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 was approximately 24,442 as of August 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 1,950 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 617 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 452 persons per square kilometer. Nambour's growth rate of 8.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area average (8.6%) and the national average, indicating significant population growth in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 62.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. By 2041, a significant population increase of 7,090 persons is forecast for Nambour based on the latest population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 28.7% 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 received approximately 168 dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that between FY2021 and FY2025, around 844 dwellings were approved in Nambour. As of FY2026, about 22 dwellings have been approved so far. On average, over the past five financial years, 3.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

This high demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction value of new properties is $409,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options. In FY2026, commercial development approvals totaled $38.3 million, indicating strong local business investment.

When compared to the rest of Queensland, Nambour's construction activity per person is similar, supporting market stability. However, recent construction activity has decreased slightly. New developments consist of 69% detached houses and 31% medium and high-density housing, offering a range of price options from family homes to compact dwellings. With around 175 people moving in for each approval, Nambour is a growing area. By 2041, the population is forecasted to increase by 7,015 residents. Construction activity is keeping pace with projected growth, but buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

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

Changes to local infrastructure can significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 27 projects that may affect the area. Notable projects include Nambour Place Revitalisation Project, Solandra Estate Nambour, Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1, and Howard Street Mixed-Use Development. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Nambour has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.0%, showing relative stability over the past year.

As of June 2025, there are 12,224 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 4.0% (1.1% above Rest of Qld's 3.9%) and workforce participation at 58.9%, similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (36.7%), construction (22.3%), and retail trade (14.2%). The area has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.8% compared to the regional 4.5%.

Local employment opportunities exist, but many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the year ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 2.2%, and employment declined by 0.2%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 1.9 percentage points. Comparatively, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and unemployment rise by 0.2%. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs) with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national unemployment rate of 4.5% and national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project an expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Nambour's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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, with an average of $58,616. This is below the national average and compares to Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $53,117 (median) and $65,480 (average) as of March 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 (8,090 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Nambour, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.9% houses and 23.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had 82.9% houses and 17.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nambour was 27.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.7% and rented ones at 31.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,670, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,777. The median weekly rent figure for Nambour was $360, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $385. Nationally, Nambour's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Nambour has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 30.6%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households making up 3.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, 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 prevalent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 12.0% and certificates make up 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; Nambour has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1028) with 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 compared to 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 providing 1,942 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 378 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 277 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 23 weekly trips per 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 data showing high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% (~12,001 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues (11.1%) and arthritis (9.4%) are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area. Conversely, 63.0% of residents report no medical ailments compared to 66.0% across the rest of Queensland. The senior population comprises 17.8% (4,345 people) of Nambour's total population. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with those experienced by 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 data on 30 June 2016, showed a lower-than-average cultural diversity with 82.7% of its residents born in Australia and 89.1% being Australian citizens. The majority of Nambour's population, 94.5%, spoke English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 46.6% of the population.

Buddhism, while a minority, was slightly overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, with 1.2% of Nambour's population identifying as Buddhist. In terms of ancestry, residents with parents born in England constituted 32.0%, those with Australian-born parents made up 27.5%, and Irish ancestry accounted for 8.8%. Notable deviations from regional averages were observed in German (5.2% vs 5.1%), Dutch (1.7% vs 1.6%), and New Zealand (0.9% vs 1.0%) ancestry.

Nambour's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Nambour is 39 years, which is lower than the Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent at 14.7%, while those aged 65-74 are smaller at 9.6%. Between 2021 and the present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 12.4% to 14.7%, 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, demographic projections show that the 25-34 age cohort is expected to increase by 1,751 people (49%), growing from 3,585 to 5,337. The 15-24 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 9%, adding 283 people.