Cooma (NSW)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Cooma's population is estimated at around 6541 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 174 people (2.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6715 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6541, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 66 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 97% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Looking at population projections moving forward, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb of Cooma's population expected to decline by 248 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 98 people.

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 in Cooma shows an average of around 13 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals approximately 67 homes. In the current financial year, FY-26, up to June 2022, 13 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes.

The average construction value of new properties is $859,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Commercial approvals in Cooma totalled $94.3 million in FY-26. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Cooma shows substantially reduced construction activity, 61.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Nationally, development activity is also lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving Cooma's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Cooma is 1487 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures and benefiting potential buyers.

Cooma has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eleven projects likely to impact the 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 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.

The labour market in Cooma demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Cooma has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate was 2.7%. This is below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is similar at 60.4%.

A low 10.2% of residents work from home. Key industries include retail trade, construction, and health care & social assistance. Cooma has a strong specialization in electricity, gas, water & waste services, with an employment share four times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 11.4% compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. In the 12 months prior, labour force decreased by 4.6%, and employment decreased by 4.4%, resulting in a fall of 0.3 percentage points in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cooma's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Cooma had a median income among taxpayers of $51,670 and an average income of $63,060. Both figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively in Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $57,002 (median) and $69,568 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 43rd percentile with weekly earnings of $771, while household income sits at the 26th percentile. Income distribution data shows 29.8% of Cooma's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 29.9% occupy this bracket. 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.6% houses and 11.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Regional NSW's 88.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cooma was at 39.7%, similar to Regional NSW's figure. The remaining dwellings were 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 in Cooma was recorded at $290, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Cooma's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than 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 account for 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - 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 157 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 27 routes providing 313 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is high, with residents on average 157 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outwards daily. Cars are the primary mode at 88%, while 8% walk. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.3, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 10.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 44 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly one weekly trip per stop. An 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 indicated by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 52% (~3,394 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.4%) and mental health issues (9.7%). Notably, 62.3% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age individuals in Cooma face substantial health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 23.5% (1,537 people) of residents aged 65 and over, with senior health outcomes presenting some difficulties but generally aligning with national rankings.

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. Christianity is the predominant religion in Cooma, making up 55.0% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups in Cooma are Australian (29.9%), English (26.9%), and Irish (9.1%).

Notably, Hungarian (0.5%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.2%, as are Lebanese (0.7%) and German (4.4%).

Cooma hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Cooma has a median age of 43, matching Regional NSW's figure and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age distribution shows that those aged 35-44 are notably prominent at 14.1%, while the 15-24 group is smaller at 9.5% compared to Regional NSW. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 12.1% to 14.1%, and the 5-14 cohort has risen from 10.6% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 12.3% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Cooma's age structure. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 44%, reaching 311 people from 215. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 64% 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.