Cooranbong

Cooranbong lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Cooranbong is around 9,207, reflecting an increase of 2,130 people since the 2021 Census. The previous population in 2021 was reported as 7,077 people. This growth of 30.1% exceeds the Rest of NSW's growth rate of 4.9%. The change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 9,033 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 937 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 130 persons per square kilometer. The growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 90.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, a significant population increase is forecasted, with the suburb expected to grow by 3,668 persons, reflecting an increase of 38.0% in total over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Cooranbong was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis shows Cooranbong had approximately 170 new home approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 852 homes. As of FY-26186 approvals have been recorded. On average, around two people moved to the area per newly constructed home each year between FY-21 and FY-25. New homes were built at an estimated construction cost value of $373,000 annually during this period.

In FY-26, Cooranbong has seen $23.1 million in commercial development approvals. Compared to the rest of NSW, Cooranbong records 156.0% more development activity per person. Recent construction comprises 76.0% detached houses and 24.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density nature. There are approximately 44 people per dwelling approval in Cooranbong. By 2041, AreaSearch projects an increase of 3,494 residents in the area.

Current development patterns indicate that new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Cooranbong 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 16 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Watagan Park Central, Watagan Park, Highland Green Estate, and The Knolls Estate. 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.

Employment conditions in Cooranbong remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Cooranbong's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.1% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1% over the past year, based on AreaSearch data aggregation. As of that date, 3,997 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.2% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was somewhat lower at 58.5%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 24.8% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with a strong specialization in the former at 1.2 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.1% of Cooranbong's workforce compared to 5.3% in Regional NSW.

Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 2.1%, labour force by 3.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with a smaller unemployment increase of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections vary significantly. Applying these projections to Cooranbong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Cooranbong had a median taxpayer income of $54,402 and an average income of $67,097. Nationally, the median was $52,818 and the average was $66,575. In Regional NSW, the figures were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. As of March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $60,016 (median) and $74,021 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32%. Census 2021 data ranks Cooranbong's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 34th and 44th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 32.4% of residents earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, aligning with the regional cohort at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Cooranbong's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.9% houses and 14.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cooranbong was at 31.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.9% and rented ones at 23.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,058, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Cooranbong was $380, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Cooranbong's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,058 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $380 compared to the national figure of $375.

Cooranbong has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 73.8% of all households, including 33.7% couples with children, 29.6% couples without children, and 10.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 23.4% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

Cooranbong's educational qualifications trail NSW benchmarks, with 24.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the state average of 32.2%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement in the region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (29.7%).

Educational participation is notably high in Cooranbong, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cooranbong has 47 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 37 different routes that together provide 312 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in the area is rated as moderate, with residents typically living 420 meters from their nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Cooranbong's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 95% of residents. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 24.8% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 44 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 6 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Cooranbong is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Cooranbong faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~4,922 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues impacting 9.3% of residents and arthritis impacting 9.2%. A total of 63.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 20.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,915 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Cooranbong ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cooranbong, as of a certain date, had a cultural diversity index below the average. Its population was predominantly born in Australia, with 84.1% holding citizenship and 93.8% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 63.0% of residents, compared to 55.9% regionally.

The top three ancestral groups were English (32.3%), Australian (29.7%), and Scottish (7.6%). Notably, New Zealanders comprised 1.1%, Samoans 0.5%, and South Australians 0.6%, each exceeding their respective regional percentages of 0.4%, 0.1%, and 0.2%.

Cooranbong's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Cooranbong has a median age of 38, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 but matches the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 14.1% of Cooranbong's population, higher than Regional NSW's percentage. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort comprises 9.3%, lower than Regional NSW's figure. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 11.0% to 12.9% of Cooranbong's population. Meanwhile, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 10.9% to 9.4%, and the 65-74 group has dropped from 10.4% to 9.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Cooranbong's age profile. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 51%, adding 662 people to reach a total of 1,961 from its current figure of 1,298.