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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Cooloola Cove has an estimated 2,994 residents, up from 2,921 at the 2021 Census — a change of 73 people, or 2.5%. Growth has averaged 0.9% a year over five years, slower than 77% of areas nationally. That puts 221 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Analysis of ABS demographic updates for the wider region and recent address validations conducted by AreaSearch since the Census indicates the population of the suburb of Cooloola Cove stands at approximately 2,994 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 73 residents (2.5%) compared to the 2,921 individuals counted during the 2021 Census. This adjustment is derived from the resident population figure of 2,994, which AreaSearch calculated by studying the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) along with one new confirmed address since the Census. With this population level, the density ratio is 221 persons per square kilometer, which offers substantial space for each resident and leaves room for potential future building.
The primary driver of population gains in recent times was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 92.0% of the overall growth. Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2 area. For SA2 regions lacking this data, and for any years after 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 (based on 2021 data) are substituted. Because these state-level projections lack breakdowns by age, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings matching the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, utilizing 2022 data) for every age bracket. Looking ahead, the suburb of Cooloola Cove is projected to experience demographic trends matching the lower quartile growth of national non-metropolitan zones, expanding by 116 residents by 2041 based on compiled SA2 projections, which represents a total increase of 3.9% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
39 new dwellings have been approved in Cooloola Cove over the past five years, an average of 7 a year. That is 2.6 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 2, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS building approvals allocated from statistical areas shows that the suburb of Cooloola Cove has averaged approximately 7 authorized residential properties annually, leading to an estimated 39 dwellings over the previous 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been registered. Given that an average of 3.5 residents moved to the area for every finished dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25, demand is outstripping supply by a wide margin, which generally drives up prices and intensifies buyer competition, while new houses are constructed at an average estimated cost of $393,000.
Additionally, commercial approvals worth $5.0 million have been logged in the current financial year, which highlights the residential nature of the locality. Construction activity in the suburb of Cooloola Cove is notably quiet, sitting 71.0% below the regional average per person compared to the Rest of Qld. This shortage of new housing stock generally supports demand and values for pre-existing properties. This construction rate is also below the national average, showcasing the established status of the locality and pointing to possible planning constraints. Furthermore, recent building approvals consist entirely of single-family detached houses, preserving the classic low-density environment and catering to buyers wanting extra space. An estimated ratio of 2001 people in the area for every single dwelling approval underscores the calm, low-activity building market. Demographic forecasts suggest the suburb of Cooloola Cove will add 116 residents by 2041, starting from the most recent quarterly estimate by AreaSearch. In light of current development trends, the supply of new housing is expected to comfortably accommodate this demand, creating favorable buying conditions and potentially supporting population expansion above the projected figures.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Cooloola Cove
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Cooloola Cove, worth an estimated $9 billion. A further 46 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $11.3 billion. 14 are already under construction and 13 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Development and performance in a region are heavily influenced by shifts in planning policies, local infrastructure, and major projects. AreaSearch has identified no projects that are expected to influence the local area. Key regional projects include the Forest Wind Farm, Borumba Pumped Hydro Transmission Connections, Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, and Queensland Supergrid South, with details below on those most likely to be relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Section D - Northern Contract
The northern contract of Section D delivered part of the 26 km four-lane Gympie Bypass from north of Sandy Creek Road to Curra, including major structures and realignments. Section D opened to traffic on 16 Oct 2024 and completes the Cooroy to Curra upgrade with 42 bridges at 23 locations and three new interchanges (Flood Road, Gympie Connection Road, Curra).
Gympie Regional Council Bridge Replacement Project
Replacement of four bridges across the region with a total investment of $7.3 million. Includes construction of new concrete structures to improve safety, load capacity, and flood resilience for local communities.
Gympie Regional Housing Action Plan Implementation
Implementation of the Gympie Region Local Housing Action Plan to improve availability, diversity and affordability of housing. Includes support for social housing, affordable housing initiatives, and addressing housing supply challenges.
Gympie Region Planning Scheme Review
Council is preparing a new planning scheme to plan for growing needs over the next 20-25 years. The review will address residential growth, industrial development, environmental protection, and infrastructure planning across the region.
Gympie Civic Centre Revitalisation
Council-led revitalisation of Gympie's primary performing arts venue, closed since 2022 following flood damage and severe mould contamination. The $18.5 million project, awarded to Hutchinson Builders in December 2025, covers full mould remediation, structural restoration, electrical and disability compliance upgrades, modernised AV and theatrical systems, improved acoustics, seating and amenities. Construction commenced early 2026. A Precinct Reference Group has been established to guide community input throughout construction and future operations.
Cooroy To Curra - Section D - Southern Contract
Section D involves building a 26-km four-lane bypass around Gympie, finishing the Bruce Highway's 62-km upgrade from Cooroy to Curra. It's split into two, with the Southern Contract covering Woondum to north of Sandy Creek Road.
7-Eleven Southside Gympie
Completed retail-led service station featuring a 218sqm 7-Eleven convenience store, 3 fuel pumps with Mobil fuels, and intersection upgrades on Exhibition Road. Built on a brownfield redevelopment site, the project included signalization of the Exhibition Road intersection providing direct access from the development to the state-controlled road. Opened June 8, 2023.
10 Copp Road Residential Care Facility
Approved development for a 100-bed residential care facility (nursing home) on 1.21 hectares of elevated, flood-free land in Southside, Queensland. The site was sold in April 2025 with Development Approval (MCU) in place.
795 residents of Cooloola Cove are employed, from a labour force of 862. Unemployment sits at 7.8%, with participation at 31.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,637, about 88% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The suburb of Cooloola Cove has a diverse workforce composed of both white-collar and blue-collar workers, with significant representation in the tourism and hospitality sectors, an unemployment rate of 7.8%, and estimated job growth of 7.7% over the past year according to aggregated statistical area data from AreaSearch. As of March 2026795 residents are employed, while the local unemployment rate sits 3.9% higher than the Regional Qld rate of 3.9%, highlighting room for expansion, and workforce participation is notably low at 31.7% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census data indicates that a modest 11.8% of residents worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
Local employment is heavily weighted toward retail trade, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. The suburb of Cooloola Cove displays a notable job specialization in retail trade, where its employment share is 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance accounts for only 11.7% of local employment, which is lower than the Regional Qld figure of 16.1%. Comparing the census working population against the resident population suggests that local employment opportunities are somewhat scarce. According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics compiled from broader regions, during the twelve months ending March 2026, resident employment expanded by 7.7% and the local labor force grew by 2.4%, leading to a decrease in the unemployment rate of 4.6 percentage points. For comparison, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.1%, the labor force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment tick up by 0.1 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25 offer additional context on future demand trends for the suburb of Cooloola Cove. These five-year and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. Nationally, employment is predicted to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though these rates vary widely by industry. Weighting these sectoral projections against the local workforce mix suggests employment for the suburb of Cooloola Cove could rise by 5.6% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, though this is a basic weighted extrapolation that does not account for local population changes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Cooloola Cove is $808 a week (about $42,000 a year), with median personal income at $433 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $32,697 a year against an average of $44,091. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Postcode-level ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 shows that the suburb of Cooloola Cove has a median taxpayer income of $32,697 and an average income of $44,091. These figures sit below the national average, contrasting with a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, updated estimates for March 2026 stand at approximately $36,411 for the median and $49,100 for the average. Based on 2021 Census records, household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Cooloola Cove are positioned between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally.
Income distribution shows that 41.6% of residents (1,245 people) earn within the $400 - 799 bracket, whereas the broader region sees 31.7% of residents in the $1,500 - 2,999 range. This financial landscape indicates widespread economic pressure, with 50.3% of households surviving on modest weekly incomes under $800. After meeting housing costs, residents retain 86.1% of their income, a figure that ranks in the 3rd percentile across Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Cooloola Cove had 1,252 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 97% detached houses and 0% apartments. 26% are owned with a mortgage, 14% rented and 60% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $300 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,172 a month. Rent absorbs 37.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 33.5%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Data from the most recent Census shows that the housing stock in the suburb of Cooloola Cove consists of 96.5% separate houses and 3.4% other dwelling types like apartments and semi-detached properties, compared to Regional Qld which has 76.4% separate houses and 23.6% alternative dwellings. Home ownership in the suburb of Cooloola Cove is much higher than the regional average at 60.0%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (25.6%) or rented (14.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,172, which is lower than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, and the median weekly rent was $300, compared to $345 regionally.
On a national level, mortgage repayments in the suburb of Cooloola Cove are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are also below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Cooloola Cove counted 1,252 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.1 people each. 13% are couples with children, fewer than in 95% of areas nationally, against 47% couples without children. 26% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the vast majority of households at 70.0%, which is broken down into couples without children at 47.3%, couples with children at 13.2%, and single-parent households at 9.1%. The remaining 30.0% are non-family households, consisting of single-person households at 26.4% and group households at 3.8%. The median household size stands at 2.1 persons, which is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
7.1% of adults in Cooloola Cove hold a university qualification, including 5.5% with a bachelor degree and 0.7% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 34.6% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The suburb of Cooloola Cove displays low rates of higher education, with university qualification levels at 7.1% compared to the national average of 30.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted educational programs. Among university degrees, bachelor qualifications are most common at 5.5%, followed by graduate diplomas at 0.9% and postgraduate degrees at 0.7%. Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 42.9% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, including advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 34.6%. A total of 18.2% of the community is currently enrolled in school or tertiary studies.
This group is composed of 6.8% in primary school, 6.7% in high school, and 0.9% in higher education or university courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Cooloola Cove means driving: households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of local public transport shows 10 transit stops operating in the suburb of Cooloola Cove, which are serviced by bus routes. These stops are served by 1 separate routes that provide a total of 10 passenger trips per week. Transport access is moderate, with an average distance of 463 meters to the closest transit stop. Because this is a residential community, most residents travel outside the area for work, with cars remaining the dominant mode of travel at 94%. Dwellings have an average of 1.4 vehicles. A low 11.8% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic conditions.
Transit services average 1 daily trips across the local routes, which translates to roughly 1 weekly trips for each transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
48.4% of residents in Cooloola Cove report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 79% of areas nationally. 13.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 44.7% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Mortality rates and chronic illness trends evaluated by AreaSearch point to significant healthcare challenges in the suburb of Cooloola Cove, with notable rates of common medical conditions across both younger and older demographics. Furthermore, the share of the population with private health insurance is low at roughly 45% (~1,337 residents), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health difficulties are the most prevalent health issues, affecting 16.1% and 10.5% of residents respectively, while 48.4% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld.
Chronic health issues are notable within the working-age population. The suburb of Cooloola Cove has a large senior population, with 45.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,359 people) compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld. Senior health metrics generally align with national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cooloola Cove is largely Australian-born, at 82.7% of residents, with 2.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (33.8%) and Australian (28.2%). 3.4% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The suburb of Cooloola Cove has a low level of cultural diversity, with 82.7% of residents born in Australia, 89.4% holding citizenship, and 97.8% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, representing 54.3% of the local population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Looking at ancestral backgrounds, the three most common heritages in the suburb of Cooloola Cove are English at 33.8%, Australian at 28.2%, and Irish at 9.1%. Some distinct differences in ethnic representation are visible, with German backgrounds overrepresented at 6.0% of the population compared to 4.7% regionally, Maori at 0.7% compared to 0.8% regionally, and Welsh at 0.6% compared to 0.5% regionally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Cooloola Cove is 62, older than 99% of areas nationally. 11.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 62 years in the suburb of Cooloola Cove is significantly higher than the Regional Qld median of 41 and the national median of 38. Residents aged 65 - 74 are highly represented at 28.4%, while those aged 25 - 34 make up a small share of the population at 5.1% compared to Regional Qld. This 65 - 74 age group is much larger than the national average of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 12.6% to 14.5% of the population, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 10.9% to 9.7%.
By 2041, demographic forecasts project major changes in the local age structure, with the 85+ bracket expected to grow by 67 people (90%) from 74 to 142. Older residents aged 65 and over will account for 75% of the population growth, reinforcing the aging trend, while population drops are expected for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 age groups.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Cooloola Cove
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 1 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,921 at the 2021 Census → 2,994 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL30684). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.