Coolum Beach

Population growth drivers in Coolum Beach are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Coolum Beach's population is estimated at around 10,323 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,171 people (12.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,152 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,228, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 368 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 377 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Coolum Beach's 12.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (8.8%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of regional areas nationally is projected, with the Coolum Beach statistical area (Lv2) expected to expand by 1,590 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 10.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Coolum Beach averaged approximately 83 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY21 and FY25, around 419 homes were approved, with an additional 41 approved in FY26 to date. This averages out to about 1.6 people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built over these five years.

The market balance between supply and demand supports stable conditions, while developers focus on premium properties with an average construction cost of $636,000. In FY26 alone, commercial approvals totalled $60.3 million, suggesting robust local business investment.

Recent construction comprises 82% detached dwellings and 18% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character favouring family homes. With around 144 people per approval, Coolum Beach reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is projected to grow by 1,031 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 51 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones include Beachside Yaroomba (Residential Community), Enclave Coolum Beach, Quanda Business Park Industrial Development, and 115-119 Quanda Road Industrial Sheds. The following list details those 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 2.6%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 5,308 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in construction, with employment share at 1.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.8% compared to regional 4.5%.

Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.5% and employment by 1.8%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coolum Beach's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Coolum Beach had an average national income level according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $46,909 and the average income stood at $68,183, compared to figures for Rest of Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $51,558 (median) and $74,940 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all ranked modestly in Coolum Beach, between the 41st and 42nd percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 31.9% of residents (3,293 people), mirroring regional levels where 31.7% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Coolum Beach displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with strong rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Coolum Beach, as per the latest Census, consisted of 69.7% houses and 30.3% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. The home ownership rate was 35.3%, with 34.9% of dwellings being mortgaged and 29.7% rented out. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure stood at $450. Nationally, Coolum Beach's median monthly 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 constitute 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 area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 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 account for 12.8% while certificates make up 27.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Coolum Beach indicates that there are currently 27 active transport stops operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with three individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes facilitate 332 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located an average distance of 352 meters from the nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages 47 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 12 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 fairly standard level. Approximately 54% (~5,597 people) of the total population have private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.1% of residents) and mental health issues (7.5%). Around 69.2% report being completely free from medical ailments compared to 0% in the rest of Queensland. There are 21.8% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 2,250 people. Health outcomes among seniors exceed average levels and perform 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 cultural diversity score below average, with 81.0% of its population born in Australia, 88.4% being citizens, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 43.7% of people in Coolum Beach. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to None% across Rest of Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.8%), Australian (25.1%), and Irish (10.6%). Notably, Scottish (9.7%) French (0.7%), and Welsh (0.7%) ethnicities were also overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Coolum Beach hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Coolum Beach has a median age of 45, which is older than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 12.6%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 10.0% compared to Rest of Qld. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.4% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.8% to 13.6%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Coolum Beach's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 group is projected to grow by 27%, reaching 1,309 people from 1,032 currently. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts.