Coombabah

Coombabah is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, Coombabah's population is estimated at around 10,819 people. This reflects an increase of 521 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,298 people in the suburb. The latest resident population estimate for Coombabah by AreaSearch, based on examination of the ABS ERP data release from June 2024, is 10,773 people. This figure includes an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 931 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Coombabah's growth of 5.1% since the census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.5%.

Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.0% of overall population gains in recent periods for the suburb. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, using 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a growth of 830 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 7.2% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Coombabah according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Coombabah has experienced around 4 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past 5 financial years ending June 2025. This totals an estimated 21 homes. So far in the financial year 2025-26, which began on July 1st, 3 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 12.4 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $423,000, below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Also, $120,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature. When measured against Rest of Qld, Coombabah shows substantially reduced construction (90.0% below regional average per person), which generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Building activity has accelerated in recent years but is still lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (49.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated count of 1783 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Coombabah adding 784 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Coombabah has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified twelve projects likely affecting this region. Notable initiatives include the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area Project, Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area Park Upgrades, Serenity 4212, and Coombabah Sewage Treatment Plant Stage 6 Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant projects.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Coombabah recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Coombabah has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 4.5%.

There was an estimated employment growth of 2.2% in the past year. The unemployment rate in Coombabah is 0.5% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, with workforce participation at 49.0% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Coombabah has a particularly strong specialization in administrative & support services, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.4% of Coombabah's workforce compared to 4.5% in Rest of Qld. Employment levels increased by 2.2% and labour force increased by 2.0% during the year to June 2025, resulting in a fall in unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coombabah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Coombabah's median taxpayer income in financial year 2022 was $41,455. The average income for the same period was $63,333. This is slightly below the national average. In comparison, Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844 in financial year 2022. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since then, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $47,255 (median) and $72,193 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Coombabah fall between the 7th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the majority of residents, 31.3%, or 3,386 people, earn within the $400 - 799 bracket. This contrasts with the broader area where the leading income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999 at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Coombabah, with only 79.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally.

Coombabah displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Coombabah's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 49.3% houses and 50.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Qld had 41.7% houses and 58.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coombabah was 43.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.1% and rented ones at 28.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,647, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Coombabah was $415, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $410. Nationally, Coombabah's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,647 vs Australia's $1,863, while rents were higher at $415 vs $375.

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

Family households constitute 61.6% of all households, including 18.2% couples with children, 30.2% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.4%, with lone person households at 34.6% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.2.

Educational outcomes in Coombabah fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.1%, considerably lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 28.1%.

A substantial 23.5% of the population is actively pursuing formal education. This includes 8.2% in primary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 3.6% in tertiary education. Educational provision includes Coombabah State School and Coombabah State High School, serving a total of 1,798 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 993) with balanced educational opportunities. There is one primary and one secondary institution providing education in the area. As an education hub, it offers 16.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 8.8, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Coombabah has 30 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 1,790 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average located 221 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 255 trips across all routes, which amounts to approximately 59 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Coombabah is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Coombabah faces significant health challenges, with various conditions impacting both younger and older residents.

Private health cover is held by approximately 52% (~5,658 people) of its total population, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.1%) and mental health issues (8.1%). Conversely, 58.8% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 64.5% in the rest of Queensland. Coombabah has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (33.1%, or 3,581 people), compared to the state average of 25.8%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are notably better than those of the general population in terms of health metrics.

Coombabah was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Coombabah, surveyed in July-September 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 11.7% of its residents speaking languages other than English at home and 34.2% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 53.3%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented compared to regional averages, making up 0.2% versus 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.1%), Australian (22.2%), and Irish (8.4%). Notable differences included New Zealand's representation at 1.7% (versus 1.4% regionally), Maori at 1.6% (versus 1.5%), and Hungarian at 0.4% (versus 0.3%).

Coombabah ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Coombabah's median age is 51, which exceeds Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and is above Australia's 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld average, the 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented at 13.6% locally, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 7.9%. This 75-84 concentration is well above the national figure of 6.0%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.1% to 9.4%, and the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 9.6% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 9.9% to 7.9%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 16.5% to 15.0%. By 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Coombabah's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to more than double, expanding by 495 people (102%) from 486 to 982. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 57% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 cohorts.