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 Nov 2025, the estimated population of Cooroy is around 5,140, reflecting a 7.1% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 4,801 people. This estimation is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area. The resident population estimate by AreaSearch, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), was 5,112, with an additional 80 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this figure. This results in a density ratio of 189 persons per square kilometer for Cooroy. Over the past decade, from 2012 to 2022, Cooroy demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%, outpacing the SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

For future projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort when utilised. Looking ahead to future population trends, an above median population growth is projected for locations outside of capital cities, with Cooroy expected to increase by 813 persons to reach a total population of approximately 6,053 by 2041, reflecting a 15.0% increase over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Cooroy among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Cooroy averaged approximately 48 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 240 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved in FY-26. Each year, about 2.2 new residents were gained per dwelling built over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $859,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. In FY-26, Cooroy recorded $7.4 million in commercial approvals. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Cooroy had 115.0% more new home approvals per person. Construction activity was primarily standalone homes (89.0%) with a smaller proportion of medium and high-density housing (11.0%).

Cooroy showed characteristics of a growth area with around 171 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Cooroy is projected to grow by 770 residents by 2041. Current development patterns suggest that new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Cooroy has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

AreaSearch has identified eight projects that may impact the area, with key ones being the Cooroy Woolworths Neighbourhood Shopping Centre, Cooroy Sports Complex Master Plan 2020-2030 and Expansion, 62 Lake Macdonald Drive Social Housing Development, and Cooroy Belli Creek Road Bridge Replacement. The following list details those likely to be 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 Cooroy shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Cooroy has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 2.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 2,410 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.3% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Cooroy stands at 49.6%, significantly lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Notably, construction employs 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.7% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

The area may offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.4%, accompanied by a 1.3% decrease in employment, resulting in a 1.1 percentage point fall in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 provide insights into potential future demand within Cooroy. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Cooroy's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Cooroy had a median taxpayer income of $40,992 and an average income of $55,731. These figures are below the national averages of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively in Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $46,727 (median) and $63,528 (average). Census data indicates Cooroy's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 15th and 19th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment in Cooroy is 29.0% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly, with 1,490 residents, unlike surrounding regions where 31.7% earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Cooroy, 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

Cooroy's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.8% houses and 12.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 96.1% houses and 4.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cooroy was 47.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.4% and rented ones at 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,800. Weekly rent median was $430, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $415. Nationally, Cooroy's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $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 make up the remaining 28.7%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

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%, considerably lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 30.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.5% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education. Cooroy's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,729 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1027) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. The area serves as an education hub with 33.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 11.4, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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. These include train and bus services. There are 10 routes in total, offering 192 weekly passenger trips combined.

Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents usually located 494 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 27 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Cooroy is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Cooroy faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 49%, covering about 2,533 people, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (10.8% of residents) and mental health problems (8.9%). Around 62.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 68.1% in the rest of Queensland. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 29.9% or 1,536 people, compared to 24.5% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming general population health metrics.

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

Cooroy's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 81.2% of its population born in Australia, 89.7% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Cooroy, comprising 46.3% of people, compared to 42.1% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups are English (34.3%), Australian (28.3%), and Scottish (8.9%).

Notably, Welsh (0.7%) and German (4.6%) ethnicities are equally represented in Cooroy as they are regionally, while South African ethnicity is slightly 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 make up 15.0% of the population, a figure notably higher than both the Rest of Qld's 12.9% and the national average of 9.4%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group comprises only 7.9%, which is smaller compared to the Rest of Qld's 10.8%. From 2021 to present, the proportion of those aged 15-24 has increased from 9.3% to 10.9%, while the 65-74 age group has decreased from 16.7% to 15.0%. By 2041, Cooroy's population is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. Notably, the number of people aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 105%, reaching 484 from 236. This growth will be driven largely by an aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 59% of projected growth. Conversely, the numbers in the 15-24 age range are expected to fall by 39%.