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 February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Coombabah is around 10,819. This reflects an increase of 521 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,298. The current resident population estimate of 10,773 by AreaSearch, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and the validation of three new addresses since the Census date, suggests this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 931 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively inline with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 5.1% growth since the census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.5%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

For future projections until 2032, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. Post-2032 projections are based on Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead to 2041, aggregated SA2-level projections anticipate a population increase of just below the median for national non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 830 persons, reflecting an overall increase 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 averaged approximately four new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, an estimated 21 homes were approved, with a further three approved so far in FY26. This results in an average of 12.4 new residents per year for every home built over these five years.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $423,000. Additionally, $120,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating a predominantly residential focus compared to the rest of Queensland. Coombabah has significantly less development activity than the regional average, with 90.0% fewer approvals per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. Nationally, Coombabah's development activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction consists of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Interestingly, developers are constructing 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. Population forecasts indicate Coombabah will gain 784 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Coombabah has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects potentially impacting the region. Key projects include Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area park upgrades (scheduled for completion in June 2023), Serenity 4212 development (commencing Q2 2022), and Coombabah Sewage Treatment Plant Stage 6 Upgrade (expected to finish by December 2024). The following list details projects likely most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Coombabah remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Coombabah has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs across various sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.5%. As of September 2025, there are 4,765 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 0.5% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation stands at 52.7%, significantly lower than Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Only 11.7% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in administrative & support services, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.4% versus the regional average of 4.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.5% while labour force grew by 2.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, suggest potential future demand within Coombabah. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Coombabah's median income among taxpayers is $41,455. The average income in the suburb is $63,333. This is below the national average. In comparison, Rest of Qld has a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Coombabah's median income would be approximately $45,563 by September 2025. The average income is estimated to reach around $69,609 during the same period. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Coombabah fall between the 7th and 12th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. In earnings profile, 31.3% of locals (3,386 people) predominantly earn between $400 - $799, differing from the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant 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, comprised 49.3% houses and 50.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% 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 $1,655. The median weekly rent in Coombabah was $415, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Coombabah's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,647 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $415 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 2.5.

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%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (28.1%).

A substantial 23.5% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.2% in primary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 3.6% in tertiary education.

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 bus services. Five routes operate here, collectively serving 1,790 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 221 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 92% of residents. Vehicle ownership averages one per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.7% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Buses run an average of 255 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 59 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Coombabah is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Coombabah faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment.

The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 52% (~5,658 people) of the total population has private health cover, which leads that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 13.1 and 8.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 58.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 33.3% (3,602 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is higher than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Coombabah was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Coombabah, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher linguistic diversity than most local areas, with 11.7% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home. Birthplace-wise, 34.2% were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 53.3%.

Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Coombabah compared to Rest of Qld, making up 0.2% versus 0.1%. Regarding ancestry, English was the highest at 33.1%, followed by Australian at 22.2% and Irish at 8.4%. Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.7% (regional average 0.9%), Maori at 1.6% (vs regional 0.8%), and Hungarians at 0.4% (vs regional 0.2%).

Coombabah ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Coombabah's median age is 51, higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and Australia's 38 years. The 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented in Coombabah at 13.6%, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while those aged 5-14 are under-represented at 7.4%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national figure of 6.1%. Since 2021, the population of Coombabah aged 25 to 34 has grown from 9.6% to 11.2%, and those aged 15 to 24 increased from 8.1% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 9.9% to 7.4%, and the 65-74 cohort dropped from 16.5% to 14.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Coombabah's age structure. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to increase by 462 (an 89% rise) from 519 to 982. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 61% of population growth, emphasizing demographic aging trends. In contrast, populations in the 45-54 and 55-64 age groups are projected to decline.