Cooma (NSW)

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of Nov 2025, Cooma (NSW) statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 6,719. This reflects a 4-person increase from the 2021 Census figure of 6,715. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 6,658 in June 2024, based on latest ERP data release by ABS, and 48 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 68 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 97.0% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, overall population is expected to decline by 237 persons by 2041, while specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are anticipated to grow 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 for Cooma shows approximately 13 new homes approved annually. Between FY21 and FY25, around 68 homes were approved, with 13 more approved in FY26 so far. Despite population decline in recent years, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.

The average value of new dwellings is $859,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment. This year, there have been $94.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Rest of NSW, Cooma shows substantially reduced construction (61.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Nationally, the area's level is also below average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent development has been entirely detached houses, preserving Cooma's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1341 people. With stable or declining population expected, 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects 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 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. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 3,132 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.9% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Cooma is similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment among residents is concentrated in retail trade, construction, and health care & social assistance. Notably, electricity, gas, water & waste sector has 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. Local employment opportunities exist, but many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. 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 in Cooma. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%, labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. For broader context, state-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cooma's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.3% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, assuming population projections remain constant for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Cooma had a median income among taxpayers of $51,670 and an average of $63,060. Both figures are below the national averages. Rest of NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes for Cooma would be approximately $56,248 (median) and $68,647 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, personal income in Cooma ranks at the 43rd percentile ($771 weekly), while household income sits at the 26th percentile. The largest income segment comprises 29.8% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,002 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Cooma's residential structures, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 88.6% houses and 11.4% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 87.0% houses and 13.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cooma stood at 39.7%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 29.8% and rented properties making up 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,408. The median weekly rent in Cooma was $290, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Cooma's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 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 making up 3.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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 held by 40.5% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 30.0%. Educational participation is 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 156 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services. There are 27 routes operating in total, offering 313 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 157 meters. Service frequency across all routes is 44 trips per day on average, which amounts to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Cooma.

Both younger and older age groups have high prevalence rates for common health conditions. Approximately 52% (~3,486 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is relatively low. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.4%) and mental health issues (9.7%). Conversely, 62.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.2% in Rest of NSW. Cooma has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.2% (1,558 people), compared to the regional average of 20.6%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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, making up 55.0% of people, compared to 51.3% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (29.9%), English (26.9%), and Irish (9.1%).

Notably, Hungarian representation is higher at 0.5% in Cooma versus 0.3% regionally, Lebanese at 0.7% versus 0.4%, and German at 4.4% versus 4.0%.

Cooma hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Cooma's median age is 44 years, similar to Rest of NSW's 43 years and higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Cooma has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (13.8%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (9.5%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 increased from 12.1% to 13.8%, while the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 decreased from 12.3% to 10.5%. By 2041, Cooma's age composition is expected to change significantly. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 47%, reaching 315 from 215. This growth will be led by demographic aging, with residents aged 65 and older representing 77% of the anticipated population growth. Conversely, both the 35-44 age group and the 0-4 age group are expected to decrease in number.