Mount Coolum

Population growth drivers in Mount Coolum are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Mount Coolum's population is estimated at around 4770 by AreaSearch, reflecting a 5.0% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4545. This increase is inferred from the resident population estimate of 4736 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 954 persons per square kilometer, in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Mount Coolum has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outpacing the non-metro area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. 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 released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of locations outside of capital cities is projected, with Mount Coolum expected to grow by 747 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 16.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Mount Coolum recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Mount Coolum averaged around 10 new dwelling approvals each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 51 homes were approved, with an additional 3 so far in FY-26.

This results in an average of 5.5 new residents per year for every home built over the past five financial years. The demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $693,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. Recent construction comprises 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests at Census (63.0%), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated count of 480 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Mount Coolum is expected to grow by 807 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 31 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include the Sunshine Motorway West Coolum Road Upgrade Interchange, Sunshine Motorway Duplication (Pacific Paradise to Coolum), and another Sunshine Motorway Duplication project between Pacific Paradise and Coolum. 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.

Employment conditions in Mount Coolum demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Mount Coolum has a well-educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data as of June 2025.

There are 2,663 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 1.3% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stands at 62.8%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.4% of local workers compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

Between Jun-24 and Jul-25, labour force decreased by 2.5%, employment by 1.5%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Coolum's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Mount Coolum had a median taxpayer income of $49,193 and an average of $71,750 in financial year 2022. This was higher than the national averages. The Rest of Qld's median income was $50,780 with an average income of $64,844 during the same period. By September 2025, based on a 13.99% growth in wages since financial year 2022, the estimated median income would be approximately $56,075 and the average around $81,788. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Mount Coolum ranked modestly, between the 46th and 51st percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The predominant income cohort in Mount Coolum was 35.7% (1,702 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to regional levels where 31.7% fell within this range. Housing affordability pressures were severe with only 81.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 45th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Mount Coolum displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Mount Coolum's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 62.6% houses and 37.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Qld had no recorded data for these categories at that time. Home ownership in Mount Coolum stood at 30.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.9% and rented ones at 30.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,863, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. Median weekly rent was $450 in Mount Coolum, compared to no recorded data for Non-Metro Qld. Nationally, Mount Coolum's mortgage repayments were similar to the Australian average of $1,863, but rents were substantially higher at $450 compared to the national figure of $375.

Mount Coolum features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.4 people

Family households account for 69.1% of all households, including 28.5% couples with children, 29.4% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.9%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 4.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people.

Mount Coolum demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 30.0% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. This rate also exceeds that of the SA4 region at 24.9%, indicating a strong emphasis on higher education in the community. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent, with 20.2% of residents holding them, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ possessing them - advanced diplomas account for 13.5%, while certificates make up 27.1%. Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Mount Coolum has eight active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes, together offering 372 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is considered good, with residents typically located 365 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 53 trips per day across all routes, resulting in about 46 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Mount Coolum are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Mount Coolum shows below-average health outcomes, with common conditions more prevalent than average among both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 56%, covering about 2,653 individuals. The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (8.6% of residents) and mental health issues (8.5%). 69.0% report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 0% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 906 individuals. This aligns with the general population's health profile.

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

Mount Coolum had a cultural diversity below average, with 80.3% of its population born in Australia and 88.8% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 94.4%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 41.4% of Mount Coolum's population.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to None% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.6%), Australian (26.0%), and Irish (10.1%). Notably, Welsh (0.8%) Scottish (9.3%) and Dutch (1.8%) were overrepresented in Mount Coolum compared to regional averages of None%.

Mount Coolum hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Mount Coolum's median age is 44 years, which is slightly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 45-54 make up a significant portion (15.1%) while those aged 25-34 are relatively smaller (10.5%) compared to the Rest of Qld. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 9.7% to 11.3%. Conversely, the share of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 16.5% to 15.1%, and the 55-64 age group has dropped from 14.2% to 13.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic shifts in Mount Coolum, with the strongest projected growth occurring among those aged 25-34 (37%), adding 184 residents to reach a total of 685. Conversely, numbers in the 15-24 age range are expected to decrease by 15%.