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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Cobram's population is estimated at around 6,480 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 332 people (5.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,148 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,285 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 225 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 82 persons per square kilometer. Cobram's growth rate of 5.4% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA4 region (3.7%) and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing 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 a base year of 2022. 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 from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to increase by 2,701 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 38.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Cobram has recorded around 40 residential properties granted approval each year. Approximately 200 homes have been approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25. As of FY-26, about 30 properties have received approval.

On average, 0.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed have been recorded in Cobram over these five financial years. This suggests that supply is meeting or surpassing demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential for population growth above projections. The average construction value of new properties has been around $460,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY-26, approximately $23.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to other areas. Relative to Rest of Vic., Cobram shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person. Nationally, it places among the 79th percentile of areas assessed for new building activity. The majority of this activity, about 87.0%, consists of detached houses, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 13.0%. This preserves the area's low density nature and attracts space-seeking buyers. Cobram has approximately 145 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts indicate that Cobram will gain around 2,500 residents through to 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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects that may impact this region. Notable 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 likely to be 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's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area aggregation. As of September 2025, there are 2,695 employed residents, an unemployment rate of 0.9% lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation is lower at 52.2% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. Census data shows 6.6% work from home, considering Covid-19 impacts. Key sectors are agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employment is high at 2.0 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 11.7% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on resident vs working population counts. From September 2024 to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 10.6%, and employment declined by 11.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. had milder declines. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cobram's mix suggests local employment could 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 2023 shows that in Cobram, median income is $44,082 and average income is $52,652. This is below the national average. In Rest of Vic., median income is $50,954 and average income is $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Cobram are approximately $47,719 (median) and $56,996 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Cobram fall between the 4th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 31.3% of residents earn $400 - $799 weekly, contrasting with the surrounding region where the highest bracket is $1,500 - $2,999 at 30.3%. This indicates a 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Cobram's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.2% houses and 8.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 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 Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Cobram was $250, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Cobram's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,235 versus Australia's 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 comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of 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%. 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, with 25.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.8% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 2.0% in 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 are served by 7 distinct routes, together facilitating 54 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is deemed good, with residents typically residing 299 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars dominate at 92%, while 6% walk. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.3, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 6.6% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Services average 7 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 3 weekly trips per 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 significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,092 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic., and 55.7% nationally.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.8%) and mental health issues (9.4%). Conversely, 59.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.3% (1,833 people), compared to 23.9% in Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among seniors largely align 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 cultural diversity was found to align with its wider region, with 83.4% of residents being citizens, 81.7% born in Australia, and 85.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Cobram, comprising 57.1% of the population. The most significant overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, with 2.2% compared to 0.8% across Victoria's rest.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (30.7%), Australian (26.1%), and Italian (9.0%), notably higher than regional averages for Italian ancestry (2.9%). Other ethnic groups showed variations: Macedonian was overrepresented at 0.1% compared to 0.2% regionally, Irish at 8.7% versus 9.7%, and Chinese at 2.3% versus 0.9%.

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

Cobram's median age of 48 years is notably older than Rest of Vic.'s 43 and significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile reveals that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent at 10.2%, while the 5-14 age group is comparatively smaller at 10.2% compared to Rest of Vic.. Post-Census data from 2021 shows that the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.0% to 10.1% of the population, while 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 14.1%. Demographic modeling indicates that Cobram's age profile will undergo significant changes by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand considerably, growing by 454 people (58%) from 784 to 1,239.