Coolangatta (Qld)

Coolangatta lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Coolangatta (Qld) is around 7,602. This reflects an increase of 1,111 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,491 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,074 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 657 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 4,001 persons per square kilometer, placing Coolangatta in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 17.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Coolangatta.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for Coolangatta, with an expected increase of 2,493 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 25.9% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates Coolangatta has approved approximately 194 residential properties annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 972 homes were approved, with an additional 107 in FY-26 thus far. Over the past five financial years, new construction matched or exceeded demand at a rate of about 0.7 new residents per year per new home.

The average construction value was $1,524,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. Commercial approvals this year totaled $6.5 million. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Coolangatta has seen 201.0% more development activity per person, with new development consisting predominantly of attached dwellings (97.0%). This compact living trend offers affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, with around 86 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, Coolangatta is projected to grow by approximately 1,965 residents, with current construction levels expected to meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially exceeding current growth forecasts.

Looking ahead, Coolangatta is expected to grow by 1,965 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Coolangatta has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

A total of 31 infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Kirra Point Holiday Apartments, Coolangatta Beachfront Redevelopment, Coolangatta Beachside Resort, and Greenmount Beach Surf Life Saving Club Redevelopment. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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.

Employment performance in Coolangatta has been broadly consistent with national averages

Coolangatta has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.5% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.6%. As of September 2025, 3,852 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.5% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation was somewhat lower at 61.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 16.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction sectors. Notably, employment in accommodation & food is at 1.5 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.8% compared to 4.5% regionally.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 2.6%, labour force grew by 2.4%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coolangatta's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Coolangatta's median income among taxpayers is $46,449, with an average of $67,326. These figures are in line with national averages. Comparing to Rest of Qld, Coolangatta has a higher median but lower average income: $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $51,052 (median) and $73,998 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks personal income at the 46th percentile ($785 weekly), while household income is at the 22nd percentile. The largest segment comprises 28.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,196 residents). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 19th percentile. Coolangatta's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Coolangatta features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Coolangatta, as per the latest Census, 13.1% of dwellings were houses while 86.9% were other types such as semi-detached units, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coolangatta stood at 37.7%, with mortgaged properties at 19.9% and rented dwellings at 42.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,805, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Coolangatta was $405, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Coolangatta's median monthly mortgage repayment is lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rent exceeds the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 54.7% of all households, including 12.1% couples with children, 34.0% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 45.3%, with lone person households at 37.6% and group households comprising 7.6%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Coolangatta performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 28.7% for residents aged 15+, surpassing both the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region average of 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas making up 12.3% and certificates 24.6%.

A significant portion, 23.0%, is actively engaged in formal education, including 7.4% in tertiary education, 4.7% in primary education, and 3.8% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 25 active transport stops in Coolangatta, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 11 routes, collectively facilitating 1,379 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically residing 264 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most residents commute outward. Car remains dominant at 82%, with 8% walking and 4% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.9% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 197 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 55 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Coolangatta is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Coolangatta exhibits superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both young and elderly cohorts display low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover stands at approximately 54% of the total population (~4,095 people), leading the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.5 and 8.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 66.0% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are typical. The area has 24.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,854 people), higher than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Senior health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Coolangatta records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Coolangatta's cultural diversity was roughly comparable to the wider region's average, with 82.5% of its population being citizens, 77.4% born in Australia, and 90.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Coolangatta, comprising 49.5% of people. However, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Rest of Qld, with 0.2% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.7%), Australian (23.8%), and Irish (10.6%). Notably, Spanish (0.9%) and French (0.9%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively. Scottish ancestry was also relatively higher at 9.2%.

Coolangatta ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Coolangatta has a median age of 48, which is higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group is strongly represented at 21.0%, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 4.6%. This 25-34 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows a rejuvenation with the median age falling from 50 to 48 years. The 25 to 34 age group grew from 17.1% to 21.0%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 10.8% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 11.3% to 9.1%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 16.0% to 13.8%. By 2041, Coolangatta's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 565 people (35%) from 1,596 to 2,162.