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 an increase of 9 people since the 2021 Census. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses using the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024, showing a resident population of 6658. Overseas migration contributed approximately 97% to overall population gains recently. 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. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to decline by 235 persons, with specific age cohorts like those aged 85 and over expected to grow by 103 people.

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, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 235 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 103 people. <i>See the age section for more details.</i>

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 shows Cooma has seen around 13 new homes approved annually. Approximately 67 homes have been approved over the past 5 financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with 13 so far in FY26. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, benefiting buyers while developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties valued at an average of $859,000.

Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $94.3 million, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Rest of NSW, Cooma shows substantially reduced construction activity, 61.0% below regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This level is also below national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an estimated 1490 people per dwelling approval. With stable or declining population expected, Cooma should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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 to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones include Alpine Rise, Cooma Crown Land Housing Development, 3 Thurrung Street Residential Subdivision, and Cooma Festival Swimming Pool Upgrades. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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.

Employment performance in Cooma has been broadly consistent with national averages

Cooma's workforce is skilled with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.7% as of December 2025, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In December 2025, 3,123 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Cooma was 57.9%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census responses showed that 10.2% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in retail trade, construction, and health care & social assistance sectors. Notably, electricity, gas, water & waste sector had employment levels at 4.9 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance had limited presence with 11.4% employment compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population count. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.6%, alongside a 4.3% employment decline, causing unemployment to fall by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand in Cooma. These projections estimate local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific growth rates against Cooma's employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

In AreaSearch's latest data released for financial year 2023, Cooma suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $51,670 and an average of $63,060. This was below the national average. Regional NSW's median income was $52,390 with an average of $65,215. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest a median income of approximately $56,248 and an average of $68,647 in Cooma. According to Census 2021 data, personal income ranked at the 43rd percentile ($771 weekly), with household income at the 26th percentile. The largest income segment was 29.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,003 residents). Housing costs were modest, with 87.1% of income retained, but total disposable income ranked nationally at just the 30th percentile.

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), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cooma was at 39.7%, similar to Regional NSW's figure, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (29.8%) or rented (30.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Cooma was $1,300, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Cooma was recorded at $290, compared to Regional NSW's $330 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Cooma's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 37.6%, with lone person households at 34.5% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional 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 at 28.7%, with 10.2% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing 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 are covered by 27 individual routes, providing a total of 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 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, according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (around 3,489 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.4 and 9.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.3% of residents report being completely free of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 23.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,593 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for the general population.

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 Australian citizens, 82.5% born in Australia, and 90.2% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Cooma is Christianity, accounting for 55.0% of the population, slightly lower than the regional NSW average of 55.9%. Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (29.9%), English (26.9%), and Irish (9.1%).

Notably, Hungarian (0.5%) and Lebanese (0.7%) populations in Cooma exceed their respective regional representations of 0.2% each, while German representation is higher at 4.4% compared to the regional average of 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 Regional NSW figure and higher than the national average of 38. The age distribution shows that those aged 35-44 are most prominent at 14.3%, while those aged 15-24 are comparatively smaller at 9.7% compared to Regional NSW. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 12.1% to 14.3% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.3% to 10.3%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 14.0% to 12.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Cooma's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 47%, reaching 316 people from 215. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 68% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 25-34 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.