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 13,338 as of August 2025. This represents an increase of 999 people from the 2021 Census figure of 12,339, reflecting a growth rate of 8.1%. This change was inferred from ABS estimates: 13,217 in June 2024 and additional 277 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 1,679 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Currumbin-Tugun has shown consistent growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outpacing 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 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Demographically, the area is projected to grow above median non-metropolitan rates, expanding by 1,934 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 13.6% over 17 years.

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

Currumbin-Tugun has seen approximately 83 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is provided by the ABS on a financial year basis, with a total of 418 approvals in the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, and 23 approvals so far in FY26. On average, each dwelling built over these years has gained around 2.1 new residents annually, indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $1,457,000, 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 areas. Relative to the rest of Queensland and nationally, Currumbin-Tugun records around 68% of building activity per capita, placing it at the 52nd percentile among assessed areas. Recent construction comprises 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the current housing mix of 42.0% houses. This trend towards denser development caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, addressing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements amidst reduced development site availability. With approximately 449 people per approval, Currumbin-Tugun indicates a mature market with population forecasts predicting an increase of 1,813 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable 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 impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 44 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 - Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta Extension (2017-ongoing), Bilinga Residential Estate Stage 2 (planned for 2022), Coolangatta Water Treatment Plant Upgrade (completed in 2021), and Tugun Bypass Noise Barrier Extension (scheduled for completion in late 2023). The following details projects likely most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Currumbin-Tugun has a highly educated workforce with significant 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.

This rate is 1.4% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stands at 63.3%, comparable to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries employing residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with notable concentration in construction (1.3 times the regional average). Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence (0.6% employment compared to 4.5% regionally).

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population count against local population. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels in Currumbin-Tugun increased by 2.2%, labour force grew by 2.0%, leading to a decrease of 0.2 percentage points in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8% and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data as of Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, lagging behind national unemployment rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 project 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 Currumbin-Tugun's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows Currumbin - Tugun's median income at $50,878 and average income at $69,120. This is higher than the national averages of $43,660 (median) and $62,080 (average). In comparison, Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth figures from June 2022 to March 2025, estimated incomes for Currumbin - Tugun would be approximately $56,836 (median) and $77,214 (average). According to the 2021 Census, income brackets in Currumbin - Tugun show that 33.3% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, which is similar to the surrounding region at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th 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

At the latest Census, dwelling structures in Currumbin-Tugun consisted of 42.3% houses and 57.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 49.8% houses and 50.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Currumbin-Tugun was 31.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.6% and rented ones at 33.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, lower than Non-Metro Qld's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Currumbin-Tugun was $455, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents were substantially higher at $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 stands out regionally, with university qualification rates of 29.1% among residents aged 15+, exceeding 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%). 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 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 State School serves 1,130 students and is a significant educational institution in the area. The ICSEA score for schools in Currumbin - Tugun is 1017, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. There is one primary school serving the area, with secondary options available in surrounding regions. School places per 100 residents stand at 8.5, below the regional average of 12.1, suggesting some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 61 active public transport stops in Currumbin-Tugun area, all bus services. Six routes operate here, offering a total of 2,622 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent accessibility to these stops, with an average distance of 176 meters to the nearest one.

The service frequency is 374 trips daily across all routes, translating to about 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 conditions.

Approximately 7,162 residents have private health cover, around 54% of the total population. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 7.7% of residents) and mental health issues (7.3%). Notably, 71.7% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than the Rest of Qld average of 70.3%. As of 2016, 18.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,515 people). Health outcomes among seniors in this area 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, had a cultural diversity score 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 primary religion, practiced by 44.9% of residents.

Notably, Judaism, though small at 0.2%, was higher than the regional average of 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (31.6%), Australian (24.2%), and Irish (11.1%). Some ethnic groups showed notable variations: New Zealanders were slightly overrepresented at 1.0% compared to 1.1% regionally, while Scottish representation was identical at 8.9%, and Maori were slightly higher at 0.9% versus 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 is strongly represented at 17.6%, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 9.1%. Following the Census in 2021, younger residents shifted the median age down by 1 year to 40. The 25-34 age group grew from 15.3% to 17.6%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 13.8% to 15.6%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 13.5% to 11.3%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 11.0% to 9.1%. By 2041, Currumbin - Tugun is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25-34 cohort projected to grow by 27%, adding 644 residents to reach 2,996. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.