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 November 2025, the estimated population of Cooranbong is around 8,928, marking a 26.2% increase since the 2021 Census which reported 7,077 people. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 8,619 based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 870 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 126 persons per square kilometer. Cooranbong's growth exceeds both the non-metro area (5.1%) and its SA4 region, making it a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 90.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends predict exceptional growth, placing Cooranbong in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with an expected increase of 3,946 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 33.7% 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

Cooranbong has seen approximately 174 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 873 homes. As of FY-26, 87 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.5 new residents arrive per year for each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $373,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $30.4 million in commercial approvals, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Cooranbong records 173.0% more development activity per person, providing greater choice for buyers and indicating robust developer interest. Recent construction comprises 76.0% detached houses and 24.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 39 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Population forecasts estimate Cooranbong will gain 3,012 residents by 2041.

Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating 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 that could impact the area. Notable projects are Watagan Park Central, Watagan Park, Trinity Point Marina & Resort Development, and Highland Green 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.

The employment environment in Cooranbong shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Cooranbong has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.3%.

As of June 2025, 3,590 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.7% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of NSW at 56.4%. Healthcare & social assistance, construction, and education & training had high employment concentrations in Cooranbong. Notably, healthcare & social assistance had an employment share 1.2 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented with only 1.1% of the workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in Sep-22, employment increased by 2.3%, while labour force also grew by 2.3%, keeping the unemployment rate stable. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.1% with unemployment rising slightly. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. 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 and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022. Cooranbong's median income among taxpayers was $54,402 with an average of $67,097. This was above the national average and compared to Rest of NSW's levels of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Cooranbong are approximately $61,262 (median) and $75,558 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly in Cooranbong, between the 34th and 44th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 32.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,892 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, 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.9% houses and 14.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cooranbong stood 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 Non-Metro NSW's $1,900 but lower than the national average of $2,367. Median weekly rent in Cooranbong was $380, matching both Non-Metro NSW and the national figure of $340.

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% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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

Educational qualifications in Cooranbong trail regional benchmarks, with 24.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 32.2% in NSW. 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 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. Cooranbong Public School and Avondale School serve a total of 1,233 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1007) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary school and one K-12 school.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Cooranbong shows that there are currently 37 active transport stops operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with each route being unique. In total, these routes provide 366 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to transport is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 423 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, there are 52 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately nine 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, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 53% (~4,773 people) of the total population has private health cover, a rate found to be fairly high. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.3 and 9.2% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 63.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 60.3% across Rest of NSW. In Cooranbong, 19.7% (1,758 people) of residents are aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 21.9% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Cooranbong, as per the census conducted on 27 June 2016, showed lower cultural diversity with 84.1% of its population born in Australia and 92.3% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 93.8% of residents. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 63.0%, compared to 54.0% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.3%), Australian (29.7%), and Scottish (7.6%). Notably, New Zealanders comprised 1.1% of Cooranbong's population, higher than the regional average of 0.5%. Samoans made up 0.5%, slightly more than the regional 0.3%, and South Africans constituted 0.6%, higher than the regional 0.3%.

Cooranbong's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Cooranbong has a median age of 38, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 but equivalent to the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 14.2% of Cooranbong's population, compared to the Rest of NSW figure, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 9.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 11.0% to 12.5% of Cooranbong's population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 10.4% to 9.1%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 10.9% to 9.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Cooranbong's age profile will change significantly. Leading this shift, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 49%, adding 618 people and reaching a total of 1,886 from its current figure of 1,267.