Cobram

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Cobram's estimated population is around 6,431. This reflects an increase of 283 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,148. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,285 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 197 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 81 persons per square kilometer. Cobram's growth of 4.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region (3.5%) and 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted 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 projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the Cobram (SA2) expected to increase by 2,699 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 39.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, derived from statistical area data, indicates Cobram has averaged around 40 residential properties approved annually. Approximately 200 homes have been approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 30 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed have been recorded during these years.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices and supporting potential population growth beyond projections. The average construction value of new properties is $460,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $23.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, signifying moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to Rest of Vic., Cobram exhibits approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 79th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New building activity comprises 87.0% detached houses and 13.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing that appeals to space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 145 people per dwelling approval, confirming a low-density market. Population forecasts suggest Cobram will gain 2,550 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 intensifying competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Cobram has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects potentially influencing this region. Notable ones are Thompsons Beach and Kennedy Park Precinct Plan, NCN Health Cobram Campus Redevelopment, Cobram Village, and VICSES Cobram Unit. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

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While Cobram retains a healthy unemployment rate of 2.9%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Cobram has a balanced workforce encompassing white and blue collar jobs, with prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 2,693 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation in Cobram lags at 48.6%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employment is notably high, at twice the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance employment is lower than the regional average, at 11.7% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 10.6%, and employment declined by 11.8%, leading to a 1.4 percentage point unemployment rate increase. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced milder declines in employment and labour force, with a marginal rise in unemployment. State-level data from November 25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cobram's industry mix indicates local employment should increase by approximately 5.0% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest data for financial year 2023 shows that in Cobram, median income is $44,082 and average income is $52,652. This is below the national average. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s median income is $50,954 and average income is $62,728. Based on an 8.25% increase since financial year 2023, current estimates for Cobram are approximately $47,719 (median) and $56,996 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census shows that incomes in Cobram fall between the 4th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 31.3% of residents earn $400 - $799 weekly, compared to the surrounding region where 30.3% earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. This indicates a higher prevalence of lower-income residents in Cobram. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remains, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Cobram, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, comprised 91.2% houses and 8.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 90.8% houses and 9.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cobram was 44.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.8% and rented dwellings at 29.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Cobram was $1,235, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure in Cobram was $250, the same as Non-Metro Vic.'s figure. Nationally, Cobram's median monthly mortgage repayment is significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while its median weekly rent figure is 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 constitute 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 comprise 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 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+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (26.9%). Educational participation is high at 25.8%, with 9.8% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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

Cobram has 18 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 7 unique routes, offering a total of 54 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents located an average of 299 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages approximately 7 trips per day, resulting in about 3 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

Critical health challenges are evident across Cobram, with a range of health conditions impacting both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,069 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.8% and 9.4% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 59.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 60.0% across Rest of Vic.. Cobram has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.8%, with 1,852 people falling into this category, compared to the 27.0% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, 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 aligns with the broader region, with 83.4% being citizens, 81.7% born in Australia, and 85.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Cobram, comprising 57.1%. The 'Other' category is overrepresented in Cobram at 2.2%, compared to 0.7% regionally.

Top ancestry groups are English (30.7%), Australian (26.1%), and Italian (9.0%). Notably, Macedonian (0.1%) and Irish (8.7%) are overrepresented, while Chinese (2.3%) is slightly higher than the regional average of 0.9%.

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

Cobram's median age of 48 years is materially older than Rest of Vic.'s 43 and significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent at 10.5%, while the 5-14 group is comparatively smaller at 10.2% than in Rest of Vic.. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.0% to 10.3% of the population, whereas the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 15.6% to 14.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that Cobram's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand considerably, with an increase of 493 people (66%) from 745 to 1,239.