Cohuna

Cohuna has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Cohuna's population is estimated at around 2,407 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 8 people (0.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,415 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,296, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 45 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 14.9 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Cohuna has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.1% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 571 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to expand by 5 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Cohuna, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Cohuna shows an average of around 6 new dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling approximately 33 homes. In FY26 so far, 3 approvals have been recorded. The average population growth per dwelling built in the area between FY21 and FY25 is 0.4 people per year. This suggests that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average expected construction cost value of new properties in Cohuna is $607,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. There have been $3.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Cohuna records 14.0% less building activity per person and places among the 54th percentile nationally. However, construction activity has intensified recently.

This is below average nationally, possibly due to the area's maturity and potential planning constraints. Recent development in Cohuna has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 297 people per approval, Cohuna reflects a low density area. Given that population is expected to remain stable or decline, there should be reduced pressure on housing in the area, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

No infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects impacting this region. Key initiatives are Victoria to NSW Interconnector West (VNI West), Regional Housing Fund (Victoria), Victorian Renewable Energy Zones, and Melbourne To Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements.

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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Cohuna ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Cohuna has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 2.1% as per AreaSearch's statistical area aggregation. As of September 2025997 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.7% lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation in Cohuna is 51.7%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%.

Census data shows that only 6.9% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level, while accommodation & food services have lower representation at 3.6% compared to the regional average of 6.9%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.1%, employment declined by 2.4%, and unemployment fell by 1.8 percentage points in Cohuna. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%, with marginal unemployment increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cohuna's industry mix suggests local employment could grow by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Cohuna had a median taxpayer income of $42,307 and an average of $49,315 in financial year 2023. This was lower than the national average, with Rest of Vic.'s median income being $50,954 and average income $62,728. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $45,797 (median) and $53,383 (average), based on an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that Cohuna's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 8th and 10th percentiles nationally. The $400 - 799 earnings band captures 28.7% of Cohuna's community (690 individuals), unlike regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 band dominates with 30.3%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 91.7% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 15th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Cohuna, as evaluated at the Census 2016, comprised 94.8% houses and 5.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cohuna stood at 56.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.6% and rented dwellings at 18.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $997, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Cohuna was recorded at $185, while Non-Metro Vic.'s average was $285. Nationally, Cohuna's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 62.7% of all households, including 20.7% couples with children, 34.6% couples without children, and 6.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.3%, with lone person households at 35.2% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.2%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (26.8%). A total of 21.2% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 9.4% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 1.3% in tertiary education.

A substantial 21.2% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 1.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cohuna has two operational public transport stops. These are served by six distinct routes offering a total of 44 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is considered limited with residents typically residing 782 meters from the nearest stop. Cohuna, being predominantly residential, sees most residents commuting outwards. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 91%, while walking accounts for 6%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per household.

According to the 2021 Census data (which may reflect COVID-19 conditions), only 6.9% of residents work from home. The average service frequency across all routes is six trips daily, resulting in approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Cohuna is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Cohuna faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,117 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic., and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (13.5%) and asthma (9.2%). While 56.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, this is lower than the 63.4% in Rest of Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 37.2% of residents aged 65 and over (895 people), higher than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The latest Census data sees Cohuna placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Cohuna's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.3% of its population being citizens, 94.0% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Cohuna is Christianity, comprising 51.9% of people, compared to 47.3% across the Rest of Vic. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (36.3%), Australian (34.1%), and Irish (9.0%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented at 8.5%, compared to 8.8% regionally, while Dutch ancestry is slightly lower at 1.3% versus 1.7%. Lebanese ancestry is also notably lower at 0.2% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

Cohuna ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Cohuna's median age is 55 years, significantly higher than Victoria's average of 43 years and Australia's norm of 38 years. The age profile shows a prominent group aged 65-74 years (18.9%), which is larger than the national figure of 9.5%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group is smaller at 7.5% compared to Victoria's average. Between 2021 and present, the 0-4 age group has increased from 4.3% to 4.9%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 9.7% to 8.6%. The 45-54 age group has also declined from 11.9% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Cohuna's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is expected to increase by -4 people (-4%), from 134 to 130. Conversely, the 85+ and 0-4 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.