Coolum Beach

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

As of Nov 2025, Coolum Beach's population is estimated at around 10,740. This reflects an increase of 1,588 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,152. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 10,656 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 368 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 393 persons per square kilometer. Coolum Beach's growth of 17.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area's growth of 8.8%, marking it as a notable growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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 adopted, applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Demographically, an above median population growth of regional areas nationally is projected, with Coolum Beach expected to expand by 1,597 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 5.8% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Coolum Beach averaged around 97 new dwelling approvals each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 485 homes were approved, with an additional 38 so far in FY-26. This results in a balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, as reflected by an average of 1.4 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past five financial years.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $605,000. In FY-26, there have been $34.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating high levels of local commercial activity.

Recent construction comprises 80.0% detached dwellings and 20.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With around 88 people per approval, Coolum Beach reflects a developing area with population forecasts indicating an increase of 621 residents through to 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Coolum Beach has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

AreaSearch has identified 52 infrastructure projects that could impact the area. Key ones are Beachside Yaroomba (Residential Community), Sunshine Coast Mass Transit Project - Coastal Corridor, Enclave Coolum Beach, and Quanda Business Park Industrial Development. 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Coolum Beach well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Coolum Beach has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.5%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 5,475 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 1.5% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Coolum Beach is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in construction with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.8% compared to the regional level of 4.5%. There appears to be limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between Jun-24 and Jul-25, labour force decreased by 2.0% and employment decreased by 1.1%, resulting in a 0.9 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coolum Beach's employment mix indicates potential local employment growth of 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Coolum Beach's median income among taxpayers was $46,994 and average income stood at $68,086 in financial year 2022. These figures exceed those of Rest of Qld, which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates project median income to be approximately $53,568 and average income to reach $77,611 by September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Coolum Beach rank modestly between the 41st and 42nd percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant with 31.9% of residents (3,426 people), closely mirroring regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in the area, with only 81.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Coolum Beach displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

As of the latest Census, dwelling structures in Coolum Beach consisted of 69.7% houses and 30.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had no houses or other dwellings recorded at that time. Home ownership in Coolum Beach stood at 35.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.9% and rented dwellings at 29.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. Weekly rent in Coolum Beach was $450, while Non-Metro Qld had no recorded figures for rent. Nationally, Coolum Beach's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Coolum Beach features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.4 people

Family households compose 70.2% of all households, including 26.8% couples with children, 31.3% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.8%, with lone person households at 25.5% and group households comprising 4.3%. The median household size is 2.4 people.

The educational profile of Coolum Beach exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The region's educational profile is notable, with university qualification rates at 26.7% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (27.4%).

Educational participation is high at 25.9%, including 9.0% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education. Coolum State School and Coolum State High School serve a total of 2,501 students, with the area demonstrating typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1042) and balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision follows conventional lines, split between one primary and one secondary institution. The area has strong educational infrastructure, with 23.3 school places per 100 residents serving both local and surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 27 active transport stops operating in Coolum Beach, composed of bus services. These stops are served by three distinct routes, offering a total of 374 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents located an average of 352 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 53 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

Coolum Beach's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Coolum Beach's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a standard level. Approximately 54% (~5,818 people) of the total population have private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.1%) and mental health issues (7.5%). About 69.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 0% in the rest of Queensland. As of 2021, 21.8% (~2,341 people) of residents are aged 65 or over. Health outcomes among seniors are above average and better than those seen in the general population.

Coolum Beach ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Coolum Beach had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 81.0% of its population born in Australia and 88.4% being citizens. English was the language spoken at home by 94.7% of residents. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 43.7%.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to no representation regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.8%), Australian (25.1%), and Irish (10.6%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.7%, French at 0.7%, and Welsh at 0.7%.

Coolum Beach hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Coolum Beach has a median age of 45, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and also above the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 12.6%, while the 25-34 group is comparatively smaller at 10.0% than in Rest of Qld. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.4% to 10.7% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.8% to 13.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Coolum Beach's age structure. The 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 22%, reaching 1,310 people from the current figure of 1,074. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 54% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.