Coolamon

Population growth drivers in Coolamon are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Coolamon is around 2,958, reflecting a 30.0% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,275 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,821 in June 2024, based on ERP data released by the ABS, and an additional 60 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 10.0 persons per square kilometer. Coolamon's growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.2%) and SA4 region, making it a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed around 56% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as interstate migration also being positive contributors. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

These projections forecast a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's regional areas, with Coolamon expected to expand by 901 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 10.5% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Coolamon among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Coolamon has averaged around 34 new dwelling approvals each year. Between FY21 and FY25, an estimated 173 homes were approved, with a further 21 so far in FY26. Over the past five financial years, on average, 1.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. However, this has moderated to 0.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $451,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY26, there have been $3.9 million in commercial approvals. Compared to Rest of NSW, Coolamon records 206.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. This is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New building activity shows 82.0% standalone homes and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The location has approximately 61 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections show Coolamon adding 310 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been pinpointed by AreaSearch that could potentially impact the area. Notable projects comprise Inland Rail - Albury to Illabo, Riverina Redevelopment Program, HumeLink, and Olympic Highway Safety Improvements, with the following list outlining those likely to be most pertinent.

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.

The employment landscape in Coolamon shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Coolamon has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.3%. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 3.8%, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,119 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.5% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Coolamon lags behind Rest of NSW at 52.2%, compared to 61.5%. According to Census responses, only 11.2% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety.

The area has a strong specialization in public administration & safety with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 13.9% compared to the regional average of 16.9%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.8%, while labour force increased by 5.2%, resulting in a rise in unemployment by 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5% and a slight labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide further insight into potential future demand within Coolamon. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Coolamon's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Coolamon had a median income among taxpayers of $45,748. The average income stood at $53,806. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $49,801 (median) and $58,573 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Coolamon, between the 30th and 38th percentiles. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.5% of residents (902 people), mirroring regional levels where 29.9% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 86.5% of income remains for other expenses.

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

In Coolamon, as per the latest Census evaluation, 96.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is in contrast to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coolamon stood at 40.2%, similar to Non-Metro NSW, with the rest being mortgaged (41.1%) or rented (18.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Coolamon was recorded at $270, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Coolamon's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Coolamon has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 73.5% of all households, including 28.6% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.5%, with lone person households at 25.0% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Coolamon fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 18.4%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are common, with 38.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (28.8%). Educational participation is high at 29.1%, with 11.5% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Coolamon shows 126 active transport stops operating, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 15 individual routes, collectively providing 192 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 145 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward, with car being the dominant mode at 94%, and walking at 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 11.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 27 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Coolamon 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 very low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 1,427 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 11.0% and 9.7% of residents respectively. However, 61.9% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 22.2% of residents aged 65 and over (656 people), lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, generally in line with national rankings.

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

Coolamon's population was found to have low cultural diversity, with 95.1% born in Australia, 93.9% being citizens, and 98.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Coolamon, accounting for 68.0%, compared to 55.9% in Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (34.8%), English (32.2%), and Irish (10.7%).

Notably, French ancestry is overrepresented at 0.6% in Coolamon versus 0.4% regionally, Scottish at 8.6% compared to 8.0%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.0% versus 4.6%.

Coolamon's median age exceeds the national pattern

Coolamon's median age is 42 years, comparable to Rest of NSW's average of 43 but higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile reveals that individuals aged 5-14 years are notably prominent at 14.9%, while those aged 15-24 years constitute a smaller proportion at 9.8% compared to Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and the present, the population aged 25-34 has grown from 11.3% to 13.2%, and the 35-44 age group increased from 10.3% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 15-24 age cohort decreased from 11.5% to 9.8%, and the 55-64 age group dropped from 12.6% to 11.5%. Population projections for the year 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts in Coolamon, with the strongest growth expected in the 25-34 age cohort, projected to increase by 21%, adding 81 residents to reach a total of 472. In contrast, population declines are forecast for the 65-74 and 55-64 age cohorts.