Tamborine - Canungra

Population growth drivers in Tamborine - Canungra are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Tamborine-Canungra's population is around 16,687 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 995 people (6.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,692 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,628 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 226 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 31 persons per square kilometer. Tamborine-Canungra's 6.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.1%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 52.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 1,922 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 11.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Tamborine - Canungra among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Tamborine - Canungra averaged approximately 87 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21 and FY25438 homes were approved, with an additional 76 approved in FY26 to date. Over the past five financial years, each dwelling has attracted an average of 2.5 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes is around $360,000. This fiscal year has seen $11.9 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting balanced commercial growth. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Tamborine - Canungra maintains similar development levels per capita, contributing to market stability aligned with regional trends.

All new construction consists of standalone homes, preserving the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to families seeking space, with around 155 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, Tamborine - Canungra is projected to gain approximately 1,863 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Tamborine - Canungra has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 39 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Tamborine Shopping Centre Revamp, Kidd Street Retirement Facility, Tamborine Mountain Gallery Walk Precinct, and Greater Flagstone Priority Development Area. The following list details those 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.

Employment performance in Tamborine - Canungra has been broadly consistent with national averages

Tamborine - Canungra has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.7% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.1%.

In September 2025, 8,579 residents were in work and the unemployment rate was 0.3% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 20.7% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training sectors.

The area has a strong specialization in construction with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 13.5% compared to the regional average of 16.1%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.1%, labour force by 2.3%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. This compares to Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.7%, labour force expanded by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years. These projections are based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and do not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Tamborine - Canungra SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $49,802 and an average of $65,910. This is slightly below the national average. In comparison, Rest of Qld's median was $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $54,737 (median) and $72,442 (average). The 2021 Census indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Tamborine - Canungra rank modestly, between the 34th and 49th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 33.7% of locals (5,623 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, similar to metropolitan regions where 31.7% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 51st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Tamborine - Canungra is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Tamborine - Canungra, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.8% houses and 4.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tamborine - Canungra was at 38.8%, with the rest mortgaged (47.7%) or rented (13.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent was $420, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Tamborine - Canungra's median monthly mortgage repayment is higher at $1,950 than the Australian average of $1,863, and median weekly rent is substantially above the national figure of $375.

Tamborine - Canungra features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 78.9% of all households, consisting of 33.7% couples with children, 34.8% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.1%, with lone person households at 18.4% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Tamborine - Canungra exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 25.7%, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 17.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (14.7%) and certificates (28.3%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Tamborine - Canungra's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics indicates robust performance across Tamborine - Canungra based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~8,660 people), slightly below the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions in the region are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.0 and 8.1% of residents respectively, while 68.0% report being completely free from medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical. The area has 21.5% of residents aged 65 and over (3,591 people), higher than the 20.0% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, with national rankings largely aligning with those of the general population.

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

Tamborine-Canungra, surveyed in 2016, had 76.4% of its population born in Australia, with 87.4% being citizens and 95.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 45.6%. Judaism, at 0.1%, was proportionally similar to Rest of Qld's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.9%), Australian (25.6%), and Scottish (9.4%). Notably, New Zealanders made up 1.1% compared to the regional average of 0.9%, Welsh comprised 0.7% versus 0.5%, and Germans constituted 4.6% versus 4.7%.

Tamborine - Canungra hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Tamborine-Canungra has a median age of 46 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 41 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Tamborine-Canungra has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (15.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.3%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.8% to 11.1% of the population, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 11.8%. By 2041, Tamborine-Canungra's age composition is expected to change notably. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 34%, reaching 1,859 people from the current 1,386. Conversely, the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.