Currumbin Waters

Currumbin Waters has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Currumbin Waters' population is estimated at around 10,203 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 406 people (4.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,797 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,183 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,026 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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 based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected for Currumbin Waters, with an expected expansion by 631 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.0% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Currumbin Waters according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Currumbin Waters averaged around 11 new dwelling approvals each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, an estimated 56 homes were approved, with a further 5 so far in FY26. This indicates a demand of approximately 6.5 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these years.

The supply has not kept pace with this demand, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers. Developers are focusing on the premium market, constructing new properties at an average value of $1,036,000. Additionally, $7.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded in FY26, suggesting a residential character for the area. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Currumbin Waters shows substantially reduced construction levels, with 89.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

Nationally, this level is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 91.0% detached dwellings and 9.0% attached dwellings, sustaining Currumbin Waters' suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. This favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (71.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. At around 1064 people per approval, Currumbin Waters shows a mature, established area. Future projections show Currumbin Waters adding 611 residents by 2041, from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 25 such projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable among these are Central Park Residences, GemLife Currumbin Waters, the upgrade of the intersection at Currumbin Creek Road-Bienvenue Drive, and the Currumbin Service and Retail Centre. The following list details those projects deemed 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Currumbin Waters well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Currumbin Waters 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 2.7%. As of September 2025, 5,314 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 14.9% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Currumbin Waters had a particular specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 0.2% of its workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.7%, and labour force increased by 2.3%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Currumbin Waters' local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to its employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Currumbin Waters had a median taxpayer income of $50,117 and an average income of $71,710 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national averages of $53,146 for median income and $66,593 for average income. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,084 (median) and $78,816 (average), based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%. Census 2021 data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Currumbin Waters rank modestly, between the 37th and 43rd percentiles. The predominant income cohort spans 31.5% of locals (3,213 people) with incomes between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to the surrounding region's 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 40th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Currumbin Waters' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.4% houses and 28.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Currumbin Waters stood at 35.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.4% and rented ones at 22.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Currumbin Waters was $468, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,100 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Currumbin Waters has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households compose 74.5% of all households, including 34.0% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.5%, with lone person households at 22.6% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Currumbin Waters exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Currumbin Waters trail regional benchmarks, with 20.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (29.9%). Educational participation is notably high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.2% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 34 active public transport stops in Currumbin Waters, serving a mix of bus routes. These are covered by three individual routes, offering 496 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically 276 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, with most commuters traveling outward; cars remain the dominant mode at 94%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.6. According to the 2021 Census, 14.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 70 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 14 weekly trips per stop.

Currumbin Waters's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Currumbin Waters' health metrics are close to national benchmarks. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence for common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~5,674 people), compared to 52.5% across the Rest of Qld. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.7 and 8.1% of residents respectively. 68.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the Rest of Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,999 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Currumbin Waters had a below average cultural diversity, with 81.7% born in Australia, 89.8% being citizens, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 49.0%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.8%), Australian (27.1%), and Irish (9.7%). Notably, New Zealanders were proportionally equal at 0.9%, French were slightly higher at 0.6% versus 0.5%, and Maori were lower at 0.7% compared to the regional average of 0.8%.

Currumbin Waters's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Currumbin Waters is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average of 41 years, but it is somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Currumbin Waters has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (14.7%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (9.4%). According to the 2021 Census, the median age in Currumbin Waters decreased by 1.3 years from 42 years to 41 years, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. The key changes show that the 35 to 44 age group grew from 12.6% to 14.7%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 9.5% to 11.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 14.1% to 11.7%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 13.0% to 10.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that Currumbin Waters' age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow strongly, increasing by 237 people (21%) from 1,122 to 1,360. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 cohorts.