Coolamon

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Coolamon is around 2,897. This represents an increase of 622 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,275. The latest estimate comes from AreaSearch following examination of the ABS's ERP data release in June 2025 and validation of additional 60 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 9.7 persons per square kilometer. The suburb of Coolamon has experienced significant growth, with a 27.3% increase from the 2021 Census figure. This growth rate exceeds that of both its SA4 region (2.2%) and its SA3 area.

Natural growth contributed to approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch's projections for Coolamon are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, or NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former. These projections indicate a significant population increase in non-metropolitan areas nationally, including Coolamon, which is forecast to grow by 1,116 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 37.1% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Coolamon among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Coolamon shows approximately 32 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 162 homes. In FY-26 so far, 47 approvals have been recorded. This results in an estimated average of 3.6 new residents arriving annually per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. Demand outpaces supply, potentially increasing prices and buyer competition.

The average construction value for new dwellings is $451,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. Commercial approvals in FY-26 amount to $3.9 million, suggesting limited commercial development activity. Coolamon records 164.0% more construction activity per person compared to the Rest of NSW, and significantly higher than the national average, reflecting strong developer confidence. Building activity comprises 79.0% detached dwellings and 21.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low-density character with a focus on family homes. This marks a shift from the current housing pattern of 96.0% houses, potentially due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Coolamon has an estimated population density of around 78 people per approval, reflecting its developing status.

Future projections indicate Coolamon adding approximately 1,076 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections despite potential increased competition among buyers as the population grows.

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

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Inland Rail - Albury to Illabo, Riverina Redevelopment Program, HumeLink, and Olympic Highway Safety Improvements. 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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Employment performance in Coolamon has been broadly consistent with national averages

Coolamon has a skilled workforce with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9% over the past year (AreaSearch). As of December 2025, 1,332 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is similar to Regional NSW at 60.5%. Only 11.2% of residents work from home (Census). Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Public administration & safety has a strong specialization with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance employs only 13.9% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 16.9%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities (Census). Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, labour force by 1.4%, resulting in a rise in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coolamon's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Coolamon's median income among taxpayers was $45,748 in the financial year ending June 2023. The average income stood at $53,806 during this period. These figures are below those for Regional NSW, which had a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% between financial years 2023 to 2026 (March), estimated incomes would be approximately $50,469 median and $59,359 average as of March 2026. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in Coolamon ranked modestly, between the 30th and 38th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 dominated with 30.5% of residents (883 people), similar to the surrounding region where 29.9% occupied this bracket. After housing costs, 86.5% of income remained for other expenses.

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

The dwelling structure in Coolamon, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.4% houses and 3.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coolamon was at 40.2%, similar to Regional NSW, with the rest being mortgaged (41.1%) or rented (18.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Coolamon was $1,500, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $270, compared to Regional 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 comprise 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 Regional 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%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with a rate of 12.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational credentials are prominent among residents aged 15 and above, with 38.3% holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas held by 9.5% of residents and certificates held by 28.8%. Educational participation is high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (11.5%), secondary education (8.9%), and tertiary education (2.6%).

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

Coolamon has 126 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 15 different routes, together providing 192 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically located 145 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, predominantly using cars (94%), while 5% walk to their destinations. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 11.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 27 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop. A map accompanies this report, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's 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 groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,398 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (11.0%) and arthritis (9.7%), while 61.9% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Coolamon has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.1%, compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. Senior health outcomes are broadly 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 has a cultural diversity below average, with 95.1% of its population born in Australia, 93.9% being citizens, and 98.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Coolamon, comprising 68.0% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (34.8%), English (32.2%), and Irish (10.7%).

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

Coolamon's median age exceeds the national pattern

Coolamon has a median age of 43, matching Regional NSW and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that those aged 5-14 are notably prevalent at 14.5%, while the 15-24 group is smaller at 9.1% compared to Regional NSW. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 11.3% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort has decreased from 11.5% to 9.1%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant changes in Coolamon's age structure. Notably, the 75-84 group is projected to grow by 70%, reaching 399 people from a current total of 234.