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

Nambour's population was around 25,141 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 2,649 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,492. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 24,674 in June 2025 and an additional 642 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 465 persons per square kilometer. Nambour's growth rate of 11.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and the national average, indicating it as a region with significant population growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 46.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied where utilized. Population projections indicate a significant increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Nambour expected to increase by 6,628 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 24.5% over the 16-year period.

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

Nambour has received approximately 168 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21 and FY25844 homes were approved, with a further 68 approved in FY26 as of now. On average, 3.1 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these years.

This high demand has led to increased competition among buyers and upward pressure on prices. The average construction cost for new dwellings is $244,000, which is below regional levels. In FY26, commercial development approvals totaled $38.3 million, indicating strong commercial growth momentum.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Nambour's construction activity per person is comparable, supporting market stability. However, recent activity has eased slightly. Detached houses make up 69% of new developments, with medium and high-density housing accounting for the remaining 31%. This mix offers varied housing options across price ranges. With around 175 people added per approval, Nambour is a growing area. Population forecasts estimate an increase of 6,161 residents by 2041. Construction pace is keeping up with projected growth, but increasing population may intensify competition among buyers.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 26 such projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include the Nambour Place Revitalisation Project, Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1, Howard Street Mixed-Use Development, and The Grove Nambour Heights. Below is a list detailing those likely to be 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 assessment indicates Nambour faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Nambour's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.2% as of December 2025. There were 11,825 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate 2.2% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Nambour was somewhat lower at 62.1%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 10.7% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 1.8% employment compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Between December 2024 and November 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.2%, while employment declined by the same percentage, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 6.2%. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment grew by 0.7% and labour force expanded by 1.0%, leading to a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Nambour's employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Nambour SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $49,507 and an average of $60,922. This is below the national average. Regional Qld's median was $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $55,131 (median) and $67,843 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks Nambour modestly for household, family, and personal incomes, between the 24th and 27th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 33.1% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999 (8,321 individuals), similar to regional levels at 31.7%. 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 in Nambour, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.9% houses and 23.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nambour was at 27.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (41.7%) or rented (31.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,670, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Nambour was $360, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Nambour's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,670 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $360 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 69.4% of all households, including 28.1% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.6%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Regional Queensland average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with a rate of 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.0% and graduate diplomas at 2.3%. Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 43.1% holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 12.0% and certificates for 31.1%. Educational participation is 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

Nambour has 81 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 50 different routes, collectively facilitating 1,848 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 379 meters from the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 93%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 10.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 264 trips daily 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 indicates significant health challenges in Nambour. AreaSearch's assessment shows high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 12,369 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 11.1 and 9.4% of residents respectively. However, 63.0% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 17.6% of residents aged 65 and over (4,414 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, as per the census conducted on 28 June 2016, showed a lower than average cultural diversity. The majority of its population, 82.7%, was born in Australia, with 89.1% being citizens and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Nambour, comprising 46.6% of the population.

However, Buddhism had a higher representation in Nambour at 1.2%, compared to the regional average of 1.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.0%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (8.8%). Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented in Nambour at 5.2% compared to the regional average of 4.7%, Dutch ancestry was also higher at 1.7% versus 1.1%, and New Zealand ancestry remained consistent at 0.9%.

Nambour's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Nambour is 39 years, which is lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 14.6%, while those aged 65-74 are smaller at 9.4% compared to Regional Queensland. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 12.4% to 14.6%, the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.5% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 13.1% to 11.7%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 12.5% to 11.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Nambour's age structure. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly by 1,503 people (41%) from 3,663 to 5,167. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort grows modestly by 4% (140 people).