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 6,315 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 167 people (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,148 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,307, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 273 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 80 persons per square kilometer. Cobram's 2.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (1.0%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising 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 also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the area expected to increase by 2,634 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 41.6% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Cobram recorded around 40 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 201 homes were approved, with an additional 85 approved so far in FY26. This results in an average of about 0.8 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 new properties is $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.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Cobram shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 79th percentile nationally. New building activity comprises about 87.0% detached houses and 13.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with a focus on detached housing that attracts space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 144 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts suggest Cobram will gain around 2,626 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.

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

Six projects identified by AreaSearch may impact the area's performance: Thompsons Beach and Kennedy Park Precinct Plan, NCN Health Cobram Campus Redevelopment, Cobram Village, and VICSES Cobram Unit.

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 diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 2.7% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in December 2025. The town had 2,726 employed residents at this time, with an unemployment rate 1.0% lower than Regional Vic.'s 3.7%. However, workforce participation was lower at 52.2%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%.

According to Census responses in December 2025, only 6.6% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance sectors. Cobram has a notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at twice the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with 11.7% of its workforce compared to Regional Vic.'s 16.8%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population figures. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.1%, while employment declined by 5.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. saw a 0.6% employment decline and a 0.7% labour force decline over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment could expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cobram's employment mix indicates potential local employment growth of 5.0% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does 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 postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that income in Cobram is below national average. Median assessed income is $44,082 and average income stands at $52,652. This contrasts with Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% from financial year ending June 2023 to March 2026, current estimates would be approximately $48,323 (median) and $57,717 (average). According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data for 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Cobram all fall between the 4th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that largest segment comprises 31.3% earning $400 - $799 weekly (1,976 residents), contrasting with surrounding region where $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. Prevalence of lower-income residents is 40.6% earning under $800/week, indicating constrained household budgets across much of the area. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remains, ranking at only 6th percentile nationally.

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

In Cobram, as per the latest Census, 91.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 8.8% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is similar to Regional Vic., which 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, below Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Cobram was $250, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. 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 account for 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 make up 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, which is 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%. 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% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (9.8%), secondary education (7.6%), and tertiary education (2.0%).

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 covered by seven routes, providing a total of 54 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered good with residents typically located 299 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Cobram's residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 92%, while 6% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 6.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages seven trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately three 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 significant health challenges, according to 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 (around 3,014 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.8%) and mental health issues (9.4%), while 59.3% report no medical ailments, versus Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.5% (1,862 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

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 is roughly similar to the wider region, with 83.4% citizens, 81.7% born in Australia, and 85.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 57.1%. However, there's an overrepresentation of 'Other' religions, at 2.2% compared to 0.8% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (30.7%), Australian (26.1%), and Italian (9.0%), significantly higher than regional averages. Notable differences exist for Macedonian (0.1% vs 0.2%), Irish (8.7% vs 9.7%), and Chinese (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 Regional Vic.'s 43 and significantly exceeds the Australian median of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 75-84 are particularly prevalent at 11.1%, while the 35-44 group is relatively smaller at 10.4% compared to Regional Vic.. According to data from the post-2021 Census, the proportion of individuals aged 15-24 has increased from 9.0% to 10.1%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 65-74 has decreased from 15.6% to 14.4%. Demographic projections suggest that Cobram's age profile will undergo significant changes by 2041, with the 25-34 age cohort expected to grow substantially, adding 449 people (an increase of 60%) from 745 to 1,195.