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 Currumbin Waters statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 10,201 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 404 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 20 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 area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected, with the Currumbin Waters (SA2) expected to expand 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

AreaSearch analysis shows Currumbin Waters averaged approximately 11 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 56 homes were approved, with an additional 5 in FY-26. Each year, about 6.5 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

This indicates demand significantly outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $1,036,000, suggesting developers target the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $7.8 million, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of Qld, Currumbin Waters has significantly reduced construction levels (89.0% below regional average per person), which generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This level is also lower than nationally, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints.

New developments consist predominantly of detached dwellings (91.0%) and a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (9.0%), maintaining the area's suburban identity with a focus on family homes. At around 1064 people per approval, Currumbin Waters demonstrates its established nature. Future projections estimate an addition of 613 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Currumbin Waters 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 25 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Central Park Residences, GemLife Currumbin Waters, Currumbin Creek Road-Bienvenue Drive Intersection Upgrade, and Currumbin Service and Retail Centre. The following list details those likely 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% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.7%. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there were 5,314 residents in work. The unemployment rate was 1.2% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation was fairly standard at 61.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Currumbin Waters had particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 0.2% of Currumbin Waters's workforce compared to 4.5% in Rest of Qld. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.7%, while labour force increased by 2.3%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point fall in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Currumbin Waters. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Currumbin Waters's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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 the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national average, contrasting with Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,084 (median) and $78,816 (average), based on a 9.91% growth in wages since financial year 2023. Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes all rank modestly in Currumbin Waters, between the 37th and 43rd percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 31.5% of locals (3,213 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, which is consistent with broader trends in the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.1% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

Dwelling structure in Currumbin Waters, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.4% houses and 28.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 49.8% houses and 50.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Currumbin Waters was at 35.3%, similar to Non-Metro Qld, with the rest being mortgaged (42.4%) or rented (22.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,100, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $468, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Currumbin Waters' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,100 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 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 2.4.

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

In Currumbin Waters, the proportion of residents aged 15 and above with university degrees is 20.9%, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 42.9% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 13.0% and certificates at 29.9%. Notably, 29.2% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.2% in primary, 8.9% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Currumbin Waters shows that there are currently 34 operational transport stops. These stops are served by a mix of buses operating along three different routes. Together, these routes facilitate a total of 496 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport services is considered good, with residents on average being located just 276 meters away from the nearest stop. On a daily basis, there are approximately 70 trips across all routes, which translates to about 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Currumbin Waters is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Currumbin Waters faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions 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 (~5,673 people). 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 declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.3% across Rest of Qld. As of 2020, 19.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,989 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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, as per the census conducted on June 2016, exhibited below-average cultural diversity. The Australian-born population comprised 81.7%, with 89.8% being citizens and 94.8% speaking English at home only. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 49.0%.

Judaism showed an overrepresentation, with 0.1% of Currumbin Waters' population compared to the regional average of 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.8%), Australian (27.1%), and Irish (9.7%). Notable differences included New Zealanders at 0.9% (vs 1.1% regionally), French at 0.6% (vs 0.6%), and Maori at 0.7% (vs 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 but slightly older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Currumbin Waters has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (14.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the median age in Currumbin Waters decreased by 1.1 years from 42 to 41, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes show the 35-44 age group grew from 12.6% to 14.3%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 9.5% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 14.1% to 12.2%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 13.0% to 11.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Currumbin Waters' age profile will evolve significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow strongly, increasing by 258 people (23%) from 1,101 to 1,360. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 65-74 cohorts.