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 Nov 2025, the estimated population of Coolangatta (Qld) is around 7,566. This figure reflects an increase of 1,075 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,491. The change is 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 638 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,982 persons per square kilometer, placing Coolangatta in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 16.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area (8.8%) and the national average, indicating it as a regionally significant 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are utilised. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecasted for Coolangatta. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 2,493 persons to reach 10,059 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 26.4% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers, Coolangatta has had approximately 194 residential properties approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 972 homes were approved, with an additional 106 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, over the past five financial years, 0.7 new residents have arrived per new home built.

This suggests that new construction has been meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current expectations. The average value of new homes being constructed is $1,524,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, there have been $6.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Coolangatta has recorded 201.0% more development activity per person. This higher level of activity suggests greater choice for buyers and robust developer interest in the area, although development activity has moderated in recent periods. New development in Coolangatta consists of 3.0% standalone homes and 97.0% attached dwellings, indicating a skew towards compact living that offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

With around 86 people per dwelling approval, the area shows characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Coolangatta is expected to grow by approximately 2,001 residents through to 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

AreaSearch has identified 31 infrastructure projects that could impact the area. Key projects include Kirra Point Holiday Apartments, Coolangatta Beachfront Redevelopment (scheduled for completion in June 2024), Coolangatta Beachside Resort (expected to open in December 2025), and Greenmount Beach Surf Life Saving Club Redevelopment (commenced on 1st March 2023). The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Coolangatta has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Coolangatta has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.6% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 3,831 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was somewhat lower at 55.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction sectors.

Notably, employment levels in accommodation & food were at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence with only 0.8% of employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by the count of Census working population to local population. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.1%, while labour force grew by 2.1%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8%, labour force grew by 2.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase in employment 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 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 2022 shows Coolangatta's median income among taxpayers is $46,449. The average income in the area is $67,326. This is slightly above the national average. In comparison, Rest of Qld has a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Coolangatta would be approximately $52,947 (median) and $76,745 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data reveals personal income ranks at the 46th percentile ($785 weekly), while household income sits at the 22nd percentile. The largest segment comprises 28.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,186 residents). Housing affordability pressures are severe in Coolangatta, with only 80.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 19th percentile. The area'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

Coolangatta's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 13.1% houses and 86.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 49.8% houses and 50.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coolangatta stood at 37.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.9% and rented ones at 42.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,805, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Coolangatta was $405, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Coolangatta's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded 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 percent of all households, including 12.1 percent couples with children, 34.0 percent couples without children, and 7.7 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 45.3 percent, with lone person households at 37.6 percent and group households comprising 7.6 percent of the total. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 28.7%, higher than the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region's 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common 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 at 12.3% and certificates at 24.6%.

A total of 23.0% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.4% in tertiary, 4.7% in primary, and 3.8% in secondary education. Coolangatta has five schools with a combined enrollment of 351 students, demonstrating typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1017). The educational mix includes two primary, two secondary, and one K-12 school. School capacity is limited at 4.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.1, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note that where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis indicates 24 active stops operating in Coolangatta, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are serviced by 11 individual routes, providing 1,375 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 265 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 196 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 57 weekly trips per stop.

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

Coolangatta faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 54%, covering about 4,076 people. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.5% and 8.4% of residents respectively. Sixty-six percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.3% across the rest of Queensland. Twenty-four point eight percent of residents are aged 65 and over (1,876 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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 aligns with its wider region, with 82.5% of residents being citizens and 77.4% born in Australia. English is spoken at home by 90.7%. Christianity is the dominant religion at 49.5%.

Judaism is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% regionally. Top ancestry groups are English (31.7%), Australian (23.8%), and Irish (10.6%). Spanish (0.9%) and French (0.9%) are notably overrepresented, while Scottish is slightly so 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 comprises 20.6% of Coolangatta's population, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 5-14 cohort makes up 4.6%. This concentration in the 25-34 age group is well above the national figure of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows a rejuvenation with the median age falling from 50 to 48 years. The 25-34 age group grew from 17.1% to 20.6%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 10.8% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 16.0% to 14.0%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 11.3% to 9.5%. By 2041, Coolangatta's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 603 people (39%) from 1,558 to 2,162.