Coombs

Coombs lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Coombs is around 6,482, reflecting a significant increase from the 2021 Census figure of 4,851. This growth of 1,631 people (33.6%) is notable compared to the state's growth rate of 5.9%. The latest estimated resident population (ERP) for Coombs, as calculated by AreaSearch using ABS data from June 2024, stands at 5,872. This estimate takes into account an additional 684 validated new addresses since the Census date. With this population density, Coombs ranks in the upper quartile nationally, with a ratio of 2,794 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% to overall population gains in recent periods, although all drivers of growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch's projections for Coombs, based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, suggest exceptional growth over the next few decades. By 2041, the suburb is expected to grow by an additional 2,790 persons, reflecting a total increase of 33.6% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Coombs was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis indicates Coombs recorded around 102 residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 512 homes. As of FY-26, 93 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 4.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. This outpaces supply, potentially influencing prices and competition among buyers.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $197,000, below the regional average, suggesting affordable housing options. In FY-26, $1.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a residential focus. Coombs has 72.0% lower building activity than the Australian Capital Territory average per person, which may reinforce demand and pricing for existing dwellings. New building activity consists of 7.0% standalone homes and 93.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift towards higher-density living to accommodate downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This contrasts with the current housing mix of 38.0% houses. The area has approximately 160 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Coombs will gain 2,180 residents by 2041.

Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified two projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Molonglo Town Centre, Molonglo River Bridge and John Gorton Drive Extension, and Fetherston Weston. The following list outlines those projects considered most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis places Coombs well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Coombs has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% as of June 2025, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.7%. Workforce participation in Coombs was high at 82.1%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Key industries for employment among residents were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Health care & social assistance had particularly notable concentration with levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction showed lower representation at 5.2% compared to the regional average of 6.8%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.7%, labour force increased by 1.6%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9%, labour force growth of 1.6%, with unemployment falling by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Coombs. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Coombs' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Coombs' median income among taxpayers was $76,864 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $91,441 during the same period. This compares to figures for Australian Capital Territory of $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income would be approximately $87,318 and average income around $103,877, based on a 13.6% growth in wages since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, Coombs' incomes rank highly nationally, between the 93rd and 96th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income distribution shows that 38.6% of residents (2,502 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, mirroring regional levels where 34.3% occupy this bracket. Coombs demonstrates considerable affluence with 42.1% earning over $3,000 per week. High housing costs consume 16.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 92nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Coombs displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Coombs, as per the latest Census, consisted of 37.5% houses and 62.5% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 40.9% houses and 59.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coombs was at 7.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 64.0% and rented dwellings at 28.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,099. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $480, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $472. Nationally, Coombs' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Coombs features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 74.0% of all households, composed of 39.2% couples with children, 22.9% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.0%, with lone person households at 20.4% and group households comprising 5.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

Coombs demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Coombs is notably high, with 57.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 33.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Vocational pathways account for 20.2% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 10.0%.

Educational participation is also high, with 35.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary, 8.7% in tertiary, and 6.0% in secondary education. Charles Weston School, established on 29 January 2014, serves Coombs with an enrollment of 460 students as of 2021. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with ICSEA score of 1100 indicating significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 7.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 5.8, suggesting Coombs serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis indicates 13 active stops operating within Coombs, featuring a mix of buses. These stops are served by 2 routes, offering 697 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 231 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 99 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 53 weekly trips per individual stop.

Coombs's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Coombs demonstrates excellent health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Approximately 63% of Coombs' total population of 4,103 has private health cover, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.6% and Australia's national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 7.4% and 6.1% of residents respectively.

81.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 80.0% in the Australian Capital Territory. As of 2021, 3.8% (246 people) of Coombs' population is aged 65 and over. Seniors' health outcomes align with those of the general population.

Coombs is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Coombs has a high level of cultural diversity, with 43.8% of its population born overseas and 48.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Coombs, accounting for 33.7% of people. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to regional figures, comprising 12.2% of Coombs' population.

The top three ancestral groups are Other (23.5%), Australian (16.9%), and English (16.2%). Notably, Indian (8.2%) and Korean (1.4%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional figures, while Welsh ethnicity is slightly higher at 0.8%.

Coombs hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Coombs has a median age of 31, which is younger than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Coombs has a higher concentration of residents aged 35-44 (22.0%), but fewer residents aged 65-74 (2.6%). This 35-44 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.2%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has increased by 1.1 years from 30 to 31, reflecting an aging population. Key changes include the growth of the 45 to 54 age group from 9.5% to 11.8%, and the increase of the 5 to 14 cohort from 15.0% to 16.2%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 25.9% to 21.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Coombs. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 76%, adding 582 residents to reach 1,347. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 75 to 84 cohorts.