Kooralbyn

Kooralbyn 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 since the Census, Kooralbyn's statistical area (SA2) population is estimated at around 2,061 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 364 people (21.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,697 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,884 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional five validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 23 persons per square kilometer. Kooralbyn's growth since the 2021 census exceeded both national (9.7%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 87.0% 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 areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of national areas is projected for Kooralbyn (SA2), expected to grow by 417 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 10.6% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Kooralbyn when compared nationally

Kooralbyn averaged approximately 18 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 93 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved in FY-26. This equates to about two people moving to the area per new home constructed annually over the past five financial years.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $370,000. In FY-26, $3.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Kooralbyn has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person.

Nationally, it ranks among the 93rd percentile of areas assessed for building activity. New building activity comprises approximately 91% detached dwellings and 9% townhouses or apartments. With around 63 people per dwelling approval, Kooralbyn exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 218 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Kooralbyn has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

No changes can impact an area's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially affect the area. Key projects include Bromelton State Development Area, Inland Rail - Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton (K2ARB), Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025, and Cross River Rail Enhancement. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment drivers in Kooralbyn are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Kooralbyn's workforce is balanced between white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 9.3% as of September 2025, showing a 6.2% employment growth over the previous year.

This rate is higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation is lower at 38.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading industries include retail trade, construction, and education & training, with retail trade being particularly strong at 1.3 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 10.5% compared to Greater Brisbane's 16.1%.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.2%, while the labour force grew by 1.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 4.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced a 3.8% employment growth and a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate over the same period. State-wide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% between November 2024 and November 2025, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kooralbyn's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending 30 June 2023 shows median income in Kooralbyn suburb is $38,316 and average income is $45,964. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year ending 30 June 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes are approximately $42,113 (median) and $50,519 (average). Census data shows Kooralbyn's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 2nd and 2nd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 31.9% of locals (657 people) earn $400 - $799 weekly, differing from broader area patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 33.3%. Prevalence of lower-income residents (41.2% under $800/week) suggests constrained household budgets across Kooralbyn. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Kooralbyn, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.7% houses and 22.3% other dwellings. In Brisbane metro, it was 85.4% houses and 14.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kooralbyn stood at 41.6%, with mortgages at 38.5% and rentals at 19.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent was $250, compared to Brisbane metro's $310. Nationally, Kooralbyn's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were lower at $250 compared to the national figure of $375.

Kooralbyn features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households compose 66.6% of all households, including 18.1% couples with children, 39.1% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.4%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Kooralbyn fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 12.7%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (32.6%). A total of 23.7% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 9.5% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 2.2% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Kooralbyn is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Kooralbyn faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 45% (936 people), compared to 49.2% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical issues are arthritis (13.0%) and mental health concerns (12.7%), while 52.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 60.0% in Greater Brisbane.

Kooralbyn has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 30.3% (624 people), compared to 24.6% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Kooralbyn had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 76.7% of its population born in Australia, 87.0% being citizens, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 48.7% of Kooralbyn's population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.4% compared to 0.1% in Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestral groups were English (32.9%), Australian (26.8%), and Irish (9.3%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Hungarian at 0.5% (regional average 0.2%), French at 0.8% (0.4%), and Welsh at 0.7% (0.4%).

Kooralbyn ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Kooralbyn has a median age of 53, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 18.9% of Kooralbyn's population, compared to Greater Brisbane's figure, while the 25-34 cohort represents only 4.5%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.2% to 9.6%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 5.9% to 4.5%, and the 35 to 44 group has dropped from 9.2% to 8.1%. By 2041, Kooralbyn's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 54%, reaching 305 people from 197. This aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 75% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups.