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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
Sales Activity
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Population
Population growth drivers in Cooran are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends
As of May 2026, the population of the suburb of Cooran is estimated to be around 1,799. This reflects an increase of 43 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,756. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,794 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2025 and validation of four new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 47 persons per square kilometer. The primary driver for this growth was interstate migration, contributing approximately 72% of overall population gains during recent periods.
However, all factors including overseas migration and natural growth were positive contributors. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, the suburb of Cooran is expected to grow by approximately 168 persons to reach 2041, reflecting a total increase of around 9.1% over these 16 years. This projection aligns with the median growth rate for non-metropolitan areas nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in Cooran according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
Cooran has seen minimal residential construction activity in recent years. Between 2016 and 2020 inclusive, only seven new dwellings were approved annually on average. This low level of development reflects the rural nature of Cooran, where housing needs are typically met through specific local projects rather than broader market demand.
Notably, the small sample size can significantly influence annual growth statistics. Compared to the rest of Queensland and national patterns, Cooran has substantially lower levels of residential development activity. All recent building activity in Cooran consists of detached houses, maintaining the area's rural character with an emphasis on space. As of 2021, there are an estimated 1796 people per dwelling approval in Cooran, indicating a quiet and low-activity development environment.
According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Cooran is expected to grow by 163 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 in the area.
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.
Infrastructure
Cooran has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to affect this region: Traveston Industrial Land, Pomona Place Plan, Noosa Trail Network Upgrade (Wahpunga and Woondum Trails), and Noosa Biosphere Trails Upgrade Program. The following details those most relevant.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure Program
A $7.1 billion venue infrastructure program delivered by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), funded jointly by the Australian Government ($3.435 billion) and Queensland Government ($3.65 billion). The program covers 17 new and upgraded sporting venues across Queensland, headlined by a new 63,000-seat Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park, a new National Aquatic Centre at Spring Hill, and a Brisbane Athletes Village at the Showgrounds (led by Lendlease and RNA). Delivery partner Unite32 - a consortium of Laing O'Rourke and AECOM - was appointed in December 2025. Early works for Victoria Park Stadium are set to commence in Q2 2026, with the National Aquatic Centre also entering early contractor involvement. Other venues include Logan and Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centres, Barlow Park (Cairns), Sunshine Coast Stadium, Redland Whitewater Centre, Queensland Tennis Centre, Chandler Sports Precinct, Rockhampton Flatwater Facility, Toowoomba Showgrounds and Brisbane International Shooting Centre.
Queensland Energy Roadmap 2026
The Queensland Energy Roadmap 2026 is a state policy framework released on 10 October 2025. It reverses earlier plans by extending state-owned coal asset operations until at least 2046 supported by a 1.6 billion dollar maintenance guarantee. The plan focuses on a market-driven approach to Regional Energy Hubs, doubling gas capacity to 8.3GW by 2035, and accelerating large-scale battery storage. Significant infrastructure includes the 400MW Central Queensland Gas Power Tender and the CopperString Eastern Link (330kV) transmission project.
Borumba Pumped Hydro Project
A proposed 2,000 MW long-duration pumped hydro energy storage scheme designed to provide up to 24 hours of storage (around 48 GWh) at full output. The project would expand the existing Lake Borumba lower reservoir from 46 GL to 224 GL and build a new 70 GL upper reservoir, linked by approximately 1.5 km of underground tunnels and an underground powerhouse with six 333 MW turbines. Up to seven dams would be required across the Mary River system. In December 2025 the Commonwealth granted EPBC approval for exploratory works, and in early 2026 surface-based geophysical investigations commenced on site through Technical Services Manager WSP, with a temporary accommodation camp now housing up to 84 workers. Queensland Hydro is preparing a refreshed business case and commercial assessment expected by mid-2026, aligned with the Queensland Government's five-year energy roadmap. Powerlink is separately progressing transmission corridors connecting the site to Woolooga and Halys, with the Halys connection requiring a Public Environment Report. If main works proceed, further Commonwealth and State approvals including an Environmental Impact Statement will be required.
Building Future Hospitals Program
Now referred to as the Hospital Rescue Plan, this $18.5 billion program is the largest health infrastructure investment in Queensland history. It aims to deliver over 2,600 new public hospital beds by 2032 through three new hospitals (Coomera, Bundaberg, Toowoomba) and major expansions at 10 existing facilities including QEII, Logan, and Princess Alexandra hospitals. Recent milestones in 2026 include the completion of the concept design for the 600-bed Coomera Hospital and the final concrete pour for the QEII Hospital expansion clinical building.
South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Supplement (SEQIP & SEQIS)
The South East Queensland Infrastructure Supplement (SEQIS), released in December 2023, provides a strategic framework for coordinating regional infrastructure to support housing supply and growth across the 12 SEQ local government areas. It aligns with ShapingSEQ 2023 and prioritises Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure delivery. A full South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan (SEQIP) is now being developed concurrently with the review of the SEQ Regional Plan, which will give the infrastructure plan statutory weight. The region is projected to reach a population of around 6 million by 2046, requiring nearly 900,000 new homes and one million new jobs. Key focus areas include unlocking housing supply, delivering transport infrastructure such as Cross River Rail and the Coomera Connector, and supporting the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund.
Gympie Water Resilience and Augmentation Project (GWRAP) - Phase 1
GWRAP Phase 1 is a critical infrastructure initiative designed to secure Gympie's water supply through 2050. The project focuses on replacing the structurally distressed 1960s sedimentation tank at the Jones Hill Water Treatment Plant, which was identified as a single point of failure. It also includes the construction of essential trunk mains to unlock development for approximately 5,350 new dwellings. In March 2026, Council endorsed a once-in-a-generation water alliance to deliver this multi-year program.
New Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme Project
Sunshine Coast Council is preparing a new planning scheme to replace the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014. The proposed scheme sets the land use planning framework for the region, guiding growth, housing diversity, local plans, environmental protection, climate resilience, centres and employment areas. Formal public consultation ran from 15 July to 19 September 2025. Council received around 4,600 formal submissions and is reviewing and responding to issues raised before deciding required changes, preparing a Consultation Report and seeking final State approval. The review is expected to continue well into 2026.
Noosa Biosphere Trails Upgrade Program
Ongoing comprehensive upgrade program of the Noosa Biosphere Trail Network spanning 130+ kilometers across eight interconnected trails in the Noosa hinterland. The program includes major works to the Woondum, Wahpunga, Cooroora, Yurol, Kurui, and Pinbarren trails, with improvements to drainage, resurfacing, trail realignments, selective widening, new wayfinding and interpretive signage, and construction of rock retaining walls and bridges. The trails pass through national parks, state forests, private property, and rural landscapes, offering experiences for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. Recent completed works include the $1.68 million Cooroora Trail upgrade in 2023. Current active construction includes Woondum Trail upgrades until mid-October 2025 and Pinbarren Trail closure until December 2025.
Employment
Employment drivers in Cooran are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia
Cooran has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.1%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025815 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 6.2% (1.1% above Regional Qld's rate of 5.1%).
Workforce participation in Cooran is lower at 57.9%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 15.0% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training sectors. Notably, employment in construction is at 1.5 times the regional average.
However, accommodation & food services have limited presence with only 5.3% employment compared to the regional average of 8.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Cooran's labour force decreased by 5.1%, with employment decreasing by 4.8%, leading to a fall in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7% during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cooran's employment mix indicates a potential local employment increase of 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
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. These figures are below the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 in Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes for Cooran as of March 2026 are approximately $45,503 and $61,865. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Cooran fall between the 15th and 19th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment comprises 31.0% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly (557 residents), differing from the regional predominant category of $1,500 - $2,999 at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 20th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Cooran is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
The dwelling structure in Cooran, as per the latest Census, consisted entirely of houses with 0.0% other dwellings. This contrasts with Regional Qld's mix of 76.4% houses and 23.6% 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, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Cooran was $385, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Cooran's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Cooran features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size
Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 28.1%, with lone person households at 24.4% and group households comprising 4.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the Regional Queensland average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
The educational profile of Cooran exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics
Cooran Trail has 23.5% of its 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 prevalent, with 45.5% of residents holding them; advanced diplomas account for 15.0% and certificates for 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
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 11 routes in total, facilitating 107 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited with residents typically residing 748 meters from the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with outward commuting being commonplace. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 96%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.
According to the 2021 Census, 15% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 15 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 53 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
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, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~885 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.
The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.6% of residents) and asthma (8.7%), while 67.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 20.5% of residents aged 65 and over (368 people), with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Cooran is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Cooran showed cultural diversity levels below average, with 86.3% citizens, 81.0% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 35.1%. Buddhism showed overrepresentation at 2.1%, compared to Regional Qld's 1.1%.
Top three ancestry groups were English (34.0%), Australian (27.7%), and Irish (9.8%). Notable divergences included Scottish at 9.5% (vs regional 7.8%), French at 0.8% (vs 0.5%), and Dutch at 1.6% (vs 1.1%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Cooran hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide
Cooran's median age of 46 years is significantly higher than Regional Qld's 41 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Qld, Cooran has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (17.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.8%). This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is well above 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 6.9%, while those aged 15 to 24 increased from 7.9% to 9.0%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5 to 14 has declined from 14.0% to 12.8%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 18.6% to 17.5%. By the year 2041, Cooran is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 26%, adding 40 people and reaching a total of 199 from the current 158. However, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 14 people.