Cooran

Population growth drivers in Cooran are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of Nov 2025, Cooran's estimated population is around 1,806. This shows an increase of 50 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,756. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 1,800 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024) and four additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 48 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 72.0% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort where utilized. Future population dynamics anticipate a median increase similar to non-metropolitan areas nationally, with the Cooran statistical area expected to grow by 220 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 14.2% over 17 years based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Cooran according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Cooran has seen minimal construction activity with one new dwelling approved annually on average over the past five years, totalling seven. This low development level reflects the rural nature of the area where housing needs typically drive development rather than broad market demand. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly influence annual growth statistics.

Cooran's development levels are substantially lower than those in the rest of Queensland and below national averages. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining the area's rural character with an emphasis on space. As of now, there are approximately 1834 people per dwelling approval in the area, indicating its quiet, low-activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Cooran is projected to grow by 256 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Three projects identified by AreaSearch are likely to impact the area: Traveston Industrial Land, Pomona Place Plan, Noosa Trail Network Upgrade (Wahpunga and Woondum Trails), and Noosa Biosphere Trails Upgrade Program.

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

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Employment performance in Cooran has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Cooran's skilled workforce includes well-represented essential services sectors with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025896 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is higher than Rest of Qld's by 0.7% points (at 4.1%).

Workforce participation in Cooran stands at 55.4%, lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training sectors. Notably, construction employment levels are 1.5 times the regional average. However, accommodation & food services have limited presence with 5.3% employment compared to the regional 8.3%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited as Census working population vs resident population indicates. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Cooran's labour force decreased by 2.7%, accompanied by a 1.8% decrease in employment, leading to a fall of 0.9 percentage points in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and the labour force expand by 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Cooran's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Cooran had a median taxpayer income of $40,861 and an average income of $55,554. Nationally, the averages were $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $44,910 (median) and $61,059 (average), based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Cooran's household, family, and personal incomes ranked between the 15th and 19th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment in Cooran was 31.0% earning $800-$1,499 weekly (559 residents). Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 20th percentile.

Cooran is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Cooran's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted entirely of houses with 0.0% other dwellings, differing from Non-Metro Qld's 96.1% houses and 4.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cooran stood at 42.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.7% and rented ones at 11.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,800. Median weekly rent in Cooran was $385, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $415. Nationally, Cooran's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,517 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $385 against the national figure of $375.

Cooran features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households make up 71.9% of all households, including 27.5% couples with children, 29.9% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 28.1%, with lone person households at 24.4% and group households comprising 4.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Cooran exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Cooran Trail region has 23.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (3.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 45.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (15.0%) and certificates (30.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cooran has two operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by eleven routes in total, facilitating 107 weekly passenger trips collectively. The accessibility of these transports is limited, with residents typically residing 748 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are fifteen trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately fifty-three weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Cooran faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49%, covering around 888 people out of the total population.

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.6% and 8.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 67.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across the rest of Queensland. The area has 19.5% of residents aged 65 and over, comprising approximately 352 people, which is lower than the 24.5% figure for the rest of Queensland.

Cooran is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Cooran's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.3% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (81.0%), speaking English only at home (97.2%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Cooran, accounting for 35.1% of the population. Buddhism, however, is overrepresented in Cooran with 2.1%, compared to 1.3% across Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestral groups are English (34.0%), Australian (27.7%), and Irish (9.8%). Notably, Scottish ancestry is slightly higher at 9.5% in Cooran versus 9.4% regionally, French at 0.8% versus 0.7%, and Dutch at 1.6%.

Cooran hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Cooran's median age of 46 years is significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Cooran has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64, at 17.8%, but fewer residents aged 25-34, at 9.3%. This 55-64 concentration is notably higher than the national average of 11.2%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has grown from 4.9% to 6.2%, while the proportion of those aged 5 to 14 has declined from 14.0% to 13.2%. By 2041, Cooran is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 35%, increasing from 167 to 227 residents. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age group is projected to decline by 5 people.