Tamborine - Canungra
Statistical Area - sa2

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 16900 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 1208 people (7.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15692 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 16628 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 227 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 32 persons per square kilometer. Tamborine - Canungra's growth of 7.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 7.1%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 52.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied using ABS Greater Capital Region projections, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas, with the area expected to increase by 1922 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, recording a gain of 9.8% over the 17 years.

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

Tamborine - Canungra has averaged around 87 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 438 dwellings approved over the past five financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), and 14 so far in FY-26. On average, 2.5 new residents have been added per dwelling each year over the past five financial years, indicating healthy demand for housing that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $446,000, which is under regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing choices for buyers.

There have also been $11.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Tamborine - Canungra shows comparable construction activity per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. All new construction has consisted of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space.

With around 155 people per dwelling approval, Tamborine - Canungra exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Looking ahead, Tamborine - Canungra is expected to grow by 1,650 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Tamborine - Canungra has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A total of 38 such projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include Kidd Street Retirement Facility, Tamborine Shopping Centre Revamp, Tamborine Mountain Gallery Walk Precinct, and Greater Flagstone Priority Development Area. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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

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

Tamborine - Canungra has a skilled workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, lower than the Rest of Queensland's rate of 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.9%. As of June 2025, 8,580 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% below the regional average and workforce participation on par with it at 59.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area specializes in construction, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has lower representation than the regional average, at 13.5% versus 16.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited based on Census data analysis. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.9%, while labour force grew by 2.1%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Queensland saw employment grow by 1.8% and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.5%, with employment growth at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tamborine - Canungra's employment mix suggests local growth could be approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 on May 15, 2023. Tamborine - Canungra's median income among taxpayers was $47,409 with an average of $61,577. This is below the national average. The Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates are approximately $52,961 (median) and $68,788 (average) as of March 2025. The 2021 Census reported household income at the 50th percentile ($1,745 weekly), with personal income ranking at the 34th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 33.7% of locals (5,695 people) predominantly fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to metropolitan regions where 31.7% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 51st percentile and 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, evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.8% houses and 4.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 96.1% houses and 3.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tamborine-Canungra was 38.8%, with the remainder mortgaged (47.7%) or rented (13.5%), similar to Non-Metro Qld's levels. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, matching Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $420, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $410. Nationally, Tamborine-Canungra's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Tamborine - Canungra features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 78.9% of all households, including 33.7% couples with children, 34.8% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 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, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Qld.

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 within the region. University qualification rates are higher than the Rest of Qld average, with 25.7% of residents aged 15+ having such qualifications. Bachelor degrees are most common (17.4%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%).

Vocational credentials are also prevalent, held by 43.0% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (14.7%) and certificates (28.3%). Educational participation is high, with 27.6% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.0% in primary, 9.0% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education. Six schools operate within Tamborine - Canungra, educating approximately 2,623 students as of the latest data available. These schools demonstrate typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1045) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes four primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds residential needs, with 15.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.4, indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Tamborine - Canungra's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Tamborine-Canungra's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, exhibiting a typical range of common health conditions across both young and elderly residents.

Approximately 51% (~8,551 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.0%) and mental health issues (8.1%). About 68.0% claim to be free of medical ailments, compared to 68.5% in the rest of Queensland. Around 21.5% (~3,636 people) are aged 65 or over. Health outcomes among seniors exceed those of the general population in many metrics.

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 the years 2016-2021, had a population with 76.4% born in Australia, 87.4% being citizens, and 95.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 45.6%. Judaism, however, showed an overrepresentation of 0.1%, compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (33.9%), Australian (25.6%), and Scottish (9.4%). Notably, New Zealanders (1.1%) and Welsh (0.7%) showed equal representation to the regional averages, while Germans (4.6%) had a slightly lower representation compared to the region's 4.8%.

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

Tamborine - Canungra's median age is 46 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Tamborine - Canungra has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (15.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.3%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.8% to 11.1%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 12.8% to 11.8%. By 2041, Tamborine - Canungra's age composition is expected to change notably. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 32%, reaching 1,859 people from the current 1,404. Conversely, the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to decrease in population.