Cobram

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Cobram is around 6,480, reflecting a growth of 332 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 5.4% rise from the previous population count of 6,148. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,285 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 225 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 82 persons per square kilometer. Cobram's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (3.7%) and SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 70% to the 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, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Cobram is expected to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10% of regional areas nationally. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to increase by 2,705 persons, reflecting a total increase of 38.7% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Cobram when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Cobram has recorded around 40 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 201 homes were approved, with an additional 30 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 0.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

The supply of dwellings is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value of these new properties is around $460,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In terms of commercial development, Cobram has recorded approximately $23.0 million in approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial activity relative to other areas.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Cobram shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and places among the 79th percentile nationally when assessed against other areas. New building activity in Cobram is predominantly detached houses, with approximately 87.0% of approvals for this type of dwelling and only 13.0% for townhouses or apartments. This preserves the area's low density nature and attracts space-seeking buyers. The location has around 143 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts suggest Cobram will gain approximately 2,510 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the future.

Cobram has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Thompsons Beach and Kennedy Park Precinct Plan, NCN Health Cobram Campus Redevelopment, 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.

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The employment environment in Cobram shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Cobram has a balanced workforce consisting of both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented in the town. The unemployment rate was 2.8% according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, there were 2726 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 0.9% lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. However, workforce participation in Cobram was significantly lower at 52.4%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Census responses showed that only 6.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance sectors.

Cobram has a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing with employment levels at twice the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 11.7% of Cobram's workforce compared to Regional Vic.'s 16.8%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.0%, while employment declined by 5.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points in Cobram. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced a 0.6% employment decline and a 0.7% labour force decline with a drop of 0.1 percentage point in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Cobram. These projections suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Cobram's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.4% over ten years.

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

Income data from AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO figures for financial year 2023 shows median income in Cobram suburb is $44,082 and average income is $52,652. This is lower than Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes are approximately $47,719 (median) and $56,996 (average) as of September 2025. Census figures from 2021 indicate household, family, and personal incomes in Cobram fall between the 4th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals largest segment comprises 31.3% earning $400 - $799 weekly (2,028 residents), contrasting with surrounding region where $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. Prevalence of lower-income residents (40.6% under $800/week) suggests constrained household budgets across much of the area. After housing expenses, 85.6% of income remains, ranking at only the 6th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Cobram, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.2% houses and 8.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Vic. had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cobram stood at 44.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.8% and rented ones at 29.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,235, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Cobram was $250, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Cobram's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,235 versus 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, smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the 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 and above holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 9.0% while certificates make up 26.9%. Educational participation is high, with 25.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Cobram shows that there are 18 active transport stops currently operating. These include a mix of train and bus services. Seven individual routes serve these stops, collectively providing 54 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 299 meters from the nearest transport stop. As Cobram is primarily residential, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 92%, while walking accounts for 6%.

On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in Cobram, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 6.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 7 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Cobram is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Cobram faces substantial health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,092 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (11.8%) and mental health issues (9.4%). 59.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 28.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,853 people), higher than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings.

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 population was found to be approximately in line with the broader regional average regarding cultural diversity, with 83.4% being Australian citizens, 81.7% born within Australia, and 85.9% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Cobram, comprising 57.1% of its population. Notably, the category "Other" was overrepresented in Cobram, making up 2.2% compared to the regional average of 0.8%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups in Cobram were English at 30.7%, Australian at 26.1%, and Italian at 9.0%, significantly higher than the regional averages of 25.4%, 22.3%, and 2.9% respectively. There were also notable differences in the representation of other ethnic groups: Macedonian was overrepresented at 0.1% compared to the regional average of 0.2%, Irish at 8.7% versus 9.7%, and Chinese at 2.3% compared to 0.9%.

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

Cobram's median age of 48 years is notably older than Regional Vic.'s 43 and significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent at 10.4%, while the 5-14 age group is comparatively smaller at 10.3% than in Regional Vic.. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.0% to 10.2% of the population, and the 25 to 34 cohort has risen from 11.0% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age group has decreased from 15.6% to 14.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Cobram's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to expand considerably, growing by 457 people (58%) from 784 to 1,242.