Nambour

Nambour lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Nambour's population is around 24,714 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,222 people (9.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,492 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 24,367 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 633 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 457 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Nambour's 9.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 62.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 7,090 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 27.3% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Nambour was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Nambour has experienced around 168 dwellings receiving development approval annually, with 844 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 60 so far in FY-26. With an average of 3.1 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $244,000 — under regional levels — indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $38.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Nambour shows comparable construction activity (per person), supporting market stability in line with regional patterns, though construction activity has eased recently. New development consists of 69.0% detached houses and 31.0% medium and high-density housing, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges, from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. At around 175 people per approval, Nambour reflects a developing area.

Population forecasts indicate Nambour will gain 6,743 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Nambour has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 26 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1, Howard Street Mixed-Use Development, Nambour Place Revitalisation Project, and The Grove Nambour Heights, 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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AreaSearch assessment indicates Nambour faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Nambour has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 6.2%. As of December 2025, 11,825 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.2% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (62.9% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.7% 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 health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 1.8% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 3.2% while employment declined by 3.2%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, the labour force expanded 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 Nambour. 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 Nambour's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Nambour SA2's median income among taxpayers is $49,507, with an average of $60,922. This is below the national average and compares to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,413 (median) and $66,959 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Nambour, between the 24th and 27th percentiles. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.1% of the community (8,180 individuals), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 22nd percentile.

Nambour is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Nambour, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 76.9% houses and 23.1% 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 Nambour lagged that of Regional Qld at 27.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.7%) or rented (31.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Qld average at $1,670, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Nambour's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Nambour has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 69.4% of all households, comprising 28.1% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.6%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households comprising 3.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional Qld average.

Educational attainment in Nambour aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.5%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (31.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.4% 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 81 active transport stops operating within Nambour, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 50 individual routes, collectively providing 1,848 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 379 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 10.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 264 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Nambour is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Nambour, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~12,159 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 11.1 and 9.4% of residents, respectively, while 63.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 17.7% of residents aged 65 and over (4,371 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Nambour was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 82.7% of its population born in Australia, 89.1% being citizens, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Nambour is Christianity, which makes up 46.6% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 1.2% of the population, compared to 1.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Nambour are English, comprising 32.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.5% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.2% of Nambour (vs 4.7% regionally), Dutch at 1.7% (vs 1.1%) and New Zealand at 0.9% (vs 0.9%).

Nambour's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The 39-year median age in Nambour is somewhat lower than Regional Qld's average of 41 though very close to the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.0%), while the 65 - 74 group is comparatively smaller (9.7%) than in Regional Qld. In the period since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.4% to 15.0% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.5% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.1% to 11.6% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 12.5% to 11.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Nambour's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 1,632 people (44%) from 3,704 to 5,337. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort grows by a modest 7% (204 people).