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 Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Coombs statistical area (Lv2) is around 6,433 people. This represents an increase of 1,582 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,851 people in the area. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, following examination of ABS's ERP data release from June 2024 and validation of new addresses, stands at 5,872 people. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 2,772 persons per square kilometer for the Coombs (SA2), placing it in the upper quartile compared to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 32.6% since the 2021 Census exceeds both the state's growth rate of 6.4% and that of its SA4 region, indicating its status as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed significantly to this population growth, accounting for approximately 57% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors. AreaSearch's projections for the Coombs (SA2) area are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, ACT Government's SA2 area projections using 2022 as the base year are adopted. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest exceptional growth for the Coombs (SA2) over the period until 2041, with an expected increase of 2,790 persons, reflecting a total increase of 34.6% over the 17-year span.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Coombs recorded around 102 residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 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 high demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing competition among buyers.

The average construction cost of new homes is $197,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. In FY-26, $34,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a residential focus for the area. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Coombs has 72.0% lower building activity per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces 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. The current housing mix is 38.0% houses, indicating a considerable change in development patterns. There are approximately 160 people per dwelling approval in the location.

By 2041, Coombs is projected to gain 2,229 residents based on current AreaSearch estimates and development patterns. This suggests new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Coombs has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

AreaSearch has identified two projects that could impact the area, with key initiatives including Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Molonglo Town Centre, Molonglo River Bridge and John Gorton Drive Extension, and Fetherston Weston. The following provides details on those most likely to be 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 key sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.9% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.3%.

As of September 2025, 3680 residents were employed, below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%, and workforce participation was 82.1%, higher than ACT's 69.6%. Key industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, professional & technical services. Healthcare had notable concentration, at 1.4 times the regional average, while construction showed lower representation at 5.2% versus the regional average of 6.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count.

From September 2024 to September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.3%, labour force by 2.2%, reducing unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.4%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coombs's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Coombs' income level is extremely high nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers is $76,864 and average income stands at $91,441. These figures compare to Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Coombs' median income are approximately $83,982 and average income is around $99,908 as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Coombs rank highly nationally, between the 93rd and 96th percentiles. Income distribution data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 38.6% of residents (2,483 people), 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 still 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

Coombs' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 37.5% houses and 62.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's figures of 40.9% houses and 59.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coombs was at 7.6%, similar to the ACT level, with mortgaged dwellings at 64.0% and rented ones at 28.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than the ACT average of $2,099, while median weekly rent was $480 compared to ACT's $472. Nationally, Coombs' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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, including 39.2% couples with children, 22.9% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 26.0%, with lone person households at 20.4% and group households making up 5.5%. 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

Coombs has a notably high educational attainment, with 57.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications as of the latest data point. This figure surpasses both the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's average of 46.8%, indicating a substantial educational advantage for the area. Among these qualifications, bachelor degrees are most common at 33.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Vocational pathways account for 20.2% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas making up 10.2% and certificates 10.0%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest data point. This includes 11.7% in primary education, 8.7% in tertiary education, and 6.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 13 active stops in Coombs, served by buses. These stops are covered by 65 routes offering 4,528 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average proximity to the nearest stop is 231 meters.

Daily service frequency averages 646 trips across all routes, equating to around 348 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' health outcomes data shows excellent results with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (4,072 people), compared to 70.8% in Australian Capital Territory and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 7.4% and 6.1% of residents respectively.

A significant majority, 81.5%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 80.0% in Australian Capital Territory. The area has 3.8% (244 people) of residents aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, aligning with the general population's health profile.

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, comprising 33.7% of its population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, making up 12.2% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 12.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (23.5%), Australian (16.9%), and English (16.2%). There are notable divergences in certain ethnic groups: Indian is overrepresented at 8.2%, Korean at 1.4%, and Welsh 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 age group is projected to grow by 77%, adding 587 residents to reach 1,347. In contrast, numbers in the 75 to 84 age range are expected to fall by 5%.