Currumbin Waters
Statistical Area - sa2

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 per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 10,206 as of Aug 2025. This figure represents an increase of 409 people, a rise of 4.2% since the 2021 Census when the population was recorded at 9,797. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 10,183 in June 2024 and the addition of 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,034 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for this area's population growth was overseas migration, contributing roughly 78.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort when utilised. Looking ahead with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is anticipated, with the area projected to expand by 631 persons by 2041 based on current numbers, indicating a total gain of approximately 6.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Currumbin Waters averaged approximately 19 new dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with 95 dwellings approved between FY20 and FY25. As of FY26, there have been 3 approvals so far. Over the past five financial years (FY20-FY25), an average of 6.5 people moved to the area per dwelling built, indicating significant demand exceeding new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value for new properties is $1,036,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year (FY26) has seen $7.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Currumbin Waters exhibits substantially reduced construction levels (89.0% below regional average per person), which generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This activity is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists predominantly of detached houses (89.0%) and a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (11.0%), maintaining 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. The location has approximately 1066 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate Currumbin Waters will gain 608 residents by 2041, with construction maintaining a reasonable pace to accommodate projected growth. However, buyers may face growing competition as population increases.

Currumbin Waters has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 27 projects that are likely to affect this particular region. Notable projects include Central Park Residences, GemLife Currumbin Waters, the upgrade of the intersection at Currumbin Creek Road-Bienvenue Drive, and the Currumbin Service and Retail Centre. The following list details those projects which are most likely to be relevant.

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

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

Currumbin Waters has a skilled workforce with key services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.8% as of June 2025, which is lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.4%. As of June 2025, 5,301 residents were in work and workforce participation was 61.4%, similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.2% of local workers compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.4%, labour force grew by 2.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8% with a slight increase in unemployment. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National unemployment was 4.5%, with national employment growth at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but sector-specific projections suggest Currumbin Waters' growth may differ. Applying these projections to Currumbin Waters' employment mix suggests potential local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Currumbin Waters had a median taxpayer income of $50,117 and an average income of $71,710. These figures are high nationally compared to Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. Considering Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $55,986 (median) and $80,107 (average). Census data ranks Currumbin Waters' household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 38th and 44th 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; only 81.1% of income remains after housing costs, ranking at the 41st percentile. 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

In Currumbin Waters, as per the latest Census evaluation, 71.4% of dwellings were houses while 28.6% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differed from Non-Metro Qld's distribution of 49.8% houses and 50.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Currumbin Waters stood at 35.3%, similar to Non-Metro Qld, with mortgaged properties at 42.4% and rented ones at 22.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, exceeding the Non-Metro Qld average of $2,000. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent was $468 compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Currumbin Waters' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,100 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 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 is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4 people.

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% nationally as of the latest figures (2016). Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 13.0% and certificates at 29.9%. Educational participation is high, with 29.2% currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest data (2016), including 10.2% in primary, 8.9% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

Currumbin Community Special School and St Augustine's Parish Primary School serve a total of 592 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1048) with balanced educational opportunities. Educational mix includes one primary and one K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited, with 5.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.1, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis shows 34 active public transport stops in Currumbin Waters, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes, offering a total of 496 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is considered good, with residents typically located around 276 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 70 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Currumbin Waters are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators for Currumbin Waters suggest below-average outcomes, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~5,643 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.7 and 8.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 68.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.3% across the rest of Queensland. As of 2021, 19.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,992 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 showed lower cultural diversity, with 81.7% born in Australia, 89.8% being citizens, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated religiously at 49.0%. Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to the rest of Queensland's 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, English comprised 32.8%, Australian 27.1%, and Irish 9.7%. Notable divergences included New Zealanders at 0.9% (vs regional 1.1%), Scots at 8.6% (vs 8.9%), and Maori at 0.7% (vs 0.8%).

Currumbin Waters hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Currumbin Waters is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average but higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Currumbin Waters has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (14.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.8%). According to the 2021 Census, Currumbin Waters' median age decreased by 1.1 years from 42 to 41, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes show the 35 to 44 age group grew from 12.6% to 14.3%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 9.5% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 14.1% to 12.2%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 13.0% to 11.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Currumbin Waters' age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 262 people (24%), from 1,098 to 1,361. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts.