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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Copacabana is $1.63m, with units at $1.31m. House values have moved -1.7% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Copacabana has an estimated 2,848 residents, up from 2,809 at the 2021 Census — a change of 39 people, or 1.4%. That puts 1,424 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the suburb of Copacabana has an estimated population of approximately 2,848, according to AreaSearch evaluations combining broader ABS population updates with new addresses validated since the Census. In comparison to the 2021 Census tally of 2,809 people, this represents an addition of 39 people (1.4%). This demographic shift stems from an estimated resident population of 2,819 derived by AreaSearch following the ABS ERP release in June 2025 alongside 1 validated new addresses confirmed after the Census date. With a density of 1,424 persons per square kilometer, the suburb of Copacabana sits above the nationwide average tracked across AreaSearch locations.
Furthermore, the local 1.4% expansion since census trails the SA3 area (2.7%) by 1.3 percentage points, reflecting resilient local fundamentals. Gains have been primarily supported by overseas migration, which made up around 64.0% of overall population increases in recent times. Future demographic projections for the suburb of Copacabana incorporate 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 modeling with 2022 as the base year, supplemented where necessary by 2022 NSW State Government SA2 releases using 2021 as the baseline. For the timeframe spanning 2032 to 2041, age-specific growth trajectories from these sources are integrated across all territories. Looking forward, the suburb of Copacabana is projected to track within the lower quartile of Australian statistical areas, adding 27 persons up to 2041 under consolidated SA2 figures, corresponding to an overall reduction of 0.1% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals by AreaSearch indicates that residential development in Copacabana has averaged around 2 new homes approved per year, generating roughly 14 homes throughout the last 5 financial years. During FY-25 to date, 15 approvals have been documented. Amid past population decreases, this flow of residential supply has likely matched buyer requirements effectively. Newly approved dwellings carry an average expected construction cost of $600,000, marginally exceeding regional benchmarks and pointing toward high-calibre residential projects. Additionally, non-residential planning is evidenced by $867,000 in commercial approvals registered this financial year, underscoring a predominantly residential development environment.
Per capita building activity in Copacabana tracks at approximately half the level recorded across Greater Sydney, positioning the locality at the 52nd percentile nationwide despite a recent pickup in construction. This rate also sits below national standards, highlighting an established urban setting alongside prospective planning limitations. Dwellings approved in recent times consist entirely of standalone homes, reinforcing low-density suburban living tailored to families seeking larger properties. Indicating a low density urban profile, the area records around 282 people per dwelling approval. With demographic forecasts indicating stable or shrinking population numbers, Copacabana is likely to see reduced housing pressure, fostering advantageous market conditions for purchasers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Copacabana
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 25 current infrastructure and development projects close to Copacabana, worth an estimated $394 million. 4 are already under construction and 3 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans sports & recreation, environmental & disaster management and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure investment, capital works, and planning frameworks are critical drivers of regional performance. At present, no projects have been identified by AreaSearch as having a direct impact on the immediate area. Broader strategic initiatives of relevance include the Gosford Private Hospital redevelopment, the Newcastle-Sydney and Wollongong-Sydney Rail Line Upgrades, the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, and the Sydney Metro Program.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Green Point Shopping Village Expansion
Approved expansion and refurbishment of Green Point Shopping Village including additional retail tenancies, upgraded public amenities, improved parking and site improvements. No evidence of construction commencement was identified from official sources as of July 2026.
Frost Reserve Upgrades
Central Coast Council is delivering major sports and community recreation upgrades at Frost Reserve in Kincumber. The project includes a modern 750sqm regional skate park, a new 370sqm sports amenities building with accessible changerooms, canteen, and storage, upgraded car parking facilities, and enhanced sports field lighting.
12 Kurrawyba Avenue Shop Top Housing
Four-storey mixed-use shop-top housing proposal comprising ground-floor retail (5 premises), 10 residential apartments over three levels, basement parking (~19 spaces) and a communal rooftop terrace at the western gateway to Terrigal village. DA lodged for 12 and 12A Kurrawyba Avenue and currently under assessment by Central Coast Council.
92-98 Terrigal Esplanade Shop-top Housing (Mixed Use)
Four-storey shop-top housing development opposite Terrigal Beach with 12 apartments above ground-floor retail (approx. 364 sqm), basement parking for 28 vehicles, and demolition of existing two-storey retail strip at the corner of Campbell Crescent.
Wamberal Community Park Upgrade
Major upgrade to Wamberal Community Park including new playground equipment, improved sports facilities, additional parking, and enhanced landscaping. The project aims to provide better recreational facilities for the growing local community.
Terrigal Boardwalk and Rockpool Restoration
The Terrigal Boardwalk is a 277-metre-long raised walking platform providing improved pedestrian access between Terrigal Beach promenade and The Haven. The project includes restoration of the adjacent rockpool with a new access ramp, pathways, and environmental protection measures. It delivers social, health, and economic benefits to the community.
Terrigal Public School Upgrade
Upgrade to provide the latest education facilities and accommodate the growing community, including a new building with 10 flexible learning spaces, upgraded administration facilities, disability car park with ramp access, and lift installation.
Aria Terrigal
Integrated mixed-use precinct delivered in stages in the heart of Terrigal, originally envisaged for around 108 residential/tourist apartments with retail and commercial space. Following the GFC the concept was split into multiple projects including Aria Building 1 (14 units) fronting Painters Lane/Campbell Crescent and the Avanti Terrigal building, plus beachfront retail along Terrigal Esplanade. Core buildings are completed and occupied.
1,571 residents of Copacabana are employed, from a labour force of 1,600. Unemployment sits at 1.8%, with participation at 69.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,260, about 79% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Copacabana possesses an educated local workforce and strong representation across essential industry sectors, featuring an unemployment rate of 1.8% and annual job growth estimated at 2.9% via AreaSearch statistical area datasets. As of March 2026, employed residents total 1,571, while local unemployment sits 2.3% below the 4.1% seen in Greater Sydney. Workforce participation closely mirrors the 68.9% benchmark of Greater Sydney. Reflecting Census findings, 40.1% of workers reported working from home, a figure influenced by Covid-19 lockdown circumstances. The primary employment sectors for resident workers are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.
The local labour market exhibits strong industry specialization in construction, where its share is 1.5 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical roles account for 7.9%, underperforming the regional benchmark of 11.5%. A comparison between resident workers and the local Census working population indicates that this largely residential enclave provides limited commercial employment within its borders. Based on AreaSearch assessments of ABS and SALM figures across wider statistical areas, the year leading to March 2026 witnessed a 2.9% rise in employment alongside a 3.2% expansion in the labour force, resulting in a 0.2 percentage points increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Greater Sydney recorded a 1.9% gain in employment and a 1.9% increase in the labour force, accompanied by a marginal decline in unemployment. Regarding long-term demand, Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts released in Mar-26 outline national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with distinct variation by sector. Applying these industry projections to Copacabana's occupational profile indicates prospective employment gains of 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, representing a simple weighted model for illustrative purposes without factoring in localized population adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Copacabana is $2,143 a week (about $111,000 a year), with median personal income at $893 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $55,915 a year against an average of $82,741. The average runs 48% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the latest ATO postcode statistics for financial year 2023 published by AreaSearch, the median taxpayer income in the suburb of Copacabana is $55,915, while the average is $82,741. These figures place the suburb exceptionally high on a national scale, comparing with $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average) across Greater Sydney. Applying a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of approximately $61,685 for median earnings and $91,280 for average earnings as of March 2026. Across household, family, and personal metrics, Census findings place local earnings near the 70th percentile nationally.
In terms of earnings brackets, 31.8% of individuals (905 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, closely mirroring the 30.9% share in the surrounding area. Affluent earners earning above $3,000/week account for 34.7%, reflecting robust local economic capacity. While residential accommodation absorbs 15.8% of income, strong remuneration sustains disposable income at the 75th percentile, with the area ranking in the 8th decile on the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Copacabana had 991 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 95% detached houses and 3% apartments. 42% are owned with a mortgage, 23% rented and 35% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $510 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,300 a month, a total housing cost higher than 78% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 23.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential property in Copacabana is heavily focused on standalone houses, which represent 94.5% of local housing compared to 5.5% comprised of semi-detached dwellings, apartments, and other housing categories according to the most recent Census. This contrasts with Sydney metro, where houses account for 55.9% and other dwellings make up 44.1%. Full home ownership stands at 35.2%, substantially exceeding Sydney metro norms, while properties with a mortgage represent 41.7% and rental accommodation accounts for 23.1%. The local median monthly mortgage repayment of $2,300 is lower than the Sydney metro figure of $2,427, whereas the median weekly rent of $510 sits above the metropolitan benchmark of $470.
Across Australia, Copacabana exceeds both the national average mortgage repayment of $1,863 and the national average weekly rent of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Copacabana counted 991 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.8 people each. 37% are couples with children, against 29% couples without children. 17% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households constitute 80.2% of all living arrangements in Copacabana, featuring couples with children at 37.4%, couples without children at 28.6%, and single parent families at 13.1%. The remaining 19.8% consists of non-family households, including single-person households at 16.9% and group households at 3.4%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which exceeds the Greater Sydney benchmark of 2.7.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
33.1% of adults in Copacabana hold a university qualification, including 22.9% with a bachelor degree and 6.9% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 85% of areas nationally. A further 24.9% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 262 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,069 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment among Copacabana residents aged 15+ is notably strong, with 33.1% holding higher education degrees, outperforming both the SA4 region (20.8%) and the SA3 area (25.7%). Bachelor degrees represent the most prevalent tertiary credential at 22.9%, accompanied by postgraduate qualifications at 6.9% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational training is likewise widespread, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ possessing technical qualifications, consisting of 13.0% with advanced diplomas and 24.9% with certificates. Engagement across academic institutions is robust, with 30.8% of the population currently enrolled in study. This group includes 10.3% attending primary school, 9.1% in high school, and 5.0% enrolled in tertiary courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Copacabana reaches 18 stops on 19 routes, timetabled for about 380 services a week. The typical home sits about 240 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport connectivity in Copacabana comprises 18 active bus stops serviced by 19 individual routes that provide 383 weekly passenger trips. Network accessibility is favorable, with residents situated an average of 235 meters from the nearest stop. Given the suburban character of the area, 94% of journeys rely on private vehicles, and car ownership stands at an average of 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, above regional figures. Census data from 2021 also indicates that 40.1% of residents worked from home, reflecting lockdown circumstances at the time. Public transport schedules deliver an average of 54 trips per day across all local routes, which translates to roughly 21 weekly trips for each transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
73.0% of residents in Copacabana report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 87% of areas nationally. 3.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 59.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Copacabana demonstrates exceptional health outcomes according to AreaSearch evaluations of mortality rates and chronic health metrics, displaying a very low incidence of common health conditions across every demographic group. Furthermore, private health insurance coverage is notably widespread, encompassing approximately 60% of the population (1,697 people). Asthma and mental health issues represent the primary reported health conditions locally, impacting 7.4 and 6.8% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 73.0% of the local population reported no long-term medical conditions, comparable to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age cohorts maintain high health standards with minimal chronic illness.
Residents aged 65 and over comprise 19.8% of the community (563 people), exceeding the 15.5% share in Greater Sydney, with older residents recording strong health metrics that align with national standards.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Copacabana is largely Australian-born, at 81.7% of residents, with 6.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (30.8%) and Australian (28.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics show that 81.7% of Copacabana residents were born in Australia, 92.4% hold Australian citizenship, and 93.9% speak only English in the home. Christianity represents the leading religious affiliation, accounting for 47.5% of residents. The most notable religious overrepresentation relative to Greater Sydney occurs in Judaism, which makes up 0.7% of the local population compared to 0.8% regionally. In terms of parental lineage, the three largest ancestries in Copacabana are English at 30.8% (well above the regional benchmark of 19.0%), Australian at 28.7% (exceeding the regional 17.8%), and Irish at 9.9%.
Other distinct ethnic groups include Welsh at 0.9% (compared to 0.4% regionally), French at 0.8% (against 0.5%), and South Australian at 0.7% (versus 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Copacabana is 43. 19.5% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age distribution of Copacabana leans heavily toward mature demographics. As of August 2026, middle-aged individuals and early retirees aged 45 - 64 account for 31.0% of the population, compared to 22.6% in Greater Sydney, whereas young to middle aged adults aged 25 - 44 represent 16.5%, below the regional 31.4%. The median age remains at an estimated 43, matching the 2021 Census result, which sits 6 years above the Greater Sydney median of 37 and higher than the national median of 38 recorded at that Census. The most pronounced shift since the Census is a contraction in young to middle aged adults from 19.9% to 16.5%.
Heading toward 2041, the largest numerical growth will occur among residents aged 65+, increasing by 111 residents (20%) to 675, while cohorts of children, young adults, and young to middle aged adults are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Copacabana
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 1 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (2,809 at the 2021 Census → 2,848 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL11056). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.