Canungra

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of Canungra is around 1,540, reflecting a 7.2% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,436 people. This estimation is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of ABS data, including the resident population of 1,537 estimated in June 2025 from the latest ERP data release by the ABS. The population density ratio is approximately 51 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Canungra has shown a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed around 52.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all migration drivers being positive factors. 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, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts as per ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Future population projections indicate an above median growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Canungra expected to increase by 221 persons to reach a total of 1,661 by 2041, reflecting a 14.2% gain over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Canungra among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Canungra shows around 37 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 186 homes. As of FY26, 27 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 1.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost value for new homes is $446,000.

In FY26, commercial approvals valued at $718,000 have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Canungra has 399.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. All recent development comprises detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 35 people per dwelling approval, Canungra exhibits growth area characteristics. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to gain 218 residents by 2041.

Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

No infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch that will impact the area. Key projects include Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail, Coomera Connector Stage 1 Corridor Upgrades, Inland Rail - Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton (K2ARB), South Queensland Correctional Facilities Expansion, and Queensland Energy Roadmap 2026.

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

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The labour market strength in Canungra positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Canungra has a balanced workforce encompassing white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well-represented. The unemployment rate was 2.3% in the past year, showing an employment growth of 2.4%. As of December 2025840 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7%, below Regional Qld's 4.0%.

Workforce participation was 69.9%, higher than Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 14.0% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. Construction had a particularly high share at 1.4 times the regional level, while mining was under-represented at 1.2% compared to Regional Qld's 3.6%.

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 2.4%, labour force by 2.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld had employment growth of 0.7% and a rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Canungra. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industries. Applying these projections to Canungra's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that median income in Canungra is $56,253 and average income is $73,064. This compares to Regional Queensland's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% from financial year ending June 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income in Canungra would be approximately $62,643 and average income would be around $81,364. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Canungra cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 39.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, consistent with broader regional trends where 31.7% fall into this category. Housing costs consume 16.5% of income in Canungra. Despite high housing costs, disposable income ranks at the 58th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Canungra is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Canungra's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.1% houses and 6.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Canungra was at 29.4%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 50.8% and rented ones 19.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area stood at $1,950, surpassing Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure was recorded as $420, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Canungra's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 80.1% of all households, including 38.3% couples with children, 28.9% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 19.9%, with lone person households at 17.4% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.1%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 49.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (14.3%) and certificates (35.6%). Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 12.6% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 2.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.6% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Canungra is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Canungra faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~864 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.1 and 8.6% of residents respectively. 68.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.4% of residents aged 65 and over (237 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Canungra is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Canungra showed cultural diversity levels below average, with 86.6% of its population being citizens and 80.2% born in Australia. English was the language spoken exclusively at home by 96.9%. Christianity dominated religiously, comprising 43.6%.

Judaism's representation was notably absent (0.0%) compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%. Top ancestral groups were English (32.7%), Australian (28.8%), and Irish (9.0%). New Zealanders stood out at 1.0% in Canungra versus 0.9% regionally, Maori at 0.9% compared to 0.8%, and Dutch at 1.6% against 1.1%.

Canungra's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Canungra is 41 years, matching Regional Queensland's average and slightly older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Canungra has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (16.4%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 85 and above grew from 0.8% to 1.9%, while the 35-44 age group increased from 15.3% to 16.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 16.1% to 15.0%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 15.6% to 14.5%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Canungra's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 35 people, reaching 218 from 161, while the 15-24 age group is projected to decline by 13 people.