Currumbin - Tugun

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Currumbin - Tugun's population is around 13,442 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,103 people (8.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,339 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,217 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 323 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,692 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Currumbin - Tugun has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.5% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 78.2% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above-median population growth for locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the area expected to increase by 1,934 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 12.7% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Currumbin - Tugun when compared nationally

Currumbin - Tugun has seen around 83 new homes approved annually, totalling 418 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 41 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.1 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $577,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Additionally, $10.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Currumbin - Tugun records about 68% of the building activity per person while it places among the 51st percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 42.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. At around 449 people per approval, Currumbin - Tugun indicates a mature market.

Population forecasts indicate Currumbin - Tugun will gain 1,709 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Currumbin - Tugun 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, 42 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Airport Boulevard Commercial Centre, Southern Cross University Gold Coast Campus Renewal, Currumbin Creek Southern Training Wall Renewal, and Gold Coast Airport Runway Extension, 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.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Currumbin - Tugun significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Currumbin - Tugun possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and 3.0% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,751 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (70.6% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 17.2% 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, construction, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 0.6% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.0% and the labour force increased by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 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 Currumbin - Tugun. 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 Currumbin - Tugun's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Currumbin - Tugun SA2 is higher than average nationally, with the median assessed at $53,586 while the average income stands at $72,702. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,896 (median) and $79,907 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Currumbin - Tugun cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate 33.3% of the population (4,476 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 45th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Currumbin - Tugun displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Currumbin - Tugun, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 42.3% houses and 57.7% 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 Currumbin - Tugun slightly lagged that of Regional Qld, at 31.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.6%) or rented (33.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Qld average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $455, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Currumbin - Tugun's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Currumbin - Tugun features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 65.0% of all households, comprising 25.5% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households comprising 6.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Currumbin - Tugun exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (29.1% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and that of the SA4 region (25.4%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.3%) and certificates (25.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 63 active transport stops operating within Currumbin - Tugun, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 8 individual routes, collectively providing 2,848 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 176 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 2% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. Some 17.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 406 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 45 weekly trips per individual stop.

Currumbin - Tugun's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Currumbin - Tugun residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~7,446 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.7% and 7.3% of residents, respectively, while 71.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,552 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

Currumbin - Tugun ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Currumbin - Tugun was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.7% of its population being citizens, 80.7% born in Australia, and 92.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Currumbin - Tugun is Christianity, which makes up 44.9% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was 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 Currumbin - Tugun are English, comprising 31.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 24.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 1.0% of Currumbin - Tugun (vs 0.9% regionally), Maori at 0.9% (vs 0.8%) and Scottish at 8.9% (vs 7.8%).

Currumbin - Tugun's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 40, Currumbin - Tugun is close to the Regional Qld figure of 41 but modestly exceeds the national norm of 38. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 18.1% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 8.7%. Following the 2021 Census, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.2 years to 40. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 15.3% to 18.1% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 13.8% to 15.9%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 10.8% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 11.0% to 8.7%. By 2041, Currumbin - Tugun is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 23%, adding 565 residents to reach 2,996. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.