Coopers Plains

Population growth drivers in Coopers Plains are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The suburb of Coopers Plains had an estimated population of around 6,283 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and validated new addresses. This figure represents a growth of 608 people (10.7%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,675. The estimated resident population of 6,257, as of June 2024, along with an additional 26 validated new addresses contributed to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 1,488 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate exceeded the national average (8.9%) since the 2021 Census. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 80.0% of overall population gains in recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas. For years post-2032 and areas not covered by this data, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 for each age cohort. By 2041, the suburb is projected to increase by 2,012 persons, reflecting a gain of 31.4% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Coopers Plains when compared nationally

Coopers Plains has averaged approximately 42 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 213 homes were approved, with another 6 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, each new home accommodated about 1.6 new residents over the past five financial years, indicating a balanced supply and demand. However, this has increased to 6.9 people per dwelling over the past two years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

The average construction value of development projects in Coopers Plains is approximately $560,000, slightly above the regional average. This financial year has seen around $10.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development.

New developments consist predominantly of detached dwellings (84.0%), with medium and high-density housing comprising 16.0%, preserving Coopers Plains' suburban character while attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 220 people per dwelling approval, the area exhibits signs of a developing market. By 2041, Coopers Plains is projected to grow by about 1,974 residents, potentially outpacing current housing supply and intensifying buyer competition, thereby supporting price increases.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Henson Road Industrial Estate, Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital Expansion, Cross River Rail - Salisbury Station Upgrade, and Salisbury Marketplace. 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.

Coopers Plains shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Coopers Plains has a highly educated workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 5.9% as of the past year's AreaSearch data aggregation.

Employment growth over this period was estimated at 1.6%. As of June 2025, 3,385 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Notably, accommodation & food services have employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, construction is under-represented with only 5.5% of Coopers Plains' workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. The area functions as an employment hub with 1.2 workers per resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.6% while labour force grew by 2.0%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4%. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coopers Plains' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant population growth for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Coopers Plains had a median taxpayer income of $47,546 and an average of $56,386 in financial year 2022. This was below the national average at that time. Greater Brisbane's median income was $55,645 and its average income was $70,520 during the same period. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%, estimated incomes were approximately $54,198 (median) and $64,274 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Coopers Plains had modest household, family, and personal income rankings, between the 32nd and 41st percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captured 34.2% of the community (2,148 individuals), similar to regional levels at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Coopers Plains is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Coopers Plains, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.0% houses and 24.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Brisbane metropolitan area had no houses or other dwellings recorded at that time. Home ownership in Coopers Plains stood at 23.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.1% and rented ones at 49.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,755, aligning with the Brisbane metro average, while the median weekly rent was $369. Nationally, Coopers Plains' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Coopers Plains features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.6 people

Family households comprise 65.1% of all households, including 26.1% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.9%, consisting of 25.4% lone person households and 9.4% group households. The median household size is 2.6 people.

Educational attainment in Coopers Plains aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Coopers Plains is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2016 data, 40.8% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 24.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (16.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This includes 10.3% in tertiary education, 7.4% in primary education, and 5.3% pursuing secondary education. Coopers Plains State School serves the local educational needs within Coopers Plains, with an enrollment of 192 students as of 2021. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with ICSEA score of 985 indicating typical Australian school conditions and balanced educational opportunities. Secondary options are available in surrounding areas. As of 2021 data, the low ratio of 3.1 school places per 100 residents suggests many local students attend schools outside Coopers Plains.

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

The analysis of public transport in Coopers Plains shows that there are currently 46 active transport stops operating. These include a mix of train stations and bus stops serviced by 32 individual routes. The total number of weekly passenger trips provided by these routes is 2,694.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located an average of 165 meters from the nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages 384 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 58 weekly trips per individual stop.

Coopers Plains's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Coopers Plains residents show relatively positive health outcomes, with low prevalence of common conditions among the general population, though higher in older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Approximately 50% (~3,113 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 8.1 and 7.2% respectively, while 72.7% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 0% reported in Greater Brisbane. The area has 12.7% (797 people) aged 65 and over, with seniors facing some health challenges requiring more attention than the broader population.

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

Coopers Plains has high cultural diversity, with 49.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 49.9% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, at 40.5%. Hinduism is overrepresented, at 10.8%, compared to none in Greater Brisbane.

Top ancestry groups are English (16.6%), Australian (16.2%), and Other (16.2%). Indian (7.8%) Filipino (3.5%), and Serbian (0.8%) ethnicities are notably overrepresented.

Coopers Plains's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Coopers Plains has a median age of 32 years, which is lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and significantly below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Coopers Plains has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (23.7%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (9.5%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably above the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of Coopers Plains residents aged 35-44 has increased from 15.4% to 17.7%, while the proportion of those aged 55-64 has decreased from 8.7% to 7.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Coopers Plains's age profile, with the 45-54 age cohort expected to grow by 436 people (73%), reaching a total of 1,033 residents from its previous count of 596.