Coolamon

Population growth drivers in Coolamon are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Coolamon's population is estimated at around 2,367, reflecting an increase of 92 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 4.0% rise from the previous population count of 2,275. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,290 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 59 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 8.0 persons per square kilometer. Coolamon's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area at 3.5%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other drivers such as interstate migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are utilised. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is expected to expand by 834 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a 35.1% increase in total population over the 17-year period.

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

Coolamon has seen approximately 23 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 119 homes were approved, with an additional six approved in FY-26 so far. Each dwelling is estimated to bring in about 2.3 new residents per year on average over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is approximately $451,000. This financial year has seen $2.1 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Coolamon has 113.0% more new home approvals per person. The area maintains a traditional low-density character with 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% attached dwellings, appealing to those seeking space in family homes.

There are approximately 214 people per dwelling approval in the location. Coolamon is projected to grow by 831 residents through to 2041 according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Coolamon has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

No changes can significantly influence a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that might 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 likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Coolamon maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

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 7.0% based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 1,098 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is 60.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety.

Public administration & safety has notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Health care & social assistance has limited presence with 13.9% employment compared to 16.9% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 7.0%, labour force by 8.3%, and unemployment rose by 1.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.1%, labour force grew by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Coolamon has a median taxpayer income of $45,748 and an average of $53,806 based on postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. As of September 2025, estimates suggest Coolamon's median income will be approximately $51,517 and average income $60,591, considering Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Coolamon rank modestly, between the 30th and 38th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 30.5% of locals (721 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the surrounding region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 86.5% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 88.4% houses and 11.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coolamon stood at 40.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.1% and rented ones at 18.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Coolamon was $270, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $280. Nationally, Coolamon's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,500 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Coolamon has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, which aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

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 NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas comprise 9.5% and certificates make up 28.8%. Educational participation is high at 29.1%, including 11.5% in primary, 8.9% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education.

St Michael's Primary School and Coolamon Central School serve a total of 473 students. The area has balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 996) with one primary and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 20.0 places per 100 residents, indicating the area functions as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Coolamon has 109 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 19 different routes, together providing 184 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Coolamon is rated excellent, with residents usually located 146 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 26 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

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, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% (1,142 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 51.4%.

Nationally, the average is 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (11.0%) and arthritis (9.7%). 61.9% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to Rest of NSW's 64.5%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.1% (523 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 19.6%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 95.1% of its population born in Australia, 93.9% being citizens, and 98.5% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Coolamon is Christianity, making up 68.0% of the population, compared to 64.3% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups in Coolamon are Australian (34.8%), English (32.2%), and Irish (10.7%).

Notably, French ethnicity is overrepresented at 0.6%, compared to 0.3% regionally, Scottish at 8.6% versus 8.0%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.0% versus 4.5%.

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

Coolamon's median age is 42, comparable to Rest of NSW's average of 43 but older than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 5-14 are notably prominent at 15.0%, while the 15-24 group is relatively smaller at 9.9% compared to Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 11.3% to 12.8% of Coolamon's population. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort has decreased from 11.5% to 9.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Coolamon. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 52%, adding 157 residents to reach a total of 460.