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

Currumbin-Tugun's population was approximately 13,575 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,236 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,339. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 13,477 in June 2025 and an additional 335 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,709 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Currumbin-Tugun's growth rate of 10.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and the national average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. 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. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of locations outside capital cities is expected. The area is projected to increase by 1,848 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 12.9% over the 16 years.

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

Currumbin-Tugun has seen approximately 83 new home approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 418 homes. In FY26 so far, 116 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built has resulted in an average of 2.1 new residents per year between FY21 and FY25, indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $577,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $10.5 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Currumbin-Tugun records around 68% of building activity per person and ranks among the 51st percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% medium to high-density housing, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift reflects reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands. With around 449 people per approval, Currumbin-Tugun indicates a mature market.

Population forecasts suggest Currumbun-Tugun will gain 1,750 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Currumbin - Tugun has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 43 projects potentially affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Blonde Bilinga, Coolangatta Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, Admiral Crescent Residential Care and Retirement Facility, and Kora, Currumbin. The following list details those most relevant.

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 has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.5% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.0% over the past year. As of this date, 7,751 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was at 69.3%, slightly higher than Regional Queensland's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 17.2% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries in Currumbin-Tugun are health care and social assistance, construction, and education and training. Notably, the area has a high concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry, and fishing have limited presence, with only 0.6% of residents employed in these sectors compared to Regional Queensland's 4.5%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing the working population to the local population. In the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.0%, and the labour force grew by 2.6%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Queensland saw employment rise by 0.7%, with the labour force growing by 1.0% and unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, covering May-25 for five and ten-year periods, suggest that Currumbin-Tugun's employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix. However, these projections are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Currumbin - Tugun SA2 is higher than average nationally. The median assessed income is $53,586 and 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 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $59,673 (median) and $80,961 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Currumbin - Tugun cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that 33.3% of the population, which is 4,520 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 in Currumbin - Tugun, with only 81.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 45th percentile nationally. 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

The dwelling structure in Currumbin - Tugun, as per the latest Census, consisted of 42.3% houses and 57.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Currumbin - Tugun was 31.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.6% and rented dwellings at 33.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $455, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Currumbin - Tugun's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 65.0% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland 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 university qualification rate is 29.1%, higher than the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region average of 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 13.3% and certificates at 25.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.7% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 6.3% in 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 area. 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. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 90%, with 2% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 17.2% of residents work from home, which 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 for Currumbin - Tugun residents shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions have low prevalence across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is high at 55% (~7,520 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5%. The most common conditions are arthritis (7.7%) and mental health issues (7.3%), with 71.7% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Under-65 residents have better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 18.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,550 people), lower than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Seniors' health outcomes rank higher than the general population nationally.

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, surveyed between July 2016 and June 2021, had a cultural diversity index of below average. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens (85.7%), born in Australia (80.7%), and speaking English at home (92.8%). Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 44.9% of residents.

Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to regional Queensland, with 0.2% of Currumbin-Tugun's population identifying as Jewish versus 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.6%), Australian (24.2%), and Irish (11.1%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences included New Zealanders (1.0% vs regional 0.9%), Maori (0.9% vs 0.8%), and Scottish (8.9% vs 7.8%).

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

Currumbin - Tugun has a median age of 40, close to Regional Qld's figure of 41 but slightly higher than the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group is strongly represented at 17.6%, compared to Regional Qld, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 9.0%. Post the 2021 Census, younger residents have lowered the median age by 1.1 years to 40. Specifically, the 25-34 age group has grown from 15.3% to 17.6%, and the 35-44 cohort has increased from 13.8% to 16.0%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 10.8%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 11.0% to 9.0%. By 2041, Currumbin - Tugun is projected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 24%, adding 562 residents to reach 2,945. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.