6%, and 1.3% respectively, compared to regional averages of 2.0%, 1.2%, and 0.5%.

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 Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Coopers Plains has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (22.3%), but fewer residents aged 55-64 (7.6%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.4%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 15.6% to 18.2%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 23.8% to 22.3%. Demographic projections suggest that Coopers Plains' age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 45-54 age group (67%), adding 421 residents to reach a total of 1,048.