Cobram

Cobram has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Cobram's population is estimated at around 6,649, reflecting an increase of 501 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,148. This growth equates to an 8.1% increase and translates to a density ratio of 84 persons per square kilometer. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 6,281 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 197 validated new addresses since the Census date. Cobram's growth exceeded both the SA4 region (3.5%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 70.0% 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 by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering these projections, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the area expected to increase by 2,698 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 35.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Cobram recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Cobram has around 39 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 197 homes were approved, with a further 18 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 0.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed have been recorded over these five years.

This suggests supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value of new properties is $460,000. In FY-26, there have been $21.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Cobram records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 78th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 87.0% detached dwellings and 13.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The location has approximately 150 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Cobram is expected to grow by 2,331 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects potentially impacting this region. Notable ones are Thompsons Beach and Kennedy Park Precinct Plan, NCN Health Cobram Urgent Care Centre Renovation, Cobram Village, and VICSES Cobram Unit. 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 Cobram has been broadly consistent with national averages

Cobram has a balanced mix of white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. Its unemployment rate is 2.3%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 2,680 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Cobram is lower at 48.6%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing stands out with employment levels double the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 11.7% of Cobram's workforce compared to Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%. The area may offer limited local job opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 14.3%, and employment declined by 14.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced a 0.9% employment decline and 0.4% labour force decline, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Cobram. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cobram's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Cobram is below the national average. The median income is $44,082 and the average income stands at $52,652. This contrasts with Rest of Vic.'s figures where the median income is $48,741 and the average income is $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Cobram would be approximately $49,442 (median) and $59,054 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Cobram all fall between the 4th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 31.3% earning $400 - $799 weekly (2,081 residents), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. The prevalence of lower-income residents (40.6% under $800/week) indicates constrained household budgets across much of the area. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 6th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Cobram, as assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 91.2% houses and 8.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.8% houses and 9.3% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Cobram was aligned with that of Non-Metro Vic., at 44.6%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (25.8%) or rented (29.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,235, below the Non-Metro Vic. average, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, matching Non-Metro Vic.'s figure. Nationally, Cobram's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Cobram features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 61.3% of all households, including 19.3% couples with children, 30.7% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.7%, with lone person households at 35.3% and group households making up 3.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

Cobram faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.1%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (26.9%). Educational participation is high at 25.8%, comprising 9.8% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

Cobram's five schools have a combined enrollment of 1,478 students, serving typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 965) with balanced educational opportunities. The schools include two primary, one secondary, and two K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 22.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.8, indicating the area functions as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Cobram has 19 operational public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 13 different routes, facilitating 146 weekly passenger trips in total. The city's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents, on average, residing 299 meters away from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 20 trips per day, resulting in roughly 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Cobram is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Cobram faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 48%, covering around 3,173 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.8% of residents) and mental health issues (9.4%), while 59.3% reported being free from medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Vic's 60.0%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 28.8% or approximately 1,914 people, compared to the Rest of Vic's 27.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Cobram records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cobram's cultural diversity was found to align with the broader region, with 83.4% of its population being citizens, 81.7% born in Australia, and 85.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Cobram, making up 57.1% of people. The most significant overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, comprising 2.2% of Cobram's population compared to 0.7% across Victoria excluding Melbourne (Rest of Vic.).

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 30.7%, Australian at 26.1%, and Italian at 9.0%. Notably, Australians in Cobram were lower than the regional average of 32.1%, while Italians were substantially higher than the regional average of 3.7%. Other ethnic groups with notable differences included Macedonian at 0.1% (vs 0.1% regionally), Irish at 8.7% (vs 9.9%), and Chinese at 2.3% (vs 0.9%).

Cobram hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Cobram's median age of 48 years is notably higher than Rest of Vic.'s 43 and significantly exceeds the Australian median of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent at 10.5%, while the 5-14 age group is smaller at 10.2% compared to Rest of Vic.. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.0% to 10.3%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 15.6% to 14.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Cobram's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 467 people (61%), growing from 771 to 1,239.