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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Population
Currumbin Waters has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends
Currumbin Waters' population, as of May 2026, is approximately 10,220. This figure shows an increase of 423 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,797. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,220 in June 2025 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,035 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.
AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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 used. Due to the lack of age category splits in state projections, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data for each age cohort. By 2041, the population is expected to increase by approximately 588 persons, reflecting a total gain of 5.8% over the 16 years, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers and demographic trends indicating growth just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
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 approximately 11 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 56 homes. In FY26 so far, 10 approvals have been recorded. On average, 6.5 people moved to the area each year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This indicates significant demand exceeding new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.
The average construction value of new properties is $614,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In this financial year, there have been $7.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Currumbin Waters shows substantially reduced construction activity (88.0% below regional average per person), supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. This is also under the national average, indicating an established market with potential planning limitations. New development consists of 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a focus on 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 588 residents through to 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Currumbin Waters
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Currumbin Waters has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally
Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that may impact the region. Notable projects include Currumbin Eco-Parkland, Central Park Residences, GemLife Currumbin Waters, and Currumbin Creek Road-Bienvenue Drive Intersection Upgrade. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Gold Coast Heavy Rail Extension - Varsity Lakes to Gold Coast Airport
The project involves a 13km extension of the heavy rail line from Varsity Lakes to the Gold Coast Airport terminal. It includes four proposed new stations at Tallebudgera, Elanora, Tugun, and the airport. As of 2026, the project remains in the planning and business case development phase, identified as a high-capacity transport priority in the 2-4 year investment pipeline for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games legacy. The corridor is preserved to ensure future connectivity between the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
Currumbin Service and Retail Centre
A landmark $80 million mixed-use retail and service precinct spanning 4.5 hectares at the M1 and Stewart Road interchange. The development integrates high-traffic essential services including a Shell service station, KFC, and Zarraffa's Coffee, alongside large-format retail, Chemist Warehouse, Anytime Fitness, and a multi-level Storage King facility.
Tugun Satellite Health Centre (Banyahrmabah)
The Tugun Satellite Health Centre (Banyahrmabah) provides urgent walk-in care for minor injuries and illnesses through its Minor Injury and Illness Clinic. The facility also hosts specialized outpatient services including kidney dialysis, women's, newborn, and children's clinics, and a day medical unit for specialist infusions to support local hospital capacity.
Currumbin Eco-Parkland
Transformation of a 148-hectare parcel of land at Currumbin on the southern Gold Coast into one of Australia's largest eco-parks. Backed by more than $45 million in Queensland Government investment, the project features nature-based recreational trails, sporting and community amenity areas, koala habitat protection, a fodder eucalypt plantation, a wildlife rehabilitation facility (vet unit), and wetland restoration. An Activation Plan was released in January 2024 and physical works commenced in early 2024, with ecological restoration - including weed control, planned burns, and revegetation - actively progressing through 2025. A large portion of the site will ultimately be dedicated as conservation park.
Palm Beach Oceanway Extension
Extension of the beachfront cycling and walking path along Palm Beach, connecting to existing infrastructure to promote active transport and recreation. The project includes new pathways, lighting, and amenities to enhance community access.
Currumbin Service and Retail Centre
Completed mixed-use service and large format retail centre on a 4.5 hectare site at the M1 / Stewart Road interchange in Currumbin Waters. Anchored by a Shell service station and truck stop with multiple quick service food outlets (including Zarraffa's Coffee added in late 2024), Anytime Fitness, an indoor rock climbing facility, Storage King multi-level self storage and other light industrial uses. Stage 1 opened in 2023 and the centre is now largely tenanted, serving local Gold Coast residents and M1 motorway traffic.
Elanora Childcare Centre Development Site
DA Approved 51-place dual-level childcare facility on a 755 sqm site directly adjoining Elanora State School. This development addresses a highly undersupplied catchment area with an estimated 3.9 children per place. The site currently includes a 5-bedroom modern home providing rental income while awaiting development commencement.
Admiral Crescent Residential Care and Retirement Facility
Development-approved residential care and retirement facility on a 1.484 hectare medium-density residential site directly opposite John Flynn Private Hospital. The approved scheme comprises 154 suites in a six-storey building, with capacity to deliver an integrated aged care and retirement living community adjoining critical Gold Coast health infrastructure and within 2km of Tugun beach. The site was on-sold in early 2026 for 14.5 million dollars by Philip Usher Constructions to a locally based private development group, which is reportedly assessing alternative outcomes including a townhouse development under the underlying medium-density zoning. The existing DA for the 154-suite aged care and retirement scheme remains in place.
Employment
Employment conditions in Currumbin Waters demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally
Currumbin Waters has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.0%. As of December 2025, there were 5,371 residents employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.2% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.
Workforce participation was at 67.0%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 14.9% of residents worked from home in Currumbin Waters. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.
Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.2% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 3.0%, while labour force increased by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Currumbin Waters' employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis
AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Currumbin Waters SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $53,451 and an average level of $75,862. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Regional Qld's $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $59,523 (median) and $84,480 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly in Currumbin Waters, between the 37th and 43rd percentiles. Income distribution shows 31.5% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, consistent with regional trends at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 40th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Currumbin Waters is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Dwelling structure in Currumbin Waters, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.4% houses and 28.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Currumbin Waters was at 35.3%, with the rest either mortgaged (42.4%) or rented (22.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Currumbin Waters was $468, compared to Regional Qld's $375. Nationally, Currumbin Waters' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,100 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Currumbin Waters has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 74.5% of all households, including 34.0% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.5%, with lone person households at 22.6% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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 years and over holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.9% of residents aged 15 years and over holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (29.9%). Educational participation is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.
This includes 10.2% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Currumbin Waters has 34 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that collectively facilitate 496 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 276 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most inhabitants commute outwards, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 94%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 14.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.
The service frequency averages 70 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
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 shows positive outcomes for Currumbin Waters residents. Mortality rates and health conditions are largely in line with national benchmarks.
Common health conditions are low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Private health cover is high, with approximately 57% of the total population (~5,784 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.7 and 8.1% of residents respectively. 68.6% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Regional Qld's 67.6%. Under-65 population has better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,020 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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' population showed low cultural diversity, with 81.7% born in Australia, 89.8% being citizens, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 49.0%. Judaism was slightly overrepresented, at 0.1% compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.
The top three ancestry groups were English (32.8%), Australian (27.1%), and Irish (9.7%). Notably, New Zealanders were equally represented at 0.9%, Scottish were higher at 8.6% vs 7.8%, and Maori were slightly lower at 0.7% vs 0.8%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Currumbin Waters's median age exceeds the national pattern
The median age in Currumbin Waters is 41 years, matching Regional Queensland's average of 41 but higher than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Currumbin Waters has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the median age in Currumbin Waters decreased by 1.1 years from 42 to 41, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes show that the 35-44 age group grew from 12.6% to 14.6%, while the 25-34 age cohort increased from 9.5% to 11.1%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group declined from 13.0% to 11.0%, and the 45-54 age group dropped from 14.1% to 12.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that Currumbin Waters' age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow strongly, increasing by 236 people (21%) from 1,129 to 1,366. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 55-64 age cohorts.