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 around 13,361 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 1,022 people, representing an 8.3% growth since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 12,339. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 13,217 as of June 2024 and an additional 287 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,682 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 patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outperforming the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 78.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. It is noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using a base year of 2022. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Currumbin-Tugun expected to expand by 1,934 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 13.4% over the 17 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. As of FY26, 35 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.1 people per year have moved to the area for each new home constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $577,000, targeting the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $10.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Currumbun-Tugun has about two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 51st percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% medium and high-density housing, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift from the current housing mix (42.0% houses) reflects reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands. With around 449 people per approval, Currumbun-Tugun indicates a mature market.

Population forecasts estimate an increase of 1,790 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 42 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4, Airport Boulevard Commercial Centre, Southern Cross University Gold Coast Campus Renewal, and Currumbin Creek Southern Training Wall Renewal. 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 reveals Currumbin - Tugun significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Currumbin-Tugun has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.6% as of September 2025.

This figure is 1.5% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stood at 63.3%, slightly higher than the regional average of 59.1%. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Notably, construction had an employment level 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence with only 0.6% employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%. Despite local employment opportunities, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels in Currumbin-Tugun increased by 2.7%, while the labour force grew by 2.4%. This resulted in a decrease of 0.2 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7% and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. At a state level, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) as of 25-Nov-25. The state unemployment rate was 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate a projected growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Currumbin - Tugun SA2 is higher than average nationally. The median income is $50,878 and the average income stands at $69,120. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income is $50,780 and the average income is $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Currumbin - Tugun would be approximately $57,996 (median) and $78,790 (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 that 33.3% of the population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, with a total of 4,449 individuals in this bracket. This aligns with the surrounding region where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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, was 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. The home ownership level in Currumbin - Tugun was 31.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.6% and rented ones at 33.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $455, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Currumbin - Tugun's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $455 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 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, 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 rate 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 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% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.3% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, 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

Transport analysis indicates 61 active transport stops operating within Currumbin - Tugun as of July 2021. These stops serve a mix of bus routes. Six individual routes operate, collectively providing 2,622 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 176 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 374 trips per day across all routes, equating 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.

Common health conditions have low prevalence here; around 7,174 residents (~54%) have private health cover. The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (7.7% of residents) and mental health problems (7.3%). About 71.7% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 70.3% in the rest of Queensland. As of 2016, approximately 18.9% (~2,519 people) are aged 65 and above. Health outcomes among seniors here 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, as per the report dated "April 2021", showed lower cultural diversity levels compared to regional averages. The population was predominantly Australian-born citizens with English spoken exclusively at home: 85.7%, 80.7%, and 92.8% respectively. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 44.9%.

Notably, Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.2% compared to the regional average of 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, English (31.6%) and Australian (24.2%) were the most common, followed by Irish at 11.1%. Other ethnic groups showed variations: New Zealanders were slightly overrepresented at 1.0% compared to 1.1% regionally, Maori at 0.9% versus 0.8%, and Scottish at 8.9% matching the regional average of 8.9%.

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 makes up 17.6% of the population compared to Rest of Qld, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 9.1%. According to the 2021 Census, younger residents have shifted the median age down by one year to 40. Specifically, the 25-34 age group has grown from 15.3% to 17.6%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 13.8% to 15.6%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has 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. The 25-34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 27%, adding 640 residents to reach 2,996. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.