Cooroy

Cooroy lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Cooroy's population is estimated at around 5,225 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 424 people (8.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,801 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,205, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 78 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 192 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Cooroy's 8.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.6%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of regional areas nationally is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 808 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 13.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Cooroy among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis shows Cooroy averaged approximately 53 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 266 homes. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. Historically, around 2 people have moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand dynamics. The average construction value of new properties is $859,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment.

This financial year has seen $14.0 million in commercial approvals, implying active commercial development. Compared to Rest of Qld, Cooroy exhibits 137.0% higher building activity per person, offering ample choice for buyers and reflecting robust developer interest. Recent construction comprises 85.0% detached dwellings and 15.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With approximately 79 people per approval, Cooroy is considered a developing area. By 2041, AreaSearch projects an increase of 683 residents based on current development patterns.

New housing supply should meet demand, presenting favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth.

Cooroy 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 eight projects likely to affect the area. Key projects include the Cooroy Woolworths Neighbourhood Shopping Centre, the Cooroy Sports Complex Master Plan 2020-2030 and Expansion, the 62 Lake Macdonald Drive Social Housing Development, and the Cooroy Belli Creek Road Bridge Replacement. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Cooroy maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Cooroy has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 2,375 residents employed.

The unemployment rate in Cooroy is 1.2% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Cooroy is at 56.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 14.0% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction employs a significant share of the workforce, at 1.3 times the regional level. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.7% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The area may have limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.6%, alongside a 1.9% decline in employment, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Cooroy. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cooroy's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Cooroy had a median taxpayer income of $40,992 and an average of $55,731 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This was below the national average, with Rest of Qld's median income at $53,146 and average income at $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Cooroy would be approximately $45,054 (median) and $61,254 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Cooroy fell between the 15th and 19th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income brackets showed that 29.0% of locals (1,515 people) were in the $800 - $1,499 category, differing from metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominated at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 19th percentile nationally.

Cooroy is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Cooroy, as per the latest Census evaluation, 87.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 12.1% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other dwelling types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cooroy stood at 47.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.4% and rented ones at 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, above Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Weekly rent in Cooroy was $430, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Cooroy's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $430 versus the national figure of $375.

Cooroy has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.3% of all households, including 23.7% couples with children, 35.5% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up 28.7%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (30.8%). Educational participation is high at 25.5%, with 9.5% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Cooroy shows that there are 16 active transport stops currently operating. These consist of a mix of train and bus services. There are 12 individual routes servicing these stops, providing a total of 179 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to transport is rated as moderate, with residents typically located approximately 494 meters away from the nearest stop. As Cooroy is primarily residential, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transportation remains the car at 93%, while 5% walk.

On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, some 14.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages around 25 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Cooroy's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Cooroy's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts in Cooroy. Private health cover is relatively low, with approximately 49% of the total population (~2,575 people) having it, compared to 52.5% across the Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.8%) and mental health issues (8.9%), with 62.7% of residents declaring themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the Rest of Qld. Working-age residents in Cooroy have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 30.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,567 people), higher than the 20.4% in the Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors in Cooroy are above average, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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

Cooroy's population, surveyed in 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 81.2% born in Australia and 89.7% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 95.9%. Christianity was the dominant religion at 46.3%, compared to 52.2% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, English comprised 34.3%, Australian 28.3%, and Scottish 8.9%. Welsh (0.7%) and German (4.6%) were slightly overrepresented, while South African was marginally higher at 0.6%.

Cooroy ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Cooroy's median age is 49 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 years make up a prominent 14.9% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years constitute only 8.0%, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld figure. This concentration of people aged 65-74 years is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of people aged 15 to 24 has increased from 9.3% to 11.0%, while the percentage of those aged 65 to 74 has decreased from 16.7% to 14.9%. Additionally, the proportion of people aged 45 to 54 years has dropped from 12.2% to 11.0%. By 2041, Cooroy's age composition is expected to change notably. Notably, the number of people aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 98%, from 240 to 477 individuals. This growth will be led by the demographic shift towards an aging population, with those aged 65 and above comprising 59% of the projected growth. Conversely, the number of people in the 15 to 24 age range is expected to fall by 48%.