Currumbin Waters

Currumbin Waters has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Currumbin Waters's population is around 10,203 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 406 people (4.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,797 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,183 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,033 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 78.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 631 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 6.0% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Currumbin Waters according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Currumbin Waters has averaged around 11 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 56 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 9 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 6.5 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $614,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. There have also been $7.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Currumbin Waters shows substantially reduced construction (89.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% attached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (71.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The location has approximately 1066 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Population forecasts indicate Currumbin Waters will gain 611 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 25 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Central Park Residences, GemLife Currumbin Waters, Currumbin Creek Road-Bienvenue Drive Intersection Upgrade, and Currumbin Service and Retail Centre, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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Employment conditions in Currumbin Waters demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Currumbin Waters possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, and 3.0% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,371 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.2% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (67.6% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.2% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 3.0% while the labour force increased by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Currumbin Waters. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Currumbin Waters's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Currumbin Waters SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $53,451 with the average level standing at $75,862. This is very high nationally and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,748 (median) and $83,380 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Currumbin Waters, between the 37th and 43rd percentiles. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.5% of the community (3,213 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 40th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Currumbin Waters is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Currumbin Waters, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 71.4% houses and 28.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Currumbin Waters was higher than that of Regional Qld, at 35.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.4%) or rented (22.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Qld average at $2,100, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $468, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Currumbin Waters's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Currumbin Waters has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 74.5% of all households, comprising 34.0% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.5%, with lone person households at 22.6% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

Educational qualifications in Currumbin Waters trail regional benchmarks, with 20.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (29.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.2% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 34 active transport stops operating within Currumbin Waters, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 496 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 276 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. Some 14.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 70 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

Currumbin Waters's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Currumbin Waters residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with the prevalence of common health conditions remaining low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~5,774 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.7% and 8.1% of residents, respectively, while 68.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,997 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Currumbin Waters ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Currumbin Waters was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 81.7% of its population born in Australia, 89.8% being citizens, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Currumbin Waters is Christianity, which makes up 49.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Currumbin Waters are English, comprising 32.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.1% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of the population (vs 0.9% regionally), Scottish at 8.6% (vs 7.8%) and Maori at 0.7% (vs 0.8%).

Currumbin Waters's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 41-year median age in Currumbin Waters matches Regional Qld's average of 41, while being somewhat older than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional Qld, Currumbin Waters has a higher concentration of 35 - 44 residents (14.7%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (9.4%). Following the 2021 Census, the median age has decreased by 1.3 years from 42 to 41, indicating a younger demographic shift. Key changes show the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.6% to 14.7% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 9.5% to 11.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.1% to 11.8% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 13.0% to 10.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Currumbin Waters's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 239 people (21%) from 1,121 to 1,361. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 cohorts.