Nambour
Statistical Area - sa2

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 is approximately 24,474 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 1,982 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,492. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 24,367 in June 2024 and an additional 630 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 453 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Nambour has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%, outperforming non-metro areas. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 62.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered 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, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as the base year. Looking ahead, a significant population increase is forecast for Nambour, expected to reach 7,090 persons by 2041 based on current numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 28.5% over the 17-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 seen approximately 168 dwellings granted development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY2021 to FY2025844 homes were approved, with a further 42 approved in FY2026 up to date. Each dwelling built attracted an average of 3.1 people moving to the area over these five years.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, exerting upward pressure on prices and intensifying competition among buyers. The average construction cost for new homes was $244,000 during this period, lower than regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY2026, commercial development approvals totalled $38.3 million, reflecting strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Nambour displays comparable construction activity per capita, suggesting market stability aligned with regional trends despite a recent easing in activity. New developments consist of 69% detached houses and 31% medium to high-density housing, offering varied choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more compact options. With around 175 people per approval, Nambour reflects a growing area. Population forecasts project an increase of 6,983 residents by 2041. Construction pace is keeping up with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as the population grows.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 26 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Solandra Estate Nambour, Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1 (commencing Jun-2023), Nambour Central Medical Precinct (expected completion Dec-2024), and Howard Street Mixed-Use Development (scheduled for completion Mar-2025). The following list provides details on projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Nambour recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Nambour has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.0% as of June 2024.

In June 2025, the unemployment rate rose to 6.0%, which is 1.1% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Nambour is broadly similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 1.8% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. Labour force decreased by 2.2% over the 12-month period ending June 2025 while employment declined by 0.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall from 7.9% in July 2024 to 6.0% in June 2025. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts, released in May 2025, suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Nambour's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Nambour's median income among taxpayers is $47,549. The average income in Nambour for the same period is $58,616. Both figures are below the national average. Comparatively, Rest of Qld's median income is $50,780 with an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Nambour would be approximately $54,201 (median) and $66,816 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in Nambour rank modestly, between the 24th and 27th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 33.1% of Nambour's community earns within the $1,500 - $2,999 range (8,100 individuals), which is similar to regional levels where 31.7% falls into this earnings band. Housing affordability pressures in Nambour are severe, with only 80.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 22nd percentile.

Nambour is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Nambour, as evaluated at the latest Census held in 2016, comprised 76.9% houses and 23.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 82.9% houses and 17.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nambour was at 27.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.7%) or rented (31.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of June 2019, was $1,670, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360. These figures compare to Non-Metro Qld's averages of $1,777 and $385 respectively for mortgage repayments and rents. Nationally, Nambour's mortgage repayments are 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 lower-than-average 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 is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

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 presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (31.1%).

Educational participation is high at 28.0%, including 10.0% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education. Twelve schools serve 6,943 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1028) offering balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes four primary, two secondary, and five K-12 schools, with one specialist school addressing specific learning needs. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 28.4 places per 100 residents versus the regional average of 19.8, indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Nambour has 83 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 40 individual routes, collectively facilitating 1,942 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 378 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 277 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 23 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

Nambour faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Approximately 49% of Nambour's total population (~12,016 people) has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 11.1% of residents, while arthritis impacts 9.4%. About 63.0% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 66.0% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 17.8% of residents aged 65 and over (4,351 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, largely mirroring the general population's health profile.

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

Nambour, surveyed in June 2016, had low cultural diversity with 82.7% of residents born in Australia and 89.1% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 94.5%. Christianity dominated religiously at 46.6%.

Buddhism, though small at 1.2%, was higher than the regional average of 1.0%. Ancestral heritage showed English at 32.0%, Australian at 27.5%, and Irish at 8.8%. Notable deviations included German at 5.2% (vs 5.1%), Dutch at 1.7% (vs 1.6%), and New Zealand at 0.9% (vs 1.0%).

Nambour's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Nambour is 39 years, which is lower than Rest of Qld'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 14.7%, while the 65-74 group is smaller at 9.6% compared to Rest of Qld. Between 2021 and now, the 25-34 age group has grown from 12.4% to 14.7%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 11.4%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 13.1% to 12.1%. By 2041, projections show significant shifts in Nambour's age structure. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 1,746 people (49%), from 3,590 to 5,337. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort grows by a modest 9% (279 people).