Cooma (NSW)

Cooma has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Cooma (NSW) is around 6724, reflecting a 9-person increase from the 2021 Census figure of 6715. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 6658 in Jun 2024, based on ABS ERP data, and 51 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 68 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed about 97% to recent population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for uncovered areas, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

For years 2032 to 2041, these projections indicate an overall population decline of 238 persons by 2041. However, the 85 and over age group is projected to expand by 103 people during this period.

The level of residential development activity in Cooma is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Cooma has seen approximately 13 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 68 homes were approved, with an additional 13 approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline in recent years, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, which is positive for buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $859,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year, there have been $94.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of NSW, Cooma shows substantially reduced construction activity, at 61.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Nationally, this level is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving Cooma's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1341 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Cooma should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Cooma has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eleven projects that may impact this region. Notable ones include Alpine Rise, Cooma Crown Land Housing Development, 3 Thurrung Street Residential Subdivision, and Cooma Festival Swimming Pool Upgrades. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 2.9%, Cooma has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Cooma has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.9% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In this month, 3131 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.9% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Cooma was somewhat below standard at 58.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Census responses indicated that only 10.2% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in retail trade, construction, and health care & social assistance. Notably, the area has a high concentration in electricity, gas, water & waste services with employment levels at 4.9 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence with 11.4% employment compared to 16.9% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on the count of Census working population to local population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.7%, alongside a 5.9% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%, the labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Cooma. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, indicate that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Cooma's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reports Cooma's median income among taxpayers as $51,670 and an average of $63,060. This is below the national average. Rest of NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $56,248 (median) and $68,647 (average). Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 43rd percentile ($771 weekly), with household income at the 26th percentile. The largest segment comprises 29.8% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,003 residents). Housing costs are modest, with 87.1% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 30th percentile nationally.

Cooma is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Cooma's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.6% houses and 11.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cooma was at 39.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.8% and rented ones at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Cooma was $290, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Cooma's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 62.4% of all households, including 22.3% couples with children, 28.4% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.6%, with lone person households at 34.5% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Cooma aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 21.6%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (30.0%). Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.2% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cooma has 157 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 27 individual routes, collectively providing 313 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 157 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 88%, while 8% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 10.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 44 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Cooma is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Cooma faces significant health challenges, as per AreaSearch's assessment using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence data.

Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 52% (~3,489 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.4%) and mental health issues (9.7%), while 62.3% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in the rest of NSW. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 23.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,573 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with rankings generally comparable to national averages.

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

Cooma's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.9% of its population being citizens, 82.5% born in Australia, and 90.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Cooma, comprising 55.0% of people, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (29.9%), English (26.9%), and Irish (9.1%).

Some ethnic groups have notable differences: Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.5% in Cooma versus 0.2% regionally, Lebanese at 0.7% versus 0.2%, and German at 4.4% versus 3.1%.

Cooma hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Cooma has a median age of 43, which is equal to the Rest of NSW figure and higher than the national average of 38. The age profile shows that individuals aged 35-44 make up 14.2% of the population, while those aged 15-24 comprise only 9.5%, compared to the Rest of NSW figures. Between the 2021 Census and present day, the proportion of people aged 35-44 has increased from 12.1% to 14.2%. Conversely, the percentage of individuals aged 45-54 has decreased from 12.3% to 10.2%, and those aged 55-64 have dropped from 14.0% to 12.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Cooma's age structure. The number of people aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 46%, reaching 315 from 215. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 68% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the populations of individuals aged 0-4 and 25-34 are projected to decrease.