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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of Cooranbong is around 9,011, reflecting a 27.3% increase since the 2021 Census which reported 7,077 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 8,247 in June 2024, based on ABS ERP data release, and an additional 873 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 127 persons per square kilometer. Cooranbong's growth exceeded Rest of NSW's (5.9%) and its SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 90.0% of overall population gains recently. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former.

Future population trends forecast a significant increase in Cooranbong's top quartile of Australia's regional areas, expecting to grow by 3,913 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 35.0% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Cooranbong had approximately 170 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 852 homes. As of FY-26125 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents arrived per new home in the area between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction value for new dwellings was $373,000 during this period.

This financial year has seen $23.1 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Cooranbong had 167.0% more new home approvals per person as of FY-25, suggesting ample choice for buyers and robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprised 76.0% detached houses and 24.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's low-density nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. The location had approximately 43 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Cooranbong is projected to gain 3,149 residents by 2041.

With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects expected to impact the region. Notable ones are Watagan Park Central, Watagan Park, Trinity Point Marina & Resort Development, and Highland Green Estate. The following details projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Cooranbong has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.0% in December 2025, aligned with Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was somewhat lower at 58.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%.

A moderate 24.8% of residents worked from home as per Census responses. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Health care & social assistance has a strong specialization with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.1% compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%.

Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 0.1%, labour force by 1.5%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 1.4 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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 weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, the suburb of Cooranbong had a median income among taxpayers of $54,402 with the average level standing at $67,097. Nationally, this is approximately average and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $59,222 (median) and $73,042 (average) as of September 2025. Census data for 2021 shows household, family and personal incomes in Cooranbong rank modestly, between the 34th and 44th percentiles. Income analysis reveals the largest segment comprises 32.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,919 residents), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Cooranbong, with only 81.6% of income remaining after housing costs, 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, had 85.9% houses and 14.1% other dwellings. This compares 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, above 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 exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 23.4% and group households making up 2.8%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is 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 32.2%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. 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, 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 serviced by 37 different routes that together provide 312 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as moderate, with residents typically living 420 meters away from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from Cooranbong, and cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 95%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling in the area. 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, equating to approximately 6 weekly trips per individual 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 (~4,818 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.3 and 9.2% of residents respectively. However, 63.8% of residents declare themselves as 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 20.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,811 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, surveyed in 2016, had low cultural diversity with 84.1% born in Australia, 92.3% citizens, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion at 63.0%, compared to Regional NSW's 55.9%. Top ancestral groups were English (32.3%), Australian (29.7%), and Scottish (7.6%).

Notable differences included New Zealand (1.1% vs 0.4%), Samoan (0.5% vs 0.1%), and South Australian (0.6% vs 0.2%) representation.

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

Cooranbong's median age was 38 as of the 2021 Census, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 but equivalent to Australia's national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group comprised 14.5% of Cooranbong's population, higher than Regional NSW's figure. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort made up 9.5%, less prevalent compared to Regional NSW. Following the 2021 Census, younger residents caused a decrease in median age by 1 year to 38. Specifically, the 35-44 age group grew from 11% to 13%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 13.4% to 14.5%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 cohort declined from 10.9% to 9.6%. By 2041, Cooranbong's age composition is projected to shift notably. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 47%, adding 614 residents to reach a total of 1,921.