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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Cooran has an estimated 1,799 residents, up from 1,756 at the 2021 Census — a change of 43 people, or 2.4%. Growth has averaged 0.6% a year over five years, slower than 77% of areas nationally. Density is about 48 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Analysis of ABS demographic updates for the surrounding region, combined with residential address points verified by AreaSearch since the Census, indicates that the suburb of Cooran has an estimated population of 1,799 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 43 people (2.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented 1,756 residents. This shift is calculated from a resident base of 1,794, calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 release of ERP figures, alongside 4 validated new addresses established post-Census. With these numbers, the suburb of Cooran has a density of 47 persons per square kilometer, ensuring plenty of space for each resident.
Recent population expansion was driven mostly by individuals moving from other states, which made up roughly 72.0% of the total demographic gains, though all components including international migration and natural increase remained positive. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized for each SA2 region. For SA2 territories lacking this coverage, and for all years beyond 2032, projections published by the Queensland State Government in 2023 utilizing 2021 data are substituted. Because these state-level models do not detail specific age brackets, AreaSearch allocates cohort growth using proportional weightings from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections based on 2022 data. Looking forward, the suburb of Cooran is projected to experience population growth slightly below the median for regional Australian localities, with combined SA2 models suggesting a gain of 168 individuals by 2041, representing a total expansion of 9.1% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Property development within Cooran is highly constrained, averaging a single approval annually, which totals 5 dwellings over the five-year period. These minimal construction volumes reflect the area's rural character, where residential building is generally prompted by specific local housing requirements instead of wider market dynamics. It is worth noting that due to the minimal sample size, solitary building initiatives can disproportionately affect yearly growth rates and comparison metrics. Cooran exhibits building approval rates that are substantially below those of the Rest of Qld. Furthermore, the rate of residential construction is far below the figures recorded nationally.
Demographic projections suggest Cooran will add 163 residents by 2041, relative to the most recent quarterly calculation from AreaSearch. With building activity remaining at its current low rate, the volume of residential construction may not keep pace with population growth, which could increase buyer rivalry and help push up real estate values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Cooran
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 54 current infrastructure and development projects close to Cooran, worth an estimated $2.54 billion. 13 are already under construction and 17 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Developments in local infrastructure, major capital works, and planning policies play a major role in regional performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 3 projects expected to influence the locality. Notable projects include the Traveston Industrial Land, the Pomona Place Plan, the Noosa Trail Network Upgrade targeting Wahpunga and Woondum Trails, and the Noosa Biosphere Trails Upgrade Program, with detailed listings below outlining the projects with the highest local relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Noosa Trail Network Upgrade (Wahpunga and Woondum Trails)
As part of the Noosa Trail Network Master Plan, this project involves the upgrade and drainage improvements along more than 15 kilometres of the Wahpunga and Woondum Trails. The work includes trail realignment to enhance the experience for walkers, horse riders, and mountain bikers in the Noosa hinterland.
Cooroy Sports Complex Master Plan 2020-2030 and Expansion
A 10-year master plan (2020-2030) guiding future development of the Cooroy Sports Complex, home to rugby league, gymnastics, soccer, cricket, pony club, and car club facilities. In September 2024, funding was secured through the SEQ Liveability Fund to deliver a 600 square meter extension providing an indoor all-weather multi-purpose training area and expanded gymnastics facility. The expansion will accommodate soccer, cricket, and rugby league, enabling the Cooroy Gymnastics Club to grow and supporting increased community participation in sport.
Cooroy Belli Creek Road Bridge Replacement
Replacement of 1929 timber bridge serving 1,700 vehicles daily. Critical rural road network link providing access to significant rural residential community west of Cooroy township.
62 Lake Macdonald Drive Social Housing Development
Development of 25 architect-designed social housing units on a remediated former landfill site at 62 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy. In partnership with Coast2Bay Housing Group, this project aims to address the housing crisis in the Noosa Shire. The site will include a 10-metre vegetated buffer and additional open space. Remediation works are scheduled for August-September 2025, followed by subdivision.
Cooroy Woolworths Neighbourhood Shopping Centre
A $100 million mixed-use precinct on a 6.6-hectare site featuring a 5,434sqm full-line Woolworths supermarket, 12 specialty retail tenancies, and a 120-bed residential aged care facility (expandable to 160 beds). The design uses timber and tin materials to match the hinterland heritage of Cooroy. As of May 2026, the project remains in the Council decision phase following the conclusion of the public notification period in August 2025, which saw significant community debate regarding its location 1.2km outside the main business district.
Sidoni Street Mixed-Use Development
Mixed-use development featuring 14 small dwelling units, five ground-floor units with associated offices, and a food and drink outlet. Built on 2002sqm site with dual street frontage (Sidoni Street and Blakesley Street). Designed by Tim Ditchfield and Associates, approved via delegated authority by Noosa Council.
Tewantin State Facilitated Development - 42 Unit Complex
Controversial 42-unit multiple dwelling development at Sidoni Street/Poinciana Avenue intersection. Originally proposed 3-4 storey height with affordable housing components. Project was revoked by Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie in April 2025 following significant community opposition and concerns about height, density and compliance with Noosa Plan 2020.
Tewantin Bypass - Beckmans Road Planning
Planning is underway for the long-term staged Tewantin Bypass along the Beckmans Road corridor. Stage 1, the Cooroy-Noosa Road and Beckmans Road roundabout, was completed in December 2022. The current $8.5 million planning program is developing the business case and future upgrade options to improve safety, capacity, travel time and traffic flow between Cooroy-Noosa Road and Eumundi-Noosa Road.
814 residents of Cooran are employed, from a labour force of 862. Unemployment sits at 5.6%, with participation at 58.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,558, about 87% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Cooran has a qualified workforce with a solid representation of workers in essential services, alongside a 5.6% unemployment rate determined by AreaSearch from aggregated regional metrics. In March 2026, there were 814 employed local residents, while the jobless rate was 1.7% higher than the 3.9% rate observed in Regional Qld, and workforce participation was significantly lower, standing at 58.1% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census records indicate that a moderate 15.0% of the working population operated from home, though the influence of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions should be kept in mind.
The primary sectors employing local residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The community displays a marked concentration in construction, with its employment proportion reaching 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food service plays a minor role, accounting for 5.3% of local jobs compared to 8.3% across the region. Local job opportunities appear relatively scarce, as shown by comparing the count of locally employed Census respondents against the total resident workforce. According to AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from surrounding areas, the labour force shrank by 4.0% and overall employment fell by 5.0% during the 12 months ending March 2026, leading to a rise in unemployment of 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld experienced a 0.1% increase in employment, a 0.3% growth in the labour force, and a 0.1 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment projections published by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 provide additional context regarding future employment demand in Cooran. These forecasts, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. Nationally, employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though these rates vary greatly across different sectors. Applying these industry trends to the local workforce composition suggests employment in Cooran would rise by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, noting that this is a basic weighted projection for comparison and does not incorporate localized population shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Cooran is $1,294 a week (about $67,000 a year), with median personal income at $628 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $40,861 a year against an average of $55,554. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxpayer data from the ATO compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 shows that incomes in Cooran are below the national benchmark. The median income among local taxpayers is $40,861, and the average income is $55,554, which contrasts with Regional Qld figures of $53,146 and $66,593. Factoring in a Wage Price Index rise of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated figures for March 2026 would be roughly $45,503 for the median and $61,865 for the average. Census records show that household, family, and individual incomes in Cooran all rank between the 15th and 19th percentiles nationwide.
In terms of income brackets, 31.0% of the population (557 individuals) earn between $800 and $1,499, differing from metropolitan areas where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is largest at 31.7%. AFFORDABILITY issues are significant, with residents retaining only 84.0% of their earnings, placing the area in the 20th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Cooran had 643 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 100% detached houses and 0% apartments. 47% are owned with a mortgage, 11% rented and 42% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $385 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,517 a month. Rent absorbs 29.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 27.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The mix of residences in Cooran at the time of the latest Census consisted of 100.0% houses and none of other styles like semi-detached dwellings, townhouses, apartments, or alternative structures, whereas Regional Qld recorded 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options. Home ownership rates in Cooran were much higher than the regional average, standing at 42.0%, with the remaining properties being purchased under a mortgage (46.7%) or occupied by renters (11.3%). The median monthly home loan payment was lower than the Regional Qld average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent was $385, compared to regional figures of $1,655 and $345 respectively.
On a national level, mortgage costs in Cooran are considerably lower than the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rental costs exceed the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Cooran counted 643 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.5 people each. 28% are couples with children, against 30% couples without children. 24% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units make up the majority of households at 71.9%, which includes 27.5% couples raising children, 29.9% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent households. The remaining 28.1% consists of non-family households, with single-person households representing 24.4% and group living situations accounting for 4.4%. The median household occupancy of 2.5 residents matches the average for Regional Qld.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
23.5% of adults in Cooran hold a university qualification, including 16.3% with a bachelor degree and 3.3% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 30.5% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 134 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,019 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels in Cooran are lower than broader regional averages, with 23.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a university qualification, compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference highlights scope for future educational programs and skills acquisition. Bachelor degrees represent the most common higher qualification at 16.3%, followed by graduate diplomas at 3.9% and postgraduate qualifications at 3.3%. Technical and trade qualifications are common, with 45.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational certificates or diplomas, split between advanced diplomas at 15.0% and certificates at 30.5%. A high proportion of residents are engaged in studies, with 29.6% of the population currently enrolled in education.
This includes 10.9% attending primary school, 9.3% in secondary school, and 3.7% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Cooran means driving: households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of local transit options indicates there are 2 public transport stops operating in Cooran, offering a combination of rail and bus connections. These stops are serviced by 11 distinct routes, which provide a total of 107 passenger journeys each week. Public transit access is classified as limited, with local dwellings situated an average of 748 meters from the nearest stop. Because the locality is mostly residential, the majority of workers travel outside the area for employment, with private cars being the primary mode of transport at 96%. Households own an average of 1.7 vehicles, which is higher than the regional average.
Approximately 15.0% of local workers operated from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules. Local transit routes average 15 daily trips, which translates to roughly 53 weekly services at each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
67.7% of residents in Cooran report no long-term health condition. 4.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic health issues indicate that Cooran face notable health difficulties, with standard medical conditions common among both younger and older residents, and private medical insurance uptake being relatively low at approximately 49% of the population (~885 people). This rate is lower than the 52.5% recorded in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%. The primary medical diagnoses among local residents were arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.6% and 8.7% of the population, respectively, while 67.7% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld.
Chronic health issues are higher than average among working-age individuals. Residents aged 65 and older account for 20.5% of the population (368 people), with national rankings for health issues generally matching the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cooran is largely Australian-born, at 81.0% of residents, with 2.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (34.0%) and Australian (27.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cooran displays below-average levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 86.3% of the population, 81.0% of residents born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 35.1% of the local population. However, the most distinct religious variance is Buddhism, which is practiced by 2.1% of the population compared to 1.1% in Regional Qld. Regarding parent birthplaces, the three most common ancestries in Cooran are English at 34.0%, Australian at 27.7%, and Irish at 9.8%. There are also notable differences in other backgrounds, with Scottish heritage overrepresented at 9.5% (compared to 7.8% regionally), French at 0.8% (compared to 0.5% regionally), and Dutch at 1.6% (compared to 1.1% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Cooran is 46, older than 82% of areas nationally. 17.8% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 46 years in Cooran is higher than the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national figure of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, Cooran has a larger proportion of residents aged 55 - 64 (17.5%) but a smaller proportion aged 25 - 34 (8.8%). This concentration of 55 - 64 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 11.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 4.9% to 6.9% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group rose from 7.9% to 9.0%.
In contrast, children aged 5 to 14 dropped from 14.0% to 12.8%, and the 55 to 64 group decreased from 18.6% to 17.5%. Significant demographic changes are anticipated by 2041. The 25 to 34 age bracket is projected to expand by 26% (40 people), growing from 158 to 199. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age bracket is expected to decrease by 14 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Cooran
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 4 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,756 at the 2021 Census → 1,799 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL30700). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.