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 is approximately 13,442 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,103 people, an 8.9% rise from the 2021 Census which reported a population of 12,339. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,217 in June 2024 and an additional 323 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,692 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Currumbin-Tugun has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected for locations outside capital cities. The area is projected to increase by 1,934 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.7% over the 17 years based on the latest annual ERP 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 FY26, 40 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 has gained around 2.1 new residents per year, 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 other Queensland areas. In terms of building activity per person, Currumbin-Tugun records about 68% of the state average while placing among the 51st percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the current housing mix (currently 42.0% houses). This trend reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 449 people per approval, Currumbin-Tugun indicates a mature market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain approximately 1,709 residents by 2041. 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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 42 potential impact projects in total. Key ones are Airport Boulevard Commercial Centre, Southern Cross University Gold Coast Campus Renewal, Currumbin Creek Southern Training Wall Renewal, and Gold Coast Airport Runway Extension. Below is a list detailing those most likely to be 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 reveals Currumbin - Tugun significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Currumbin-Tugun has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.6% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.7%.

As of that date, 7,669 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.5% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stood at 69.9%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 17.2% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries among Currumbin-Tugun residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Notably, the area has a high concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, accounting for only 0.6% of employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to local population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels in Currumbin-Tugun increased by 2.7%, while the labour force grew by 2.4%. This led to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%, labour force grow by 2.1%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Looking ahead, Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Currumbin-Tugun's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though these are simple 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 Currumbin - Tugun SA2 has a median income of $53,586 and an average income of $72,702. This is higher than the national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average) for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $58,896 and average income $79,907 based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census data indicates that incomes in Currumbin - Tugun cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. Income brackets show that 33.3% of the population falls 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 45th 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

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 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Currumbin-Tugun was at 31.6%, with the rest mortgaged (34.6%) or rented (33.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $455, substantially above the national figure of $375 but lower than Non-Metro Qld's $345.

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

Family households constitute 65.0% of all households, composed of 25.5% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households making up 6.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of 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 is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 29.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. This rate also exceeds that of the SA4 region at 25.4%, indicating a community emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%).

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 13.3% and certificates at 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

The analysis of public transport in Currumbin - Tugun shows that there are 63 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 8 individual routes. Together, these routes facilitate 2,848 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 176 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 90% of residents, while cycling accounts for 2%.

On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 17.2% of residents work from home; this figure may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The 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 shows Currumbin - Tugun residents have positive health outcomes. Mortality rates and health conditions are similar to national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are low across all age groups. Private health cover is high at 55% (7,446 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld. The most common conditions are arthritis (7.7%) and mental health issues (7.3%). 71.7% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than the 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Under-65 population has better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,552 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, ranking 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, as per the data, has a cultural diversity index below average. Its population is predominantly Australian citizens (85.7%), born in Australia (80.7%), and speaking English at home (92.8%). Christianity is the primary religion in Currumbin-Tugun, with 44.9% of its residents adhering to it.

Notably, Judaism, though small in number (0.2%), is overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland (0.1%). The top three ancestral groups based on parental country of birth are English (31.6%), Australian (24.2%), and Irish (11.1%). Other ethnic groups with notable differences include New Zealanders at 1.0% (vs regional 0.9%), Maori at 0.9% (vs 0.8%), and Scottish at 8.9% (vs 7.8%) in Currumbin-Tugun compared to the rest of Queensland.

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

Currumbin - Tugun has a median age of 40, which is close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeds the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group shows strong representation at 18.1%, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 8.7%. Following the Census conducted on 2021/08/03, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.2 years to 40. Specifically, the 25-34 age group has grown from 15.3% to 18.1%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 13.8% to 15.9%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 10.8%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 11.0% to 8.7%. By 2041/07/01, Currumbin - Tugun is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25-34 cohort projected to grow by 23%, adding 565 residents to reach 2,996. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.