Currumbin - Tugun
Statistical Area - sa2

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 is approximately 13,361 as of November 2025. This figure indicates an increase of 1,022 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,339. The growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population figures and validated new addresses. As of June 2024, the population was 13,217 with an additional 287 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,682 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Currumbin-Tugun has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%.

Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 78.2% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 based on 2022 data. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 using 2021 data are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. According to demographic trends, Currumbin-Tugun is projected to grow by 1,934 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 13.4% over the 17 years based on the latest population numbers.

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

Currumbin - Tugun has seen approximately 83 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 418 homes. As of FY-26, 28 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.1 people moved to the area per new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating healthy demand for property. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $577,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In this financial year, there have been $10.5 million in commercial approvals, showing steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Currumbin - Tugun has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 52nd percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% medium and high-density housing, reflecting a trend towards denser development to provide accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This is a significant shift from the current housing mix of 42.0% houses. At around 449 people per approval, Currumbin - Tugun indicates a mature market with population forecasts expecting an increase of 1,790 residents by 2041.

If development rates continue at their current pace, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Currumbin - Tugun has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 42 projects that may impact the region. Notable initiatives include Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4, Bilinga Residential Estate Stage 2, Coolangatta Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, and Tugun Bypass Noise Barrier Extension. 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Currumbin - Tugun well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Currumbin-Tugun has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 2.6%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the past year.

By June 2025, 7,607 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is standard at 63.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.6% compared to the regional average of 4.5%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparisons between working population and local population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels in Currumbin-Tugun increased by 2.2%, with labour force growth at 2.0%, leading to a 0.2 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8% while unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May 2025, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Currumbin-Tugun's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years. These projections are illustrative extrapolations based on current industry-specific growth rates and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Currumbin - Tugun had a median income of $50,878 and an average income of $69,120. Nationally, the median was $43,150 and the average was $64,844. In Rest of Qld, the median was $50,780 and the average was $64,844. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $57,996 and average income will be around $78,790, based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census indicates Currumbin - Tugun's incomes cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. Income brackets show 33.3% of residents (4,449 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the surrounding region at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 46th percentile. 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 Non-Metro Qld's 49.8% houses and 50.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Currumbin - Tugun was at 31.6%, with the rest either mortgaged (34.6%) or rented (33.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $2,000 and above Australia's national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $455, higher than Non-Metro Qld's $450 but 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 constitute 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 Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 29.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region average of 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 13.3% and certificates at 25.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.3% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education. Currumbin - Tugun is anchored by Currumbin State School, serving 1,130 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1017) indicating balanced educational opportunities. The area has 1 school focusing exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 8.5, below the regional average of 12.1, suggesting some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Currumbin - Tugun shows that there are 61 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 6 individual routes providing service to the area. The combined weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 2,622.

The accessibility of public transportation in this region is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 176 meters from the nearest transport stop. On a daily basis, there are an average of 374 trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 42 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Currumbin - Tugun is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Currumbin-Tugun shows superior health outcomes for both young and elderly populations, with low prevalence of common health issues.

Approximately 7,174 residents have private health cover, around 54% of the total population. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (7.7%) and mental health issues (7.3%), while 71.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 70.3% in the rest of Queensland. There are 2,519 residents aged 65 and over, comprising 18.9% of the population. Health outcomes for seniors exceed 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, surveyed in 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 85.7% citizens, 80.7% born in Australia, and 92.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated at 44.9%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, higher than the regional average of 0.1%.

Top ancestral groups were English (31.6%), Australian (24.2%), and Irish (11.1%). Notable divergences included New Zealand (1.0% vs 1.1%), Scottish (8.9% vs 8.9%), and Maori (0.9% vs 0.8%).

Currumbin - Tugun's median age exceeds the national pattern

Currumbin-Tugun has a median age of 40, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeding the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 17.6%, higher than Rest of Qld, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 9.1%. Post-2021 Census, younger residents lowered the median age by 1 year to 40. Specifically, the 25-34 group grew from 15.3% to 17.6%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 13.8% to 15.6%. Conversely, the 55-64 group declined from 13.5% to 11.3%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 11.0% to 9.1%. By 2041, Currumbin-Tugun's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25-34 cohort projects the strongest growth at 27%, adding 640 residents to reach 2,996. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.