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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch's validation of new addresses, the estimated population of the suburb of Coopers Plains as of Feb 2026 is around 6,284. This reflects an increase of 609 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,675. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 6,255 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 26 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,489 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth of 10.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilised. Population projections moving forward indicate a significant increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. The suburb is expected to increase by 2,010 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 31.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Coopers Plains has averaged approximately 43 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 216 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 1.6 new residents have arrived per new home over the past five financial years. However, this has increased to 7 people per dwelling over the last two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

The average construction value of development projects is around $554,000, indicating a focus on premium market segments with higher-end properties. This year alone, there have been approximately $10.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development.

New developments primarily consist of detached dwellings (84.0%) and medium to high-density housing (16.0%), maintaining the area's suburban character while also catering to buyers seeking space. With around 224 people per dwelling approval, Coopers Plains exhibits a developing market with an expected growth of approximately 1,969 residents by 2041. Given current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include 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 essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.7% as of September 2025. Employment stability over the past year showed relative consistency based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 3,386 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 1.7% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was somewhat lower at 68.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, a moderate 14.2% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

The area had a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, construction was under-represented, with only 5.5% of Coopers Plains's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. There were 1.2 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.1% while labour force increased by 0.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment falling 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Coopers Plains. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Coopers Plains's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Coopers Plains is $47,547, with an average of $56,386, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ending June 2023. This is lower than the national average. In Greater Brisbane, the median income is $58,236 and the average is $72,799. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income in Coopers Plains will be approximately $52,259 and the average will be around $61,974, based on a 9.91% increase from the financial year ending June 2023. As of the 2021 Census, household incomes rank at the 38th percentile, family incomes at the 35th percentile, and personal incomes at the 36th percentile in Coopers Plains. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket includes 34.2% of individuals (2,149 people), similar to regional levels at 33.3%. Incomes cover only 81.6% of expenses, ranking at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Coopers Plains is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Coopers Plains' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.0% houses and 24.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coopers Plains was at 23.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.1% and rented dwellings at 49.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,755, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,863. Median weekly rent in Coopers Plains was $369, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Coopers Plains' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,755 vs Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were less at $369 vs the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 25.4% and group households comprising 9.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Brisbane average.

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

Educational attainment in Coopers Plains is notably high, with 40.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications as of the most recent data available. This compares to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 24.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 13.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 27.0% of residents 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, including 10.3% in tertiary education, 7.4% in primary education, and 5.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

Coopers Plains has 44 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 32 unique routes that facilitate 2,982 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically situated 165 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 78%, while buses account for 9% and trains for 8%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 426 trips daily, equating to approximately 67 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Coopers Plains is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Coopers Plains faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment conducted in June 2021. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~3,113 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were mental health issues affecting 8.1% of residents and asthma impacting 7.2%, while 72.7% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 12.9% of residents aged 65 and over (810 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 a high level of cultural diversity, with 49.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 49.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Coopers Plains, comprising 40.5% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, making up 10.8% compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 2.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English at 16.6%, Australian at 16.2%, and Other at 16.2%. These figures differ from regional averages: English is lower than the regional average of 26.8%, Australian is lower than the regional average of 23.2%, and Other is higher than the regional average of 9.4%. There are notable divergences in certain ethnic groups, with Indian at 7.8% (regional average 2.0%), Filipino at 3.5% (regional average 1.2%), and Serbian at 0.8% (regional average 0.2%).

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

Coopers Plains has a median age of 33 years, which is younger than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Coopers Plains has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (22.7%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (7.6%). This proportion of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.4%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the proportion of Coopers Plains' population aged 35-44 has increased from 15.4% to 17.9%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 24.1% to 22.7%. The proportion of residents aged 55-64 has also dropped, from 8.7% to 7.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Coopers Plains' age profile, with the strongest projected growth in the 45-54 cohort, which is expected to grow by 66%, adding 409 residents and reaching a total of 1,032.