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

As of May 2026, the population of the suburb of Cooroy is estimated at around 5,644 people. This reflects an increase of 843 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,801 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,629, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 78 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 207 persons per square kilometer. Cooroy's growth rate of 17.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.8%) and the Rest of Qld, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. It is projected that the suburb will increase by 847 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 14.7% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Cooroy averaged approximately 51 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 257 homes. As of FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built in the area between FY-21 and FY-25 was 3.2 people. This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $859,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $14.0 million, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Cooroy shows 123.0% higher building activity per person. This should provide buyers with ample choice.

New building activity comprises approximately 84.0% detached dwellings and 16.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 86 people per approval, Cooroy reflects a developing area. Future projections from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate suggest Cooroy will add approximately 832 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 8 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Cooroy Woolworths Neighbourhood Shopping Centre, the Cooroy Sports Complex Master Plan from 2020 to 2030 and its expansion, the 62 Lake Macdonald Drive Social Housing Development, and the Cooroy Belli Creek Road Bridge Replacement. The following list details those projects that are likely to be most relevant.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.3%, Cooroy has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Cooroy has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 3.3%. Over the past year, there has been relative employment stability based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 2,664 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.7% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Cooroy lags behind Regional Qld at 57.7% compared to 64.5%. According to Census responses, 14.0% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment is particularly high, with a share 1.3 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.7%, compared to 4.5% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.5% and employment decreased by 0.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7%, labour force expand by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. 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.

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

The median taxpayer income in Cooroy suburb was $40,992 and average income was $55,731 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Cooroy would be approximately $45,649 (median) and $62,062 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Cooroy all fall between the 15th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 29.0% of the population (1,636 individuals) fall within the $800 - $1,499 income range, differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Cooroy, with only 83.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 19th percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Cooroy, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.8% houses and 12.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Regional Qld's 87.6% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cooroy was at 47.2%, with the rest being mortgaged (32.4%) or rented (20.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $430, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Cooroy's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than 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, consisting of 23.7% couples with children, 35.5% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.7%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households making up 2.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland 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 held by 43.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 30.8%. Educational participation is high, with 25.5% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.5% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 2.8% in 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

Cooroy has 16 active public transport stops serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 12 individual routes, offering a total of 179 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents located an average of 494 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commuters travel outward. Car remains dominant at 93%, with 5% walking. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.5.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 25 trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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 align closely 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 groups in Cooroy. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 49% of the total population (around 2,781 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.8 and 8.9% of residents respectively, while 62.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age residents show a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. As of 2021, Cooroy has 30.4% of its population aged 65 and over (1,715 people), which is higher than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors in Cooroy are above average, with national rankings even higher than 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, as per the census conducted on the 28th of August 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 81.2% of its population born in Australia, 89.7% being citizens and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Cooroy at 46.3%, compared to 52.2% across Regional Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were English at 34.3%, Australian at 28.3% and Scottish at 8.9%.

Some ethnic groups had notable differences: Welsh was higher at 0.7% in Cooroy versus 0.5% regionally, German was similar at 4.6% versus 4.7%, and South Australian was slightly higher at 0.6% compared to 0.5%.

Cooroy ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Cooroy's median age at 49 years is significantly higher than Regional Qld's average of 41 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 65-74 year-olds make up 15.6%, which is particularly prominent compared to Regional Qld and well above the national average of 9.4%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 group comprises only 7.5% of Cooroy's population, smaller than in Regional Qld. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 9.3% to 11.6%, while the 65-74 cohort has declined from 16.7% to 15.6%. By 2041, Cooroy's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ group will grow by 106%, reaching 523 people from 253. This growth is led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 59% of projected growth. Conversely, numbers in the 15-24 age range are expected to fall by 40%.